Shotgun Sports USA: Sporting Clays, Skeet, trap and Hunting

Most young shooters dream of making it to the top — Connor Daniel’s journey from a kid shooting with Zach Kienbaum to winning Georgia State is proof it’s possible. At just 18, he's competing in NSCA, on Team USA, and shooting thousands of targets — but his secret isn't just hours behind the gun; it's the mindset he’s cultivated along the way. In this episode, Connor pulls back the c...

Most shooters underestimate just how much mental toughness and strategic practice accelerate success. Dylan Thompson, a rising star in sporting clays, reveals how he skyrocketed to top levels before turning 21—thanks to relentless focus, expert coaching, and understanding the true nature of confidence. In this episode, gun in hand and mindset locked, Dylan shares the secrets behind his rapid rise,...

Warning BAD LANGUAGE!  Recorded in June 2025 The best part of shooting has never been the gear or the photos, it’s the shared code: be safe, be respectful, and compete like it matters. We sit down with Gary Fitzjarrell and Derrick Mein for a raw, wide-ranging talk that starts with real life health updates and quickly turns into what’s happening to sporting clays, trap shooting, and the broader cla...

We're excited to bring Shotgun Sports USA back. Our goal is simple: tell the stories that matter, talk about what people care about, bring you the facts and connect with the people who make the sport great. Whether it's competition, hunting, industry news, or untold stories, we're here to bring you conversations worth listening to.

A highly accomplished and adaptable shooter, he has earned numerous major titles across both junior and senior divisions, proudly representing England and Great Britain on many international stages. What began as casual outings to local gun clubs with his father and friends around the age of 10 quickly developed into a deep passion. By 19, he had claimed the coveted Masters title, and by 21, he ha...

Mike Luongo has been part of the sporting clays world for a long time. He has coached some of the best young shooters in the sport and loves helping others get better. He spends as much time shooting as he can, and wants to see the sport grow. Mike’s journey started like anyone else—learning, practicing, and working hard to improve. Over the years, he’s gained a lot of experience and turned his pa...

Listen as we talk about the incredible rise of junior sporting clays sensation Connor Daniel. From the great state or Georgia, Connor has accomplished more in four short years than most shooters dream of in a lifetime. With the guidance of coach Zach Kienbaum and the support of some of the best names in the shooting industry, Connor's dedication and talent have earned him a spot on the presti...

Gary Fitzjarrell and Brett Seibert share their experiences hosting a major tournaments like the US Open at Northbrook Sports Club.  From carefully designing challenging yet fair targets to ensuring top-tier hospitality.  They discuss the planning required to meet the expectations of competitors as well as handling the inevitable challenges, such as addressing complaints and finding ways to improve...

Turner Parcell has cemented his place at the top of the sporting clays world in 2024, going head-to-head with some of the best in the country. A Krieghoff shooter from South Carolina, Turner has proven to be a serious competitor, consistently delivering standout performances. In this episode, we talk about his incredible season, where he secured major wins including a recent Runner Up finish at th...

We’re exploring something new and exciting that’s set to revolutionize the way shooters analyze and improve their game. We’re thrilled to introduce you to a cutting-edge website that has just gone live: americanshotgunner.com . This platform is not just another shooting site; it’s a comprehensive hub for all things related to your shooting stats and performance analytics. Imagine having access to...

In our latest episode, we’re joined by a two-time Olympian and world champion who takes us through his incredible journey to the Olympics for a second time. He shares insights into the rigorous qualification process and reflects on his victory at the 2022 World Championships in Croatia. Tune in for an insider's perspective on earning a coveted spot on the USA Shooting Team, as well as a discu...

In this episode, I talk with Zach Kienbaum, fresh off his victory at the 2024 World FITASC Championship. We talk about his well-deserved break in Alaska, where he enjoyed some fishing before gearing up for the US Open. Zach shares his plans for the remainder of the 2024 shooting season and what tournaments he will be attending. We also discuss what’s on the horizon for 2025, including some of the...

Unlock the secrets of custom shotgun craftsmanship with Rich from Cole Gunsmithing! This episode of Shotgun Sports USA gives an in-depth look at the meticulous art of creating custom stocks, the precision of CNC technology, and the innovations of their newly redesigned website. Rich shares invaluable insights on how they balance detailed technical information to combat industry misinformation whil...

I am glad to welcome a guest who has accomplished more in his life than most of us can imagine. Cameron Hicks, the son of a former Team USA member, was instilled with a relentless drive for perfection from a young age. This upbringing set the stage for a life characterized by determination and resilience, where quitting was never an option. His story is truly remarkable, filled with diverse experi...

Wyatt Hargrove is a competitive sporting clay shooter from Eastman, Georgia. He has been in the sport for many years.  Recently, Wyatt's name has become a regular fixture at the top of the leaderboard in various tournaments showing his talent and determination. His hard work paid off with a remarkable M6 finish at the World Sporting Clays Championship in 2024. This impressive finish has only...

Theo Ribbs is enjoying an outstanding year in sporting clays and FITASC. He sheds light on the challenges and advantages of being a left-handed shooter in a predominantly right-handed sport. Exploring his rigorous practice regimen, we find out how he perfects things he needs to work on. Inquiring about his divergence from his father's path, we gain insights into his motivations and aspiration...

In today's episode, we take another look at the 2024 Southeast Regional held at the Forest City Gun Club in Savannah, Georgia. We look into various aspects of the event, including the targets and their levels of difficulty, the weather conditions, the course layouts, and any logistical backups encountered during the competition.

Martin Gaudet, the mastermind behind FalconStrike talks about a groundbreaking recoil pad revolutionizing the world of shooting sports. With roots in the aerospace industry, Martin's creation imitates the body's natural shock absorption, offering shooters an unprecedented 85% reduction in recoil and a 35% decrease in muzzle jump. Our discussion isn't just about the mechanics; it&apo...

Listen in with Zac Guerrettaz as we explore the Southeast Regional's tumultuous past at Forest City and the extraordinary growth of the club since his arrival. We'll also shed light on the 2024 Southeast Regional, revealing how Forest City's private club status enhances the shooting experience for participants, establishing it as a premier destination that never fails to impress. Fi...

On today's show, we talk with the founder of the Clay Lab Network, Jereme Tayamen, a guy whose goal is to create a community around the sport. From balancing a full-time job to shooting shotguns and pistols competitively to creating and growing a clay shooting content hub, Jereme's story is a testament to following your passion and shooting for success. The Clay Lab Website The Clay Lab...

Discover the future of shooting eyewear as we chat with Dennis Sprenger and Phillip Pilla about the game-changing Raptor II series. Prepare to be amazed by the innovative lens technology that's about to take the shooting world by storm in 2024. From the vibrant chromatic shifts to the practicality of transitioning from the shooting range to everyday wear, this episode is packed with insights...

This episode promises to deliver some wisdom from Mike's captivating hunting stories in the Northwest, wielding vintage Remingtons, to sub-gauge shotguns paired with cutting-edge Bismuth ammo for hunting. Lean in as we talk about Mike's journey from his hunting heritage to aiming for a world vet title in the disciplined arena of competitive shotgun sports. Join us as we explore the camar...

The highly anticipated 2024 Texas State Championship is set to take place in conjunction with the prestigious Browning-Briley at Greater Houston Gun Club. Anticipated to draw a substantial turnout, this event has an impressive payout with over $150,000 up for grabs. Everyone is encouraged to secure their spots by registering on ScoreChaser, ensuring they don't miss the chance to shoot at a gr...

Have you ever found yourself squinting at the classification system in the NSCA, or laughing over the latest internet forum spat? Gary Fitzjarrell is here to take a no-holds-barred approach to the quirks and quandaries in the sport. From the psychological tug-of-war within the competitive community to the raw truths of being in a sport where ego can often outweigh talent. As the conversation veers...

In this episode, I'm joined by Dennis Sprenger, the proprietor of Clay Target Vision, along with Phil Pilla. Together, we have a comprehensive discussion on the standout lenses of 2023 and the reasons behind their popularity. If you find yourself still puzzled about which lenses suit different lighting conditions, prepare to engage your intellect. This episode is loaded with technical insight...