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

From a young age, Mike's passion for sporting clays has been an unwavering force in his life. At the age of 14, he started into the world of clay shooting by taking up a position at a local clay range, an experience that ignited his passion for this sport. Over the years, Mike has become widely recognized for his exceptional talent in setting targets and catering to shooters of all skill leve...

In today's podcast episode, we have Donny Ballard and Nathan Robinson from Winchester Ammunition to discuss their experiences in 2023, talk about upcoming developments for 2024, and explore their long-term plans. Winchester is experiencing rapid growth in clay target sports and is committed to maintaining this momentum.

Hailing from Texas, Austin Kiemsteadt embarked on his shooting journey later than many of his accomplished counterparts. Despite this, he quickly discovered his passion for the sport and demonstrated remarkable proficiency. Currently enrolled at Texas A&M, he actively contributes to their shooting team. In 2023, he achieved notable success with multiple top 5 finishes, securing an impressive 4...

Madison Sharpe hails from the charming state of South Carolina and currently calls Texas home. This exceptional shooter has not only dedicated herself to the world of clay target sports but has also become a beacon of excellence in the game. With a full-time role at a gun club and a passion for coaching, she has not only mastered her own skills but has also played a pivotal role in shaping the nex...

Brandon Powell is undeniably one of the most gifted shotgun shooters to ever step onto the sporting clays scene. After a five-year hiatus, he made a triumphant return that has left the entire community in awe. It's almost easier to list the titles he hasn't won since his comeback than to recount his victories. Powell's remarkable skills and unwavering determination have propelled hi...

Griffin Howe, a sub-junior talent hailing from Michigan, has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the 2023 shooting season. Remarkably, at a mere 16 years old, his talent with a firearm is nothing short of extraordinary. What sets Griffin apart is not just his age, but his unwavering determination to test his skills against the very best in the country. He crisscrosses the nation, participating i...

Todd Hitch is a remarkable sporting clays shooter from Tennessee. His talent with a shotgun is nothing short of extraordinary, making him a force in the world of clay shooting. In 2023, Todd proudly represented Team USA, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport. One of his most notable achievements was clinching the gold medal at the 2023 Junior World FITASC Championship. ...

Tom John has achieved remarkable feats in both his shooting career and the glitzy world of Hollywood. In 2023, he proudly assumed the role of Captain for Team USA's Super Vet concurrent, a testament to his unwavering dedication and expertise in the sport. Tom's dedication at the gun clubs have made him a trailblazer in the discipline. Beyond his shooting success, he's in the thrilli...

Nicolas Berry is a remarkable clay shooter whose passion and dedication have propelled him to great heights in the sport. With nine years of relentless practice and determination, Nicolas has honed his shooting skills to perfection. Recently, he achieved a significant milestone by gaining American citizenship, solidifying his place in the shooting community. Nicolas's exceptional talent earne...

Cade Faetche, a 20-year-old student at Texas A&M University, has established himself as a remarkable talent in the field of shooting. Currently a member of the esteemed Junior Team USA FITASC for the year 2023, this is not his first encounter with the team, as he previously secured a spot in 2020. Hailing from Texas, Cade developed a passion for shooting from an early age, often accompanying h...

Joe Fanizzi, Todd Hitch, Turner Parcell and Connor Daniel are on with me today and they are all members of Junior Team USA sporting and are heading out to England shortly to compete in the world English sporting championship at EJ Churchill.  All 4 of them are very qualified and maybe the best junior team that I have ever seen.

Mike Dianda hails from Nevada and has spent his entire life in the state. His passion for firearms and shooting was kindled during his childhood, where he bonded with his father over hunting expeditions. From a tender age, his father imparted the value of hard work, emphasizing the importance of delaying gratification for future rewards. As time passed, Mike, now 52 years old, joined forces with h...

Corey Rugg is Owner/Operator of Gulf Coast Clays in Naples Florida.  Not only is he a hard worker, he is an unbelievable shooter that has claimed the Florida State Champion title in 22 and 23.  He is a student of Mike Luongo in shooting and a student of Both Mike and Chuck Frazier at target setting.  In this episode, find out how Corey shoots 1500 targets a year and can stay as competitive as he d...

Clay Robertson has grown up around this sport.  He started shooting at an early age and figured out quickly that this is something he always wanted to be involved with.  He was on the Junior PSCA tour, on the super squad last year at nationals and now trying his hand in helice.  He is currently attending gunsmithing school at Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma which is a two-year program...

Zach Kienbaum shares the tips and strategies to help you hit more targets than ever. This comprehensive course of 56 chapters is designed to help seasoned shooters and beginners to take their game to the next level in any clay-target sport. Get 4k streaming access here! Zachary Kienbaum started shooting sporting clays in 1990. After a successful junior career, he took a few years off before return...

This week I had the 2023 Texas State Champion on with me, Dominic Grossi.  Dominic is a recent graduate of Texas A&M.  We talk about his transition to shooting while working at his new job and the challenges he has faced with that, how he finished at the top at the Browning Briley and one week later wins the Texas State title.  A lot of good information from a very good shooter and a great guy...

In this episode, we find out from Dennis Sprenger, owner of Clay Target Vision, what's new in the Pilla line and how it can benefit you.  We discuss how to choose your lenses and what lens color can do to target clarity.  There is a lot of information in this episode that can make understanding lens selection a lot easier.

In this episode, I have the 4x US Open Champion, Wendell Cherry, on with me.  We discuss his season up to this point and he really dives into the way he coaches, the way you may be a good shooter, but when you miss, your mind gets in the way of being great.  He talks about the US Open that was held in Arizona, the super squads and whether or not he likes them and a lot more. 

In this episode we discuss the history of Castellani, how it became one of the most noticed brands in the shooting world, the craftsmanship and the jump into the US market.  That's where Castellani USA and Ultimate Shooting Accessories comes in.  With stellar sales throughout the United States since 2014, Tom Lotus created a business that supplied shooters everywhere with a name and a company...

The Double D Foundation, launched by Daniel Defense Executive Vice President, wife, and mother, Cindy Daniel, is the product of a vision rooted in the protection of the Constitution. The Double D Foundation’s purpose is demonstrated by its mission statement: The mission of The Double D Foundation is to protect the Second Amendment by growing the number of Americans involved in shooting sports, who...

Richard Faulds is a proven champion on and off the course.  He is a gun club owner, target setter, World Champion and an Olympian.  In this episode we discuss what is so different between the US and the UK when it comes to shooting.  The target setting, operation of gun clubs, the size of the venues, the classification system and everything in between.

Rick Hemingway has been on with me a couple of times, but this time it’s different. He talks about target setting his way and how he does not plan on changing, The Gator Cup that is about to step foot into Georgetown SC for the first time, how super squads should be the new norm and much more.  This is a really informative episode with one of the most respected guys in the sport.

This week I talked to Zach Kienbaum and Rodney Disbrow about the upcoming season, what they have been doing and how they are preparing for the first shoot of the year. We had a good time with this and hope you enjoy the episode.

Zach talks to Anthony about how his family got into the business that they are in.  They talk about shooting tournaments as teenagers and young adults and compare how they shoot today.  Zach asks Anthony about his coaching business, his goals and how long he will continue to coach and a good bit more.  They touch slightly on how he coaches people to watch the bird and a few other techniques.  It&a...

Tom talks with Cory Kruse on how he seems to stay really competitive in sporting clays while staying really busy with work outside of the sport.  He talks about shooting with Anthony, Gregg and Travis, how they all met and how he tries to keep it fun in his squad and then onto the mental game.  There is alot of good information in this one!