Sporting Clays was established as a clay target discipline to closely simulate the type of shooting one could normally expect in the field while hunting. The size of the targets, their speed and angles of flight are all variable, making sporting clays the most challenging clay target sport you can ever participate in.
Unlike conventional clay target shooting where targets all follow regular and standard trajectories from course to course, no two sporting clays grounds are the same and no two grounds have the same targets. However, every shooter on a given sporting range on a given day, receives exactly the same targets as his or her fellow competitors. Click Hear for a brief Video on Sporting Clays
In Sporting Clays, aspects of the natural terrain at the ground are fully utilized so that competitors are shooting amongst trees, rocks, uphill, downhill or overhead.
Many different types of targets are employed in Sporting Clays. From standard clays to midis and sparrow targets both smaller than each other , to the larger but very thin “battue” targets that turn on their side at the end of their trajectory. The hard-rimmed “rabbit” targets roll along the ground, while the smallest of all, the “super-mini” is a high-speed midget. Couple this with the wide array of different colours and you get some challenging targets. These targets are thrown in single and double formation, and in combinations of different sizes and at infinitely variable speeds, from angles at all points of the compass around the competitor. A single round of Sporting Clays consists of 25 targets.
In Sporting Clays the challenge to the competitor is a multi-disciplinary one as he or she must maintain a mental approach that encourages concentration and accuracy. The emphasis on eye-hand coordination required is greater than in any other of the shooting disciplines, therefore a high degree of mental alertness must be maintained in addition to general fitness.
ORGANISATION IN AUSTRALIA AND ABROAD
In Australia, Sporting Clays is run and controlled by the Field and Game Federation. “Field and Game”, as the organization is known, is affiliated with FITASC, the world governing body for Sporting Clays.
FAIR COMPETITION
At Sporting Clay shoots, Field and Game ensures you need only compete against people of your own ability.
This is achieved through the use of handicaps, not unlike the system used in golf. Depending on your form over your last 8 rounds, you will receive a handicap.
In the open category, four grades of competition are provided: AA Grade; A Grade; B Grade; C Grade. Other categories provide for separate events for Ladies, Juniors (17-21), Sub-Juniors (12-17), Veterans (55-65) and Super Vets (65 & over). Of course all grades receive the same trophy value.
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
Sporting Clays enables whole family participation. Depending on State Laws, Juniors can commence at around age twelve and some of our members are still shooting at age 90!
It is not unusual to have three generations of family in the one squad enjoying a social and sometimes very competitive outing!
LOW COSTS
Ranges operate on low profit margins. Income is used to maintain and improve facilities such as canteens and toilets and often on Branch Conservation projects being undertaken in the local area. When compared to other shotgun disciplines, Sporting Clays is a cheap alternative.
Sporting events are usually held over four 25 target rounds which will cost you on average $12.00 per round. You can often elect to shoot “targets only” for practice at a cheaper rate. Most ranges discount Junior participants, and some waive Junior fees all together.
If you do get in a “Shoot off” to decide an event, those are usually decided over eight or ten targets so you will use on average 120 to 130 cartridges for the day. In summary, you can enjoy a full day at a Field and Game range for well under $100.
Please contact us if this sounds like something you would like to try. We are keen to increase participation in the sport and are encouraging new memberships. Practice events and first time shooter days are held from time to time so that you do not have to be confronted by a “competition environment”.
So why not give it a go