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Shooting

Shooting is a precision sport where competitors use rifles, shotguns or pistols to hit targets and score points based on accuracy.

Shooting clubs were first established across Tasmania, Victoria, and New South Wales as early as 1867.

Discover more about shooting

Clearinghouse evidence base

  • Modified Sports - adaptations that make shooting more inclusive and accessible.

Evolution:

  • Australian Shooting Association [1956-?]
  • Australian International Shooting [2005-2013]
  • Shooting Australia [2013-]

Participation

Markings on a shooting target

An estimated 31,000 Australians [aged 15+] participated in shooting at least once in 2025. 2

Bullseye target used in shooting competitions

An estimated 1,000 Australian children [aged 0-14] participated in shooting at least once in 2025. 2

Target shooter aiming a rifle

An estimated 5,000 Australian women and 25,000 men [aged 15+] participated in shooting at least once in 2025. 2

Explore further participation statistics for shooting through the AusPlay online portal., opens in a new tab

Governing body

Shooting Australia, opens in a new tab is the organisation recognised by governments at all levels as the national controlling body for target shooting sports in Australia.

History

The Australian Shooting Association was established in 1956 to enable athletes to compete in the Melbourne Olympic Games. 1 The organisation later became Australian International Shooting (2005-2013) before adopting the name Shooting Australia in 2013.

Shooting Australia works in collaboration with the Australian Clay Target Association, National Rifle Association Australia, Pistol Australia, Sporting Clays Australia and Target Rifle Australia.

Documents

The Clearinghouse for Sport has sought permission from relevant organisations for the inclusion of their documents in this archive. Copyright ownership remains vested with the organisation and as such permission from the copyright owner should be sought if you wish to communicate, adapt or reproduce these documents.


REFERENCES
  1. The History, opens in a new tab, Pistol Australia, (accessed 21 January 2026).
  2. AusPlay Data Portal: Participation by activity, opens in a new tab, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 6 May 2026).

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Is this information complete? The Clearinghouse for Sport is a sector-wide knowledge sharing initiative, and as such your contributions are encouraged and appreciated. If you would like to suggest a resource, submit a publication, or provide feedback on this page, please contact us.

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