Submitted by Michele Sokoloff
(March 6, 2024) — In the early 1900’s, British shooting schools adopted the use of clay targets to practice for game shoots. Sporting clays was originally used with live pigeons until they started using clay targets. The sport then became more popular. Today, sporting clay courses are designed to simulate the hunting of ducks, pheasants and even rabbits.
The first British Open, England’s premiere sporting clays competition, was held in 1925. In 1980, the first Sporting Clays shoot was held at Remington’s Lordship Gun Club in Connecticut.
The sport continues today and is organized by the U.S. Sporting Clays Association. It is an activity with more than three million people of all ages and skill levels who participated competitively and recreationally.
Safety is an important part of Sporting Clays. Proper ear and eye protection are mandatory, and firearms safety procedures are seriously followed while on a course. The goal is to shoot and break clays that are four inches in diameter. It is a way to practice your shooting skills and see how accurate you can be.
A Sporting Clays event is happening locally on April 21, 2024. Hosted by the Killingworth Lions, it will be held at the Guilford Sportsmen’s Association in Guilford. All proceeds are donated to local charities and community service organizations. There will be fifty targets, twelve stations, an auction, food, and cash prizes.
The cost to participate is $90 per shooter and includes breakfast and lunch. Anyone can come, to either watch or participate on a nice Spring day. Test your skills. Registration has begun. Contact: Bill Oppenheimer, wloppenheimer@gmail.com or 733-320-7227.
