Our committee meetings are open to all members, and we encourage anyone interested in helping to organise and support the club to come along.
These meetings are where we plan upcoming events, discuss conservation projects, and make decisions that keep the branch running smoothly.
Members are encouraged to contribute ideas or propose events for the committee to consider. To keep meetings efficient, we ask that any proposals be submitted by email 7 days in advance so they can be circulated to the committee before the meeting.
For more information or to submit a proposal please email info@southernlakesnzda.org.nz.
Voting on decisions remains the role of committee members. When: 2nd Thursday of every month, 7:30pm Where: Online via Zoom How to join: A Zoom link will be shared with members on registration
Come along to our Open Range Day, where members can enjoy a relaxed day at the range to practice their shooting skills, test their gear, and connect with fellow shooters.
This informal event is perfect for honing your marksmanship in a safe and supportive environment.
The Fairlight Range is located approximately 45 minutes drive from Queenstown on SH6 towards Garston.
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uKYeEQvATZ5vTbZQ7
The range is operated by NZ Wild Ltd.
The range can only be open while a Range Officer is in attendance. The Range Officers are approved by the Shooting Range Operator and are responsible for the safe running of the range.
Shooting Range Operator (SRO): Shaun Moloney 027 442 1605
Please be prepared to produce your Firearms Licence.
Note: No dogs are allowed on the range (including those left in vehicles). This is a working farm with sheep and cattle. If you bring your dog, you will be asked to leave. There are no exceptions.
NZ Wild Ltd operates the Fairlight Range as a Firearms Safety Authority-certified shooting range open to sporting and shooting clubs as well as the general public.
Range Introduction
Range standing orders
WHEN
Last Thursday of the Month Bar opens at 6.30pm for social catch up Meeting starts at 7.30pm.
WHERE
Arrowtown Bowling Club, 6 Hertford St, Arrowtown (next to the Arrowtown Fire station)
THEME OF THE CLUB NIGHT
Our February meeting is all about shotguns and duck hunting, timed perfectly ahead of the season.
The evening will cover practical shotgun shooting fundamentals, gear choices that matter, and what good preparation looks like for the duck season ahead. We’ll talk patterning, choke selection, field setups, safety, and ethical shooting, with a strong focus on real-world hunting rather than theory.
Following the meeting we will running a practical shotgun session at the Whakatipu Clay Target Club, giving members the chance to put theory into practice on the range and build confidence before opening weekend. The date and time are yet to be confirmed.
The session will be presented by Innis Hamilton, from WCTC bringing practical experience and straight-up advice from the clay target and hunting world.
Whether you’re new to duck hunting, returning after a few seasons out, or keen to sharpen your shooting and setup, this will be a valuable and hands-on night.
All members welcome and visitors welcome. Bring your questions and get ready for the season ahead.
MEAT RAFFLE
We're also running a meat raffle on the night, so bring your cash and be in to win 1 of 3 butchers packs Tickets cost $2 or 3 for $5.
NEW MEMBER?
Come join us for social drinks before the club meeting and meet the members. New faces always welcome.
ZOOM
Alternatively join us via zoom (same link every meeting)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82994024744?pwd=U2xObThpUVdkRjhQTUxTd3MyL0RPQT09
Hosted by Aspiring Rotary, the event features a powerful line-up of speakers led by former Black Cap Lou Vincent, who will share his story of losing everything, hitting rock bottom, and rebuilding his life, now fueling his commitment to helping others through tough times.
Join us for a relaxed day of friendly competition, good yarns, and sharp shooting at our Southern Lakes Summer Shooting Competition.
This is a family-friendly event, with opportunities for both kids and parents to get involved. We’ll have a BBQ lunch on site, and there’s time to head down to the river for a swim afterwards.
Whether you’re a seasoned marksman, a weekend hunter, or just keen to give it a go, there’s something here for everyone.
Expect a full day of classic NZDA-style shooting, designed for hunters, target shooters, and newcomers alike.
From rimfire through to field shooting with your hunting rifle, this is a great chance to sharpen your skills and enjoy some friendly rivalry.
The range will open at 10am for sighting in and competition verification.
Competition to start at 10.45am.
BBQ lunch provided.
Range closes at 4pm
When you register you will be given the address details a few days before the event.
Mandatory Sight-In (100m) All shooters must sight in at 100 metres before competing. Please arrive early and allow time to verify your setup and make any adjustments.
The competition format is still being finalised and will be confirmed closer to the event.
What to bring:-
Rifle and bolt (have to use same one for ALL targets) - there are a few members who may lend one if you don't have a suitable rifle
Cost:-
$25 for NZDA members and under 16's free. which covers the range fee, admin and competition costs. You will need to register via this link as we need information from you to be compliant with the current firearms laws and preregistration will speed up the start of the day.
If you are entering family members over 16 years old for the competition please complete a second registration form under their name and put in the comments the relationship.
Please pay online to make it easy. If you want to pay cash on the day please state in the comments section on the registration form
Share Rides:- Once registered, we can try and car pool
This month’s club night will be held in-store at Hunting & Fishing Queenstown, with their team on hand to showcase their latest gear, technology, and Roar-ready setups.
The night will focus on practical tech demos, gear reviews, and real-world advice on what works, what doesn’t, and how to get properly set up for the Roar. Expect hands-on demonstrations, honest insights, and some sharp giveaways.
There will also be deals available on the night from our friends at Hunting & Fishing Queenstown.
Think your roar sounds like a raging monarch? Or more like a sick cow with commitment issues? Either way, we want to hear it.
Bring your best roar or bugle and give it a crack. Roaring horns, empty bottles, bits of drainpipe, or whatever unholy instrument you’ve been practising with are all welcome. If it makes noise and scares deer (or people), it counts.
The competition will be judged blind. You’ll stand behind a screen while the judges listen and decide whose roar sounds the least embarrassing… or the most convincing. No faces, no favouritism, just noise.
There will be prizes on offer, plus some solid deals on the night from our friends at Hunting & Fishing Queenstown.
Bring your lungs, your ego, and a thick skin. Come for the laughs, stay for the yarns.
New members and guests welcome.
Come along early, meet the crew, and get a feel for the club. New faces are always welcome.
HUT VISITORS
Hut InformationAvailability Book Hut
LINKS
MEMBERS
NEW ZEALAND DEERSTALKERS ASSOCIATION
Queenstown +64 21 942 328info@southernlakesnzda.org.nz
Incorporated: 2nd Sept 1970NZBN: 9429042676980
Thanks to our supporters