An article from WWA’s Words From The Wardens.
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s July 2024 eNewsletter.
Warden Seitz
By DNR Warden Zachary Seitz
As a waterfowl hunter, I welcome summer for many reasons. Most of those have to do with enjoying Wisconsin’s natural resources.
However, my number one reason is that summer leads into fall. And fall brings the Sept. 1 launch of teal and goose season. That’s why now is the perfect time to spend some summer sunshine infused hours at a shooting range or enjoy the comradery of a league.
Summer is the ideal season to find a range to practice and keep your skills sharp and ready. Plus, it’s fun.
Consider trap shooting. Sporting clays offer a realistic form of practice. You can try different angles, speeds and various clay sizes to simulate the birds you’ll be seeing this fall. (Editor’s note: WWA has three more sporting clays shoots on our calendar of events this year! Check out our Abrams, Ozaukee and State Shoots on our calendar of events).
Warden Zach Seitz on patrol – DNR photo.
Plot time to try swinging methods. I’ve used both the swing-through method and the sustained lead method. Both have given me success in different situations.
Wouldn’t you rather miss a piece of clay practicing your skills than a duck this fall?
If you’d rather not practice alone, leagues are a fantastic and fun way to test, improve or maintain your shooting skills. I am a member of a sporting clay league. My league time is not only fun with buddies but has also made me a better wing shooter.
Need help finding a range? Visit the Wisconsin DNR’s website to find shooting ranges with public hours at: Public shooting range locations in Wisconsin | Locations, design and rules | Wisconsin DNR
Please keep in mind that not all state-owned ranges provide clay target shooting. Hover your cursor over the range on the map to see what opportunities await you at each range.
Here’s to an enjoyable and safe summer. Maybe we’ll see each other sharpening our shooting skills at a range.