Clays

Sporting Clays is the closest thing to actual field shooting of all shotgun sports. The sport dates back to England in the early 1900’s when trap shooting used live pigeons. With the introduction of clay targets, the sport began to take on the popular form known today. But rather than using standardized distances, target angles and target sizes, sporting clays courses are designed to simulate the hunting of ducks, pheasants and even rabbits. Six different sizes of clay targets give the participant the experience of

Join the National Sporting Clays Association today!

It’s hard to believe another sporting clays season has come to an end.

Looking back, the 2026 sporting clays season was both exciting and successful for the WMBDC.

The season started off on a rocky note, as we had to postpone our annual Leprechaun Shoot from March to April because of heavy snow and ice on the course. Rain on the first Saturday of the season also impacted attendance. As the weather improved, however, more shooters came out and participated throughout the spring and summer.

We hosted seven special sporting clays events this season. Two of these events, the Freedom Hunters Fun Shoot and the Side x Side Fun Shoot, were held for the first time. We also hosted our annual RGS (Ruffed Grouse Society) Fun Shoot, a Sub-Gauge Fun Shoot, a Youth Shoot, and our NSCA-registered Pete Piemonte/Steve Mulak Memorial Shoot.

We continued to invest in and improve the course throughout the year. This year, we purchased two new standard target throwers, a midi thrower, and a rabbit thrower, improving the shooter experience through more reliable and consistent target presentations. Over the past three years, we have purchased eight new throwers, and we plan to continue investing in additional machines in 2027.

We also made frequent adjustments to target presentations to keep the course interesting and challenging for shooters. In addition, we continued opening shooting lanes to provide better sightlines and spread wood chips throughout the course to improve walking conditions.

The WMBDC would like to thank all of you for your support this season. We appreciate your commitment to the club and look forward to seeing everyone again in 2027.

Mehmet, Dan, & Gordie

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Sporting Clays at Western Mass Bird Dog Club

Open to the Public

You do not need to be a club member to enjoy our sporting clays course or participate in any shooting events.

The Western Mass Bird Dog Club has a 15-station, 100-target rounds, wooded course designed to simulate real hunting scenarios, including ducks, pheasants, and rabbits.

Sporting Clays is often considered the closest shotgun sport to actual field hunting. Our course offers a variety of target presentations, including Standard, Midi, Battue, and Rabbit targets, making it suitable for shooters of all ages and experience levels.

Regular Shoots (2027 season)

Saturday Morning Shoots

May 1 – October 2, 2027 (weather permitting)

Registration: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Shooting Begins: 9:00 AM
100 Targets:
- Non-Members: $40
- Members: $35
Non-Member Season Pass: $35 (allows participation at member pricing throughout the season)

Wednesday Evening Shoots

June 2 – September 29, 2027 (weather permitting)

Registration: 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Shooting Begins: 5:00 PM
50 Targets: $25 per shooter

2027 Special Events

Leprechaun Open

March 20 (Rain Date: March 27)

50 targets
Traditional Irish meal after the shoot
Registration: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Shooting Begins: 10:00 AM

Registration Contact:
Dan Fazio
danfazio@yahoo.com | 860-308-6472

Freedom Hunters Fun Shoot

May 16

100 targets
Lunch included
Registration: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Shooting Begins: 10:00 AM

Registration Contact:
Paul Howarth
phowarth0311@gmail.com| 860-930-3387

Side-by-Side Fun Shoot

June (exact date TBD)

Side-by-side shotguns only (.410 to 12 gauges)
100 targets
Lunch included
Registration: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Shooting Begins: 10:00 AM

Registration Contact:
Dan Fazio
danfazio@yahoo.com | 860-308-6472

WMass Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) Fun Shoot

Date TBD

100 targets
Lunch included
Registration: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Shooting Begins: 10:00 AM

Registration Contact:
Dan Fazio
danfazio@yahoo.com | 860-308-6472

Pete Piemonte / Steve Mulak Memorial Shoot

September (exact date TBD)

NSCA Registered Shoot
100 targets
Lunch included

Sub-Gauge Fun Shoot

September (exact date TBD)

Shotguns limited to .410, 28,or 20 gauges only
100 targets
Lunch included
Registration: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Shooting Begins: 10:00 AM

Registration Contact:
Dan Fazio
danfazio@yahoo.com | 860-308-6472

For additional event details, visit our Events Page.

Contact Information

For questions, event ideas, or course information:

Mehmet Mizanoglu: marshmanfog@comcast.net
Dan Fazio: danfazio@yahoo.com | 860-308-6472
Gordie Forbes: 413-594-6497

Course Rules

All visitors must comply with Massachusetts firearm laws and NRA firearm safety rules.

Safety Requirements

Safety glasses are required at all times on the course.
Shoot only from staffed stations.
All shots must be taken from within the designated station.
Firearms may only be loaded while actively shooting from a station.
Firearms must be unloaded with the action open when leaving a station.
Practice swings are only permitted in stations or designated practice areas.
Stay on marked course trails.
Maximum load: two shells per shotgun.
Largest permitted shot size: #7 (No #6 or larger).
Never handle another person’s firearm without permission.
Shooting at live game is prohibited.
Alcohol is prohibited on the course and shooting areas.
Do not attempt to repair or adjust throwers.
Report any unsafe conditions immediately to staff or range officials.

Ready to Break Some Clays?

Join us this season and experience one of the most exciting shotgun sports available. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned shooter, there’s a place for you at Western Mass Bird Dog Club.

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