Gore shooter aims high in double trap

New Zealand’s top double trap shooter Scott Wilson is not getting his hopes up about being selected for the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in April next year.

The Gore policeman has won nine national titles and 17 North or South Island titles in 20 years of double trap shooting.

Double trap is one of three disciplines that selectors will choose competitors from to fill the two places in the shotgun section for the Kiwi shooting team. Trench and skeet are the other two disciplines.

The team of six will also have two rifle and two pistol shooters.

Wilson said being No 1 in double trap was no guarantee to making the team, as selectors could believe trench shooters were the best chances for a medal.

To be considered for the Games, all shooters have to submit two qualifying scores, with one achieved overseas.

Wilson did one test at a New Zealand and South Island qualifying championships at Balfour in the summer and plans to do the other in Brisbane later in the year.

The Balfour Gun Club is also holding a qualifying event on September 17.

The Gold Coast is likely to be the last to stage double trap at the Commonwealth Games. It has been removed from the Olympic Games.

Worldwide, numbers are declining in double trap – a discipline requiring shooters to hit two targets released at the same time.

Wilson has represented New Zealand at world cups in Cyprus, Germany, Egypt, China, England and Australia. In 2002, he shot for New Zealand at the Manchester Commonwealth Games.

‘‘It’s a great sport ... I really enjoy it.’’

He coaches the Gore High School’s clay target shooting team. Tuition on firearms safety is part of the coaching.