Hau Ora Clay Target Shooting

Sporting clay and simulated game shooting

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The targets we love to hate

How many times have you been to a clay shoot and heard someone say “I hate that [insert expletives and description of problem shot] target”?

The targets which have caused a few headaches at Hau Ora are the dropping ones which, given most of us are primarily game shooters, is understandable. Live game accelerates away and climbs. The only time it tends to drop is after you’ve shot it, by which time you’re looking for another bird.

The good news is that help is at hand. There is a wealth of material on youtube, with expert advice on how to shoot every type of target imaginable. I watched this video on how to shoot dropping targets and went to Hau Ora to test out the technique. I’m pleased to report that it works.

Our club days are now set for 2015 with the next one on Sunday 1 February. Guests and prospective members are most welcome, just get in touch if you plan to come along. For those who want a bit more shooting than a club day we are running two simulated game driven days on Saturday 14th February and Saturday 28th March 2015. Email me if you would like to reserve a place.

Simulated Game Shoot invitation

Treat yourself to a morning out shooting simulated game in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay followed by a sumptuous lunch with matching wines at Craggy Range’s Terroir restaurant. The day includes:

  • Four 300 bird simulated pheasant drives
  • Three course lunch with wines at Craggy Range
  • Transfers from Havelock North to the shoot and winery
  • All ammunition and targets

Places are strictly limited to eight guns per day so don’t delay. Non-shooting guests are welcome to join us for the shoot or lunch so please invite your partner to share this enjoyable day with you.

  • $675 shoot and lunch
  • $250 lunch only ($180 without wines)

We will be running simulated days on Saturday 14th February and Saturday 28th March 2015. To book you or your team for the day please call Paul on 021 680 053 or email paul@hauoraclays.co.nz

Just when you thought the shooting was over…

pheasant shootIt’s mid October and the pheasant-shooting season is a fond and fading memory, at least here in New Zealand. If you thought that meant the end of driven shooting until next May though, think again. Simulated game days provide all the fun of a real pheasant-shoot out of season but at a fraction of the cost. Simulated game shooting, as its name suggests, simulates a day out shooting game using specialised traps to throw flurries of clay targets which vary in height and spread.

The format is similar to that of a pheasant shoot, with four or five separate drives. Typically the shoot will start around 9 with a break mid morning and proceedings generally conclude around lunchtime. You can choose the number of targets you want to see, depending on how much shooting you want.

The sport has grown very quickly in England. It offers keen game shooters the opportunity to keep their eye in through summer as well as a social occasion with their shooting friends during the game closed season. It also means shooting in much better weather, with shorts and sunnies being the norm rather than tweeds and gumboots. Simulated game is very flexible and it is possible to simulate pheasant, grouse and partridge, all in one shoot. Not an easy feat on live game.

We will be running simulated game shoots throughout the summer at Hau Ora Clays so if you fancy dusting off your game gun and having a day out clay target shooting, please email paul@hauoraclays.co.nz or call 021 680 053.