Gear Checklist for Your First Clay Shooting Trip

Getting ready for a first clay shooting trip can feel overwhelming when someone doesn’t know what equipment to bring. This gear checklist breaks down the essential equipment, safety gear, and accessories that beginners need for a successful day at the shooting range. Every new shooter deserves to feel confident and prepared.

Essential Shooting Gear

Getting the right shooting gear makes all the difference between a frustrating first trip and an amazing day at the range. Smart shooters focus on three core pieces of equipment that form the foundation of safe and successful clay target shooting.

Shotgun

First-time shooters often wonder about firearm options for clay shooting. Wing Pointe offers Beretta A300 shotgun rentals in both 12 gauge and 20 gauge options. The 20 gauge stands as the preferred choice for beginners due to its lighter recoil and easier handling.

Rental equipment eliminates the need for beginners to purchase expensive firearms before trying the sport. The Beretta A300 models feature reliable semi-automatic action that helps new shooters focus on technique rather than gun operation.

Ammunition

Once a shooter selects the right shotgun, ammunition becomes the next critical component for sporting clays success. The pro shop offers convenient on-site ammunition purchases, making it easy for newcomers to get started without extensive preparation.

Shooters can purchase shells in two popular calibers: 12 gauge and 20 gauge ammunition. Each box costs $11.00 and provides excellent value for practice sessions. The shop stocks quality brands including Winchester, Federal, and Fiocchi cartridge options.

Eye and Ear Protection

Eye and ear protection stand as the most critical safety gear for any clay shooting adventure. Wing Pointe requires shooters to bring their own protective equipment since the facility does not provide these essential items.

Both adult and youth shooters should wear proper hearing protection and eye protection while engaging targets across the sporting clay stations. Live ammunition creates loud noise levels that can damage hearing permanently without adequate protection.

Safety equipment protects shooters from flying debris, hot shell casings, and harmful sound levels that occur during target shooting activities.

Clothing and Accessories

Proper clothing and accessories make clay shooting more comfortable and enjoyable. Smart gear choices help shooters focus on their targets instead of discomfort.

• Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear designed for natural woodland terrain. Boots or hiking shoes provide better grip and ankle support than regular sneakers.
• Choose clothing that can get dirty without concern. Clay shooting happens outdoors where dust and debris are common.
• Consider a shooting vest with shoulder pads for added comfort and recoil protection. These vests also provide convenient pockets for shells and accessories.
• Bring a hat to shield eyes from sun glare and improve target visibility. The Pro Shop sells hats and shirts if shooters forget their own.
• Rent a clubcart or push cart to transport gear easily. These rentals save energy for actual shooting practice.

Pre-Trip Preparation

After gathering the right clothing and accessories, shooters need to handle several important tasks before heading to the range. Smart preparation ensures a smooth and enjoyable clay shooting experience.

1. Check Wing Pointe’s online calendar in advance for private event closures that might affect shooting availability. This prevents disappointment upon arrival.
2. Bring a valid driver’s license or photo ID for check-in and waiver signing requirements. All shooters must present identification before accessing the range.
3. Schedule private lessons two weeks in advance for personalized instruction. Only up to two shooters are allowed per private lesson session.
4. Confirm youth shooters meet the minimum age requirement of 12 years old. Youth participants must be accompanied by a parent during all shooting activities.

Conclusion

A first clay shooting trip is far more enjoyable when you arrive prepared. With the right shotgun, quality ammunition, essential safety gear, and comfortable clothing, you can focus on improving your skills instead of worrying about missing equipment.

Wing Pointe makes it easy for beginners to get started with on-site shotgun rentals, ammunition sales, and a pro shop stocked with shooting essentials. By checking the range calendar, handling pre-trip requirements, and considering a lesson with a professional instructor, you’ll set yourself up for a safe, stress-free, and memorable day on the course.

With thoughtful preparation and the right gear, your first clay shooting experience at Wing Pointe can be the start of a new favorite pastime.