Nitschke, 16, tried out for the national under-25 team in Brisbane over the weekend.

He was one of 16 shooters who competed in the trial and has been invited back to the final trial in April.

Only 10 shooters remain in contention for the eight positions in the team.

Nitschke is the youngest member of this squad.

He said he never expected to make it this far.

"I went to a come and try day at the club 18 months ago and started shooting from then," he said. "It's been a lot of fun."

Nitschke said the trial involved the competitors shooting at nine ranges, with their scores compiled to determine placings.

"It was a big learning experience," he said.

His results put him in the top eight competitors at the trial.

He said it gave him confidence of making the national team.

"I think my chances are pretty good now," he said.

"I'll keep practicing. I'll need to be focused and just try my hardest."

The World Long Range Championships are in Brisbane in October, 2011.

His selection would cap a remarkable rise in the sport for Nitschke, who won the Victorian District Rifle Association juniors target rifle state championship last month and won his club's inaugural Ron Holland Memorial Award with a perfect score in July.

Warracknabeal Rifle Club president Mick Liston said the club was thrilled with Nitschke's achievement.

"Everyone at the club is extremely excited and proud that Stephen has got to this stage," he said.

"He has put in a lot of hard work in the last 12 months and his shooting has come so far.

"To get this far is a huge effort."

Mr Liston said he hoped Nitschke's effort would encourage more Wimmera residents to get involved in the sport.

"Hopefully his effort, along with what Alethea Sedgman has done already, will encourage other young people to give the sport a go," he said.

"A lot of people don't understand that this sport caters for 16 year olds through to to 80 year olds. Anyone can compete in it in an even playing field."