New-Zealand Grand Prix - Sporting - New Zealand (March 2011)

The Wanganui Rangitikei Clay Target Club is an established and highly respected clay target shooting facility located on Marangai Road in Whanganui, New Zealand. Nestled in a picturesque rural valley near the spiritually significant Whanganui River, the venue is renowned for its welcoming community atmosphere and challenging natural terrain. The club is led by an experienced committee, including President Brian Hill, Vice President Trinity Batt, and Club Captain Robin Casey. It accommodates everyone from beginners and local school squads to seasoned international competitors.

Range Facilities and Shooting Disciplines

The club's well-maintained facilities cater to a broad spectrum of shooting preferences, featuring certified layouts designed to support various clay target disciplines. The grounds are equipped to handle high-volume shooting events and provide essential conveniences for participants and visitors alike. Key infrastructure and layout details include:

• 3 Down the Line (DTL) layouts for trap shooting enthusiasts

• 1 Sporting Clays layout and 1 Compak field to simulate hunting scenarios

• Integrated Skeet layouts and radio-controlled automatic target-throwing systems

• A comfortable clubhouse offering light refreshments, tea, coffee, and a spacious parking area

• On-site EFTPOS and credit card payment terminals, ammunition sales, and camping spaces

Landscape Terrain and Environmental Difficulty

A defining characteristic of this shooting range is its scenic and physically challenging environment, which tests even the most skilled marksmen. The targets are thrown against a complex natural backdrop of rolling hills, native trees, and changing light conditions. Furthermore, because the range is situated near the west coast of the North Island, it is regularly subjected to strong, gusty winds blowing off the Tasman Sea and through the Whanganui river valley. These wind currents create unpredictable flight paths for the clay targets, demanding exceptional visual focus, rapid self-correction, and strong mental discipline.

Training Programs and Competitive Events

The club maintains a busy annual calendar under the rules of the New Zealand Clay Target Association (NZCTA), hosting prestigious regional and national tournaments. In addition to formal competitions, the club is deeply committed to community development, gun safety, and helping shooters of all levels refine their techniques. Key aspects of the club's training and event program include:

• Monthly schedule featuring open practice on the first Saturday and club rounds on the third Sunday

• Safety briefings and basic stance instruction for first-time visitors and corporate groups

• Prominent host of events such as the NZ Masters Games, West Zone Compak, and Wellington Provincials

• Specialized youth tournaments (School Shoots) and pre-season warmups for duck hunters

• Regular coaching sessions led by senior club members, including decorated veterans like Ken Pfeffer

Services and Fee Structure

Wanganui Rangitikei Clay Target Club offers competitive and transparent pricing for targets, ammunition, and memberships to ensure the sport remains highly accessible. While tournament entry fees vary depending on the scale and sponsorship of the event, the baseline costs are structured as follows :

• Standard targets priced at $0.42 during standard club shoots

• Mini targets offered at $0.47 each

• Highly discounted introductory NZCTA registration fees for new members

• Regular annual club membership fees categorized for Full, Family, Junior, and Social members

• Full range of ammunition sales and firearm licensing compliance checks on site

Club Location and Contact Details

For individuals interested in visiting the facility, booking corporate team-building events, or inquiring about upcoming regional shoots