Washington and California Clay Shooting

[JoeFish]

I grew up in New Jersey where they maintain something called "Wildlife Management Training Areas." There are different incarnations, but basically, it's an open field with a mound on one side, the idea being you can shoot trap or skeet on one half of the field and black powder on the other, some have bow ranges perpendicluar to the iron ranges (you can't hunt with a rifle in NJ). There aren't any services, it's just an open field, but they're free and open to anyone eligible for a hunting license in the State of New Jersey.

When I moved away, it was first to a nearby state where I could head back to these ranges, but since I've moved to California, I haven't found anything remotely like it. One of the things I always liked about trap shooting was that it's an inexpensive hobby, not true when you're paying to go to the gun club.

The San Bernardino National Forest has some shooting areas set aside that you can access for the price of an Adventure Pass, but this isn't very close to me, and they are often closed for fire or weather.

So my question is this: does anyone know if a cheap or free open space where I can show up with a clay thrower and do my thing exists in California- or in Washington State where I am likely moving next year?

 

[jbauch357]

where in Washington state? there are lots of places to setup and shoot trap, I've got 2 within 30 min from me and two more about an hour and a half south. all are unmanaged pits of one type or another in national forest.

 

[JoeFish]

We're moving to Seattle- looking in Fremont- but I don't mind driving a ways.

Any info I'd much appreciate.

 

[oletymer]

I live in Wenatchee, WA and there are shooing ranges all over the area. In addition Chelan county is 80 percent national forrest and BLM property.

 

[ctgmi]

Oh if you move to Fremont if your neighbors see you carrying a gun case to your car their eyes will bug out and have a look like OMG I think that’s a GUN! It’s what most would consider a very liberal population more so then the general Seattle area. For areas to shoot there is http://www.wcwinc.org/ a good reputable range that’s in the north burbs of the city “Bothell” other wise it’s going to be about 45-60 min drive to find some decent National Forest land.

 

[JoeFish]

Sorry if this sounds dumb, but are there areas in the national forests that are set up for trap shooting, or are they just spots that people have found to be good for it?

I've really only done it at ranges in the past.

 

[jbauch357]

Freemont is one of the many places here that the idealistic hippy idiots congregate around here - you may want to look in other areas around Seattle.

All the spots I know of are just good spots for shooting in national forest - none of them are regulated ranges or arenas in any sort.

When/if you get up here look me up and we'll head shooting

 

[JoeFish]

JBauch, I've had all my shots, but thanks for the warning

See you up there!

 

[Zeede]

JoeFish, what part of Southern California do you live in? I'm a member of Triple B's in South El Monte, off the 60 and 605 freeways, as well as West End Gun Club up near the 210 and 15 freeways. Triple B's is a full-fledged clay shooting park with Trap, Skeet, the Olympic versions of both, Sporting Clays and 5-Stand. So, no, you can't bring your own thrower, but they have all the games set up, and there's no membership fee persay. You do pay $1.50 more per round of each game than members do, but you don't have to buy their ammo.

If you really don't want to shoot a formal game, you can be my guest at West End Gun Club, and it will be free. We have a dozen private bays you can set up a thrower in and just have at it. I've done so several times with friends.

PM me if you are interested.

Cameron

 

[NWdude83]

Ranges in WA
http://www.wheretoshoot.org/Find_Range/wts_subresults.asp

 

[jakemccoy]

Here's a link to Cali ranges:

http://www.nrahq.org/shootingrange/findlocal.asp?State=CA

The shotgun ranges in North-East SF are the extent of my experience. They're cool and will leave you wondering what's all the fuss about California gun laws. I'm not sure if any of the ranges allow you to throw.

 

[seeds76]

whoa, fremont??!? that's pretty much the center of all tree-hugging, prius driving, fairy-worshiping, liberals in seattle! make sure you walk outside with your guns in hand! =)

 

[SoCalShooter]

Just outside ocotillo wells there is some BLM land you can use we do all the time. You can PM me for further questions.

 

[JEL]

Off the top of my head I can't even think of a single gun range actually IN Seattle city limits... Maybe someone else could chime in. Wouldn't surprise me if none existed, though, being one of the most left cities in America.

Anyway, there is a place that has a nice trap range in Renton (close to Seattle) called the Renton Fish and Game Club. Here's their website:

http://www.rfgc.org/

Can be a little tough to find, and they aren't exactly "assault rifle" friendly, but their facilities are pretty nice.

 

[NWdude83]

*Roger Dahl .22 rimfire range, under the west Seattle stadium

*Seattle Police Athletic Assocition, just south of Boeing Field next to I-5 (you have to submit to a criminal background check to even be considered for membership)

*Glendale Sportsmen, Inc. (don't know anything about it)

And then there are 1 or 2 strictly for LE.