FCS Sporting Clays Shoots/FCS Open

FCS hosts sporting clays shoot on even months from 9:00 – 11:30 AM (frequently 8:00 – 10:30 AM during the summer) at Capital Clays.  Sporting Clays more closely mimics actual hunting situations than any other clays game.  Shooting will start at 9:15 AM (8:15 AM when they open early during the summer).  We’ll shoot one round of 50 sporting clays.  We’ll shoot their red course (formerly called the corporate or hunter course), which has covered stations.

The annual FCS Open happens each June.  Participants will shoot two rounds of sporting clays (the red course and the harder blue course), then eat lunch at an area restaurant.  That event goes from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

You can follow the menu at each station which is a mix of report pairs and true pairs, or you can shoot singles, report pairs, or true pairs.  We keep score just for fun.

Here are a couple of pictures from our shoots:

FCS Sporting Clays Schedule:

• 9:00 AM – arrive
• 9:15 AM – shoot sporting clays
• 11:15 AM – scores
• 11:30 AM – depart

FCS Open Schedule:

• 9:00 AM – arrive
• 9:15 AM – shoot sporting clays
• 12:15 PM – scores and eat
• 2:00 PM – depart

Who should attend: Members and guests, including ladies and youth, and both new and experienced shooters.  We average 10 participants, so we break up into groups.  We recommend all shooters be at least 10 years old.  For youths, we suggest a 20 gauge that fits the child (if a youth shoots a .410, he or she will probably miss a lot and get discouraged).  We often have new shooters and delight in teaching others what we have learned.

Cost and what to bring:

• RSVPs are not required.
• Each 50-round course costs $27.06/shooter (including tax).
• You’ll need a shotgun (of course).  Most shooters use a 12 gauge, but a 20 gauge is also good.  Most of the targets on the Capital Clays Red course are close enough for skeet chokes, but IC works fine.  If you don’t have a shotgun some of us will be happy to share our gun with you but let Bruce Crockett know before you arrive.
• You’ll also need to bring at least two boxes of shells per round.  A few extra shells are recommended in case you have any misfires or need to reshoot a station because a second clay broke in flight before you had a chance to shoot it (in such cases we shoot both targets again).  Capital Clays sells shotgun shells if you need them (but you can get them cheaper at Academy, Walmart, etc.).  Randy Rowley recommends Winchester Game Loads / Federal Game and Target Loads / Estate Dove Loads / Rio Game Loads / Remington Sure Shot Heavy Dove Loads / Estate Dove and Target Loads.  All of these are sometimes available at Academy, Bass Pro Shops, Walmart, etc.  1-1/8 oz. or 1 oz. loads, 1200 – 1300 FPS, and 7-1/2 shot are preferred (although 8 shot also works).  They sell for $10 – $11.00/box.  All six are great dove/quail loads in addition to being good clay target loads.  If you’re a dove/quail hunter, Randy recommends that you shoot sporting clays with the same load that you use to hunt dove/quail.  This enables you to develop consistent leads for similarly sized targets.
• You’ll need a shooting vest, shell pouch, or shooting bag.
• Capital Clays requires eye and ear protection.  Shooting glasses or sunglasses and ear muffs or plugs are recommended.  You can bring your own or it is available free of charge at Capital Clays.  Please return borrowed safety glasses.
• A cap and sunscreen are recommended.

Location and phone number: 8707 Lindell Lane (near the Travis County Exposition Center and Lake Decker), 512-272-4707

In the event of rain: Light rain – we shoot; heavy rain – we stay home, and Bruce or Randy will send out a cancellation notice.

Questions:  Contact Bruce at bmc55@att.net or 512-970-7797.