Claytarget Shooting

Introduction

In the nineteenth century shooting live pigeons, starlings and sparrows that were released from collapsible boxes called traps was popular.  Live targets have long since been replaced in this country by clay targets.  They are thrown from a mechanical device called a trap.  The trap is a spring-loaded throwing arm which imparts a spinning action to the clay target which helps to maintain a reasonably stable flight trajectory for at least the first 50m.

Secondary School clay target shooting has become very strong in NZ over recent years with regular inter-college shoots being run by Schools in conjunction with local Clay Target Clubs.  Around 400 secondary school shooters compete at the NZ Secondary Schools Championship each year.

Clay target shooting today is split into several disciplines providing for variations in the way that targets are presented to the shooter.  The principal discipline shot at secondary school level is ‘Down the Line’ which involves five shooters at a time standing at set positions behind a single trap.  The trap launches a target on the shooters’ command.  Most competitions are shot in sets of 25 targets, and at most club shoots between 100 to 200 targets are shot in one day.

Philosophy & Application

Historically the PNBHS Clay target Shooting Team has been very competitive on a national secondary school basis, consistently producing high achieving teams.

Each year PNBHS introduces between 20 - 30 new shooters to the sport.  Not all of these boys will continue on to become great shooters, but importantly they will have been introduced to a new sport and been taught important safety practices and respect for firearms – something that some day may save a life!

The boys who choose to adopt the sport not only learn to shoot consistently well by regular coaching sessions, and are also given the opportunity to compete at Club, Secondary School and National level.  These boys are taught to respect and handle firearms safely through strict instruction and diligent observation by team management and club members.

Palmerston North Boys High School is fortunate to be supported by a committed team of enthusiasts who are prepared to give up their own time to foster and encourage competition clay target shooting.  Our Coach is nationally recognised and the Palmerston North Gun Club is extremely supportive and gives generously of club resources, expertise and time.

Clay target shooting is a sport that requires a huge amount of self discipline.  When on the ‘mark’ the boys must keep calm, stay focused, be patient and maintain their cool under intense pressure.  This is what our shooting team boys are required to do every time they step up to shoot.  They learn valuable self-discipline, responsibility, control and self respect – as well as respect for fellow competitors.

Not only do the team members learn to be competitive shooters, but they also develop personal skills of enormous benefit to their futures…

Recent Achievements