campergeek
Member
I wish this was a thread where I share what a natural shot I am on the skeet field - but it's not. However, I went out for the first time tonight and had a great time nonetheless.
Actually my only motive for going was to warm up for doves next week. Although I'd never shot skeet, I'd seen others do it and thought the birds going side-to-side might give better practice than the outbound birds from a trap thrower. My normal range, a local Conservation Dept. range (Jay Henges) only has trap fields, so after work I headed west to another Conservation Dept. range (August A. Busch Memorial) which offers skeet as well.
Showing up on the range I felt very awkward - kind of like a kid starting at a new school. I got a chance to sit and rest while one group of 5 worked through the course. After that I was welcomed into the next round. The guys I shot with - one whom is a range volunteer - were friends and obviously shot together quite a bit, but they were still welcoming to the newcomer. These guys were good examples to anyone who has an opportunity to get someone started in shooting sports.
I have to take a moment to tip my hat to one in particular - I think his name is Dennis - who seemed to hit anything that flew. I don't think I've ever seen anyone make shooting clay birds look so effortless.
As for me, I learned that I am NOT a natural shot. For some reason I was edgy, kept rushing my shots, couldn't keep my swing smooth, etc. I think a lot of the nervousness came from never having shot skeet before, having no idea (starting out) how many shots to make at each station, etc. Besides that, having 4 experienced shooters behind me watching didn't help. Actually, it did help as they very graciously gave tips to try to help my shooting - which I very much appreciated even if my shooting didn't testify that I was listening. On the trap field I usually hit ~ 50%; today I was hitting closer to 20% although I didn't really keep count.
Despite the misses, I had a great time and certainly hope to get back out soon - next time not just because of dove season.
Actually my only motive for going was to warm up for doves next week. Although I'd never shot skeet, I'd seen others do it and thought the birds going side-to-side might give better practice than the outbound birds from a trap thrower. My normal range, a local Conservation Dept. range (Jay Henges) only has trap fields, so after work I headed west to another Conservation Dept. range (August A. Busch Memorial) which offers skeet as well.
Showing up on the range I felt very awkward - kind of like a kid starting at a new school. I got a chance to sit and rest while one group of 5 worked through the course. After that I was welcomed into the next round. The guys I shot with - one whom is a range volunteer - were friends and obviously shot together quite a bit, but they were still welcoming to the newcomer. These guys were good examples to anyone who has an opportunity to get someone started in shooting sports.
I have to take a moment to tip my hat to one in particular - I think his name is Dennis - who seemed to hit anything that flew. I don't think I've ever seen anyone make shooting clay birds look so effortless.
As for me, I learned that I am NOT a natural shot. For some reason I was edgy, kept rushing my shots, couldn't keep my swing smooth, etc. I think a lot of the nervousness came from never having shot skeet before, having no idea (starting out) how many shots to make at each station, etc. Besides that, having 4 experienced shooters behind me watching didn't help. Actually, it did help as they very graciously gave tips to try to help my shooting - which I very much appreciated even if my shooting didn't testify that I was listening. On the trap field I usually hit ~ 50%; today I was hitting closer to 20% although I didn't really keep count.
Despite the misses, I had a great time and certainly hope to get back out soon - next time not just because of dove season.