Passport to Texas

This is Passport to Texas

Sporting clays came to the US from Britain in the 1960s and gained a fast following; one that continues to grow—especially in Texas.

Texas is the Mecca of the clay target sports.

San Antonio is home to the National Sporting Clays Association and the National Skeet Shooting Association, and from 1987-2002 Mike Hampton was its executive director. A thousand shooters from across the globe travel to the site annually for the National Sporting Clays Championship—shooting more than a half million clay pigeons in 4 days.

The national complex in San Antonio is the largest all around shooting facility in the world.

Competition isn’t the only objective at the facility. Texas Parks and Wildlife Hunter Ed director, Steve Hall, says shooters also visit year-round to hone their skills and learn safety.

Statistically, sporting clays are very safe. In fact, we use the shooting sports to teach safety—especially to youngsters. We have many programs that combine the shooting sports with firearm safety and safe firearm handling.

Sporting clays isn’t just about turning the pigeons to dust. Charlie Wilson, a shooting instructor, says, it’s about enjoying the outdoors.

They get out into the outdoors—it’s good, it’s clean, it’s healthy…and it’s fun.

The Wildlife Restoration Program supports our series and works to increase shooting sports in Texas.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife, I’m Cecilia Nasti.