Did you know that the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) officially recognizes August as National Shooting Sports Month?
To celebrate, members of our Tennessee Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) community are sharing why they are passionate about shooting sports. Explore their top 10 reasons why you should consider shooting sports as your next hobby! To learn more about Tennessee SCTP, visit tnwf.org/sctp or click here to find a team near you.
#1: Promotes Firearm Safety
Tennessee SCTP requires all members to complete a Hunter Education safety course before they join a team. Safety is our top priority, and the emphasis our coaches and shooting ranges place on proper firearm handling helps educate participants on how to safely handle, transport, and store firearms. This crucial knowledge benefits every household and can be passed down for generations.
“Participation in scholastic shooting sports introduces young people and their families to firearms in a way that is invaluable for promoting safe firearm handling and responsible gun ownership. Often, young people’s interest in a scholastic shooting team is what encourages them to take a Hunter Education course. Personally, I have mentored several families over the years as they purchase their first gun or operate their first firearm. As a Hunter Education instructor, I know there is no substitute for practice and experience when developing safe and confident firearm skills. The competitive opportunities of youth shooting sports provide the perfect framework for preparing thousands of young people to be responsible, safe, and competent firearm owners.”
Rob Mathis, Head Coach for Middle Tennessee Christian School and Volunteer Hunter Education Instructor
#2: Easy to Get Started
Trying out shooting sports is easier than you might expect. Many gun clubs offer everything from rental gear to professional coaching, creating a welcoming environment for newcomers. Connecting with range members or the local SCTP team can also be beneficial, as they offer valuable advice for beginners.
“Getting started in shooting sports can be somewhat of a scary thought. However, the people and athletes you will encounter will make you quickly rethink the scary part. Most gun clubs have all you need whether it is for sale or rental. Most gun clubs also have someone that can give you coaching lessons that have been coaching shotgun sports for years. I highly suggest reaching out to your local club and getting advice on how to get started shooting clays!”
Dillon Barnes, Head Coach for Nashville Gun Club Juniors and Tennessee SCTP Alum
#3: It’s Accessible to All
Shooting sports are unique in that they do not impose height, weight, or physical ability requirements for success. While participants should be able to handle a shotgun comfortably, there is no need for a specific physique to excel or even win a State Championship. Competitors of all shapes and sizes, regardless of gender, can equally enjoy and succeed in this sport, making it a great activity for everyone.
“This was my son’s first year to shoot trap for his school. At his school, despite his skill level, he’s too short for basketball and too unathletic for baseball. He found out there was a trap team, joined, and at every practice and match he got better!”
Eric Johns, Tennessee SCTP Parent
#4: Different Levels of Participation for Every Commitment Level
Shooting sports offer something for everyone, whether you’re just having fun or aiming for elite competition. Recreationally, you can stay engaged by visiting the range a few times a year with friends—many use it as a warm-up for dove or waterfowl season. There are also charity fundraisers throughout the year, where the focus is on the cause rather than the scores.
For those seeking more, there are competitions at local, state, regional, and national levels. At the highest level, a select few train daily, pursuing the dream of joining Team USA and competing in the Olympics.
“In my first year and a half, shooting sports were just a way to fill my time outside of the football team. I began by signing up for local tournaments and a few national events, with the goal of improving my performance and winning medals. Over the past three years, however, it has really become a passion. I’ve fallen in love with shooting sports and its supportive community.”
Taylor Sims, Columbia Academy GunDawgs Athlete
#5: Easy to Make Friends While Participating
There is a strong social aspect in shooting sports, especially if you are part of a team or league. Visiting the range can be an opportunity to spend time with friends or to meet new people who share your interests. The camaraderie developed with teammates and competitors often leads to lasting friendships that extend beyond the shooting range.
“I think shooting sports are an amazing thing for young people because of the hospitality and the relationships that are formed. Everywhere I go I have experienced exceptional hospitality in this sport from South Carolina all the way to Ohio. Every competition I attend, I look forward to seeing my peers and talking about our lives and what is going on. Without having had this opportunity to meet through shooting sports, our bond would have never formed and now I consider them lifelong friends.”
Carson Spurgeon, Houston County Lucky Shots Athlete
#6: Participation can Lead to Visiting New Places
Shooting sports can lead you to some incredible places, including hidden gems discovered during travel to competitions. While your local range may offer ample opportunities, many participants enjoy traveling out of state to explore new ranges and participate in larger events. Competitions often become mini-vacations, with attendees exploring local attractions and dining spots. Next time you plan a trip, consider researching nearby shooting ranges—you might find a new favorite activity for your getaway.
“Shooting sports have led me to a lot of places I might not have visited. I have been able to compete in more than a dozen different states, each one having different culture, history, and sites to see. I love to travel, so it is an added bonus to the sport. When I was a competitor, one of my favorite things about going on our annual Florida family vacation was getting to spend a day or two visiting a range close to the beach. I always look forward to visiting new places and going to new ranges!”
Ashley Tone, Tennessee SCTP Manager and Tennessee SCTP Alum
#7: A Great Way to Enjoy the Outdoors
Shooting sports provide a great way to soak up the sunshine and enjoy nature. Most clay target ranges are situated in rural locations, often having sporting clays facilities in partially wooded areas or surrounded by scenic landscape. Many of these ranges also provide additional outdoor activities, such as pistol shooting, rifle shooting, archery, or even fishing. For any outdoor enthusiast, visiting a range is the perfect way to experience the outdoors.
“Getting out on the range is one of the best ways to get outside and enjoy God‘s creation. I love hanging out with my teammates and meeting new people from all over the country at all the different ranges. Plus there are so many lessons that can be learned on the shotgun field like confidence, discipline, and sportsmanship. This is why I truly love this sport.”
Abby Tower, Cumberland County Youth Shooting Sports Athlete
#8: Shooting Sports Support Conservation Efforts
A lesser-known benefit of shooting sports is its role in supporting conservation efforts. Established in 1937, the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act funds wildlife restoration, conservation, and hunter education programs through an excise tax on firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, and other outdoor gear. This means that each time you buy ammunition or visit the range, you are contributing to your local conservation efforts.
“As a TWRA [Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency] employee and SCTP alumnus, I can attest to the vital role that shooting sports activities play in conservation efforts here in Tennessee. Shooting sports not only teach responsible firearm use and safety but also generate significant funding through licenses sales and excise taxes, which directly support wildlife management and habitat restoration. By participating in these activities, individuals develop a deeper appreciation for our natural resources, fostering a community of conservation-minded citizens dedicated to preserving Tennessee’s rich biodiversity for future generations.”
Lacey Lane, Shooting Sports Coordinator for TWRA and Tennessee SCTP Alum
#9: A Hobby for All Ages
Unlike many sports, such as baseball or basketball, which often have age limits or become less accessible with age, shooting sports can be enjoyed throughout one’s life. It is common to see participants ranging from young children to individuals in their 90s at shooting ranges and competitions. Whether discovering a new passion or rekindling an old one, as long as one can safely handle a firearm and see the target, there is no reason to stop.
“There are not many sports where family members of different ages can compete together. The great thing about the shooting sports is that in the open shoots such as ATA (Amateur Trapshooting Association), parents and children can compete together and everyone enjoys the sport. I have enjoyed the shooting sports with my mom and dad, both competitors, as well as my daughter. It’s truly a family sport.”
Michael Carman, Head Coach for Hardin County HITMEN and Avid Trapshooter
#10: They are Fun!
“I love shooting sports because it takes my mind away from anything else going on and kind of washes the world away. I love the lifelong friendships I have built with my teammates and coaches, and I love meeting different people from different shooting teams in Tennessee and across the country! To anyone wanting to give shooting sports a try, it is a great opportunity for kids who don’t necessarily like any other sport, but want to be involved in something. There are so many different disciplines that you can choose from and it is a sport you can do for the rest of your life. Overall, it is a wonderful way to get involved in the outdoors and for people wanting to learn about shooting sports and shotguns!”
Claire DeCuir, Spring Hill Clay Target Team Athlete
Now that you’ve discovered 10 reasons to consider shooting sports as your next hobby, we hope you’re motivated to step out of your comfort zone and onto the range. For more opportunities to get involved, check out these 10 ways to celebrate National Shooting Sports Month. To learn more about Tennessee SCTP, visit tnwf.org/sctp or click here to find a team near you.
