Sporting Clays - Clean Family Fun?

Answer 1

The shooting sports encompass many different activities. From close range pistol shooting at silhouette targets to long range, precision rifle shooting to shotgunning, there is a type of shooting sport for all shooting enthusiasts.

Whether you are new to shotgunning or a seasoned veteran, sporting clays offers a unique challenge, keeps your eyes sharp for birds and is a great way to get the whole family interested in the shooting sports.

Sporting Clays Range

Shooting sporting clays is very much like playing Golf. You have various stations to shoot from, and targets fly from differing locations. Targets fly in any number of directions, so it is allowable to call for the bird before taking the station. In other words, ask to see where the bird is coming from and where it is going before you take the stand to shoot.

Etiquette and Safety

If you are in a group, each shotgunner should have their breech open at all times unless taking the station. Once you are in the station and only once you are in the station should you load your shotgun. Two shells is a maximum for each station. If you are not the first shooter, pay attention when the shooter calls for the bird. You do not want to hold up your group or a group behind you because you did not see the bird. Take your shots, toss your hulls and step out of the station quickly. Dawdling, talking while the shooter is in the station and fooling around are sure ways to get blacklisted. Use common sense and proper etiquette.

Shooting the birds

If you are new to shotguns or to sporting clays, invest a few dollars in a lesson from the professional on the course staff. They will teach you the absolute basics. Holding your gun, stance, follow through and leading the bird are all important skills you must have to break birds consistently. Practice makes perfect in shotgunning and in all sports. Listen and ask for tips as well. Many are more than willing to share advice for a novice.

Staying in shape for bird season

If you are an avid hunter and live for wingshooting, sporting clays is an excellent way to keep your shotgun skills finely honed. Be it ducks and geese, dove, quail, pheasant, grouse or other bird, it makes no matter. Practicing with your shotgun is the best thing to do for opening day. Imagine being the first to take a limit on birds without going through several boxes of shells!

Introducing the family

Taking the family, especially the kids, is always fun. Most kids when they are old enough to listen and pay attention can learn a great deal from going with you to the range. Even if they are still too small to shoot, they can learn basics like gun safety, dealing with flinching from the report and taking turns. If you have a spouse who does not have an interest in shooting, some courses have carts to drive. Allow your spouse to chauffeur you from station to station. Family time is good time and the sporting clay range is a good place to enjoy it.