Most shooters involved in Sporting Clays
are bird hunters in the fall/winter months who use the game as a skill
sharpening tool during the warmer off season. Some do it year round
professionally. A few like me got into the game
after a local charity shoot spurred their curiosity, hooked them for
life and now enjoy the game both on a competitive and recreational
level. There are tons of sites devoted to this sport. I suggest
www.mynsca.com to learn about the
game and
www.shooterspagetx.com
to learn about competitive shoots across Texas.
So what is a charity
shoot ?
Charity shoots run similar to other
fundraiser events such as golf
tournaments. The primary mission
of the promoter is to raise money and awareness for their particular
cause. The participants donate an entry fee to shoot as many clay
targets (birds) as possible usually out of 50. The team and/or person
with the
highest score in their class usually gets some
sponsor donated prize. Sponsors like gun stores and other interested
local
merchants use the
events for advertising and usually help donate prizes to help encourage
participation. Their
can be raffles, food stands & side games. Side games can
generate lots of cash. They require less donation money and are
sometimes easy to
play and this subsequently generates interest. Promoters must balance
what they perceive their turnout will be
versus what the costs of hosting will be.
The hosting fees and other topics are
discussed on the
MYOE page. Shooters
can sign up either by pre-registering or by signing up the
morning of the shoot. They
are assigned to four or five person squads randomly or with their
choice of friends. The course usually has 10 stations with 5 targets
each. Most of the time you get a single and two pair making 5
targets per station and 50 total. One person shoots at his/her five
targets and then the next person and so on. Then the whole squad
travels to the next station. Each station has a different presentation
of targets much like a golf course has different layouts. At the
beginning of the event each squad is assigned a starting station
anywhere from 1-10 so you may start at station 5 continue through 10
and finish back at 4 etc. This helps speed things up. If event staff
are expecting 100 shooters they might have 50 shooting in the morning
and the other 50 in the afternoon, to eliminate crowding. Event
staff usually assign score keepers to travel with you from
station to station to assist you with any confusions. Safety is
paramount at an event of this kind. If it's your first time try to
arrive early and find the registration desk. Sign up for the afternoon
time and then watch the morning shoot, walk around and get a feel of
the place, and attend the safety briefing held by the range master 30
min prior to shoot start. Don't be afraid to tell other shooters it's
your first time, odds are it's their first too. More experienced
shooters on your squad will often divulge some useful tips if they know
you're a rookie. That's how I started. Don't be afraid to ask for
directions and or help, everyone who attends these events is super
friendly. While some shooters in your squad might look like they are
trying hard to win, keep in mind it's a charity event not the
"Nationals" and they just are very good at the game. If you're like me
you might get hooked on the game and get serious and take it to the
next level. Keep your shotgun unloaded until your are in a station
ready to shoot. Only load two shells at that time. Handle your shotgun
and ammo safely or someone will handle you. Bring ear plugs, eye
protection, sunscreen, ammo and money. Sometimes shotguns are available
for loan by local dealers. I used one my first charity shoot as I
didn't own my own at that time. Don't bring pets. Remember to be safe,
have fun and think about the reason your there which is to help those
less fortunate than ourselves.