WHAT IS UTNZ INC.?

Universal Trench New Zealand is an incorporated society established in early 2019 with a purpose of introducing a series of professional and well cultured clay target shooting events based around the FITASC Universal Trench shooting discipline. We see Universal Trench as a fresh and exciting clay target discipline that is truly international, and we are striving for event weekends throughout New Zealand that are inclusive of all skills and experience, and offering a pathway journey of skill level increase that is fun and inspiring. We want Universal Trench in New Zealand, and specifically the UTNZ multi discipline weekends to be inclusive, inspirational and fulfilling for all.

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We are tying Universal Trench in with other trap and FITASC disciplines to give variety and opportunity. Ultimately it's all about what shooters want. So giving us some feedback on what you enjoyed, and what you'd like to see will always be helpful. Get in touch at universaltrenchnz@gmail.com

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We're looking forward to on going seasons, and hope to see everyone getting in on the journey.

 

WHAT IS UNIVERSAL TRENCH?

Universal Trench (often referred to as Universal Trap, Five Trap or UT) is an international shooting discipline governed by FITASC. Each round of Universal Trench consists of 25 single targets with two shots allowed at each one. Scoring is based on a single point being awarded for each hit, regardless of whether it was the first or second shot. Most UTNZ competitions are shot over two days and six rounds making a total score out of 150.

When a shooter calls for a target it will be released immediately from one of a group of five traps. The shooters do not know which trap will be triggered, and therefore which target they will receive, which gives the feeling of a random selection of targets. In reality however, each Universal Trench layout is based on a 'scheme' which is controlled by a computer. This means that, although the sequence of the targets will be different for each competitor, they will all receive the same targets by the end of the round. Universal Trench is shot in squads of six over five stands using a 'shoot and move' method where the shooter moves to the next stand to their right after taking each shot (stand five moves round to wait behind stand one).

 

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HOW IS UNIVERSAL TRENCH SET UP?

Universal Trench requires five traps set approximately 1m apart in a trench 15m in front of the shooters. Each trap is set to send targets 60m-75m at various elevations (1.5m-3.5m high at 10m from the trap) and various horizontal angles (0 to 45°).

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WHICH CARTRIDGES CAN BE USED?

Universal Trench must be shot with cartridges that have a maximum load of 28g and shot size no greater than 2.5mm.