Shotgun Sports USA

This episode promises to deliver some wisdom from Mike's captivating hunting stories in the Northwest, wielding vintage Remingtons, to sub-gauge shotguns paired with cutting-edge Bismuth ammo for hunting. Lean in as we talk about Mike's journey from his hunting heritage to aiming for a world vet title in the disciplined arena of competitive shotgun sports.

Join us as we explore the camaraderie and dedication within the shooting community, where size and physical fitness play their part in staying on target. We dissect the recent Jack Links Cup in Florida, get into Mike's ambitious travel for sport, and talk about his transition into the vet class with eyes set on the prize. Whether you're a beginner or a veteran in the world of sporting clays, this conversation is loaded with insightful reflections on the sport's competitive and adventurous spirit.

Finally, we discuss registering for events and the issues we are facing.  Discover the enchanting Rock Mountain Sporting Clays facilities that blend history and innovation for hosting premier events. And for those who geek out on gear, you won't want to miss our detailed discussion on Pilla shooting lenses and ammunition preferences that could sharpen your game. Tune in for a shot of inspiration and a barrel full of knowledge with Zach and Mike.

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The highly anticipated 2024 Texas State Championship is set to take place in conjunction with the prestigious Browning-Briley at Greater Houston Gun Club. Anticipated to draw a substantial turnout, this event has an impressive payout with over $150,000 up for grabs. Everyone is encouraged to secure their spots by registering on ScoreChaser, ensuring they don't miss the chance to shoot at a great club with great companies behind them. This tournament will not disappoint and has a lot of events planned for everyone attending.

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Have you ever found yourself squinting at the classification system in the NSCA, or laughing over the latest internet forum spat? Gary Fitzjarrell is here to take a no-holds-barred approach to the quirks and quandaries in the sport. From the psychological tug-of-war within the competitive community to the raw truths of being in a sport where ego can often outweigh talent.

As the conversation veers into the realm of personal authenticity and societal sensitivities, Gary doesn't shy away from stirring the pot. We confront the reality of competition, the sting of judgment both online and off, and how humor can be a double-edged sword in a world quick to offense.

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In this episode, I'm joined by Dennis Sprenger, the proprietor of Clay Target Vision, along with Phil Pilla. Together, we have a comprehensive discussion on the standout lenses of 2023 and the reasons behind their popularity. If you find yourself still puzzled about which lenses suit different lighting conditions, prepare to engage your intellect. This episode is loaded with technical insights into these lenses, showcasing the remarkable fusion of technology and expertise in collaboration with Zeiss. The intricacies behind the lens technology never cease to amaze me.

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From a young age, Mike's passion for sporting clays has been an unwavering force in his life. At the age of 14, he started into the world of clay shooting by taking up a position at a local clay range, an experience that ignited his passion for this sport. Over the years, Mike has become widely recognized for his exceptional talent in setting targets and catering to shooters of all skill levels.

Since joining Rocky Creek in June 2019, Mike's journey in the world of sporting clays has been nothing short of remarkable. His dedication and skill have not only earned him a place among the shooting community but have also gained him multiple titles from competitions spanning the entire country. Mike stands as a testament to the fusion of passion and proficiency, as he not only excels as a seasoned shooter but has also evolved into a highly qualified and sought-after shooting instructor.

Mike's commitment to the sport extends to the sharing of his knowledge and skills with others. As a shooting instructor, he imparts his wisdom to enthusiasts at all levels, contributing to the growth and development of the sporting clay community. Whether on the range or in the classroom, Mike's impact is undeniable, making him a respected figure not only for his achievements but also for his dedication to the broader community of clay shooters.

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In today's podcast episode, we have Donny Ballard and Nathan Robinson from Winchester Ammunition to discuss their experiences in 2023, talk about upcoming developments for 2024, and explore their long-term plans. Winchester is experiencing rapid growth in clay target sports and is committed to maintaining this momentum.

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Hailing from Texas, Austin Kiemsteadt embarked on his shooting journey later than many of his accomplished counterparts. Despite this, he quickly discovered his passion for the sport and demonstrated remarkable proficiency. Currently enrolled at Texas A&M, he actively contributes to their shooting team. In 2023, he achieved notable success with multiple top 5 finishes, securing an impressive 4th place at the NSCA National Championship and participating in the lead group of the super squad. With his upward trajectory, it wouldn't be surprising to witness Austin consistently near the top in 2024.

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Madison Sharpe hails from the charming state of South Carolina and currently calls Texas home. This exceptional shooter has not only dedicated herself to the world of clay target sports but has also become a beacon of excellence in the game. With a full-time role at a gun club and a passion for coaching, she has not only mastered her own skills but has also played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of shooters. Her list of achievements reads like this – Winner at the Seminole Cup, the Gator Cup, the North Central Regional, and the Fujarha Mountain Shooting Championship. And if that weren't impressive enough, she now proudly holds the title of the 2023 Ladies National Champion. 

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Brandon Powell is undeniably one of the most gifted shotgun shooters to ever step onto the sporting clays scene. After a five-year hiatus, he made a triumphant return that has left the entire community in awe. It's almost easier to list the titles he hasn't won since his comeback than to recount his victories. Powell's remarkable skills and unwavering determination have propelled him to the forefront of the sport. He not only clinched the coveted title of 2023 National Champion but also had the honor of leading Team USA Sporting as their captain. Powell's resurgence in the world of shotgun shooting stands as a testament to his unparalleled talent and dedication to the craft.

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Griffin Howe, a sub-junior talent hailing from Michigan, has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the 2023 shooting season. Remarkably, at a mere 16 years old, his talent with a firearm is nothing short of extraordinary. What sets Griffin apart is not just his age, but his unwavering determination to test his skills against the very best in the country. He crisscrosses the nation, participating in the largest NSCA tournaments, where he faces off against seasoned veterans and emerging stars alike. Griffin's ambition knows no bounds; he has set lofty targets for himself, and it's evident that he's charting a course to not just meet, but exceed them. His journey is a testament to his dedication, talent, and the promise of a future bright with accomplishments in the world of competitive shooting.

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Todd Hitch is a remarkable sporting clays shooter from Tennessee. His talent with a shotgun is nothing short of extraordinary, making him a force in the world of clay shooting. In 2023, Todd proudly represented Team USA, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport. One of his most notable achievements was clinching the gold medal at the 2023 Junior World FITASC Championship.  Todd's passion for sporting clays and his impressive track record made him a star in the world of competitive shooting, and he is undoubtedly a name to watch out for.

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Tom John has achieved remarkable feats in both his shooting career and the glitzy world of Hollywood. In 2023, he proudly assumed the role of Captain for Team USA's Super Vet concurrent, a testament to his unwavering dedication and expertise in the sport. Tom's dedication at the gun clubs have made him a trailblazer in the discipline. Beyond his shooting success, he's in the thrilling realm of Hollywood, where he's carved out a niche for himself as a daredevil stuntman. His fearless performances in some of the industry's biggest blockbuster films have solidified his status as a go-to talent for high-octane action sequences.

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Nicolas Berry is a remarkable clay shooter whose passion and dedication have propelled him to great heights in the sport. With nine years of relentless practice and determination, Nicolas has honed his shooting skills to perfection. Recently, he achieved a significant milestone by gaining American citizenship, solidifying his place in the shooting community. Nicolas's exceptional talent earned him a spot on Team USA FITASC for the first time as an alternate, where he seized the opportunity to showcase his prowess on the international stage. To everyone's awe, he secured a remarkable third-place finish at the prestigious World FITASC championship, cementing his status as a rising star in the sport. Undeterred by success, Nicolas ventured into entrepreneurship, purchasing and operating his own gun club. Through this venture, he aspires to create a nurturing environment for aspiring clay shooters and share his passion for the sport with the community. Nicolas Berry's journey is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and chasing one's dreams to achieve greatness.

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James Jean, a fascinating trick shooter hailing from Georgia. Beyond his skills with a bow and arrow, he leads an intriguing life as a farmer and freelance videographer. From a young age, he discovered his uncanny ability to perform jaw-dropping feats with archery. With a background deeply rooted in hunting and guns, James's passion for the great outdoors has always been a driving force in his life. In this episode, you'll uncover the secrets behind his remarkable talents, the motivations that fuel his passion, and get a glimpse of the exciting plans he has in store for the future.

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Cade Faetche, a 20-year-old student at Texas A&M University, has established himself as a remarkable talent in the field of shooting. Currently a member of the esteemed Junior Team USA FITASC for the year 2023, this is not his first encounter with the team, as he previously secured a spot in 2020. Hailing from Texas, Cade developed a passion for shooting from an early age, often accompanying his father. Over time, this shared interest evolved into coaching sessions and increased involvement in the sport. His dedication and skill have earned him notable achievements, including clinching the Greater Houston Gun Club championship twice, securing a commendable third place in the Junior Nationals, and accumulating numerous other accolades at such a young age. Cade's impressive achievements and burgeoning career in the shooting world make him a remarkable and valued guest on our show.

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Joe Fanizzi, Todd Hitch, Turner Parcell and Connor Daniel are on with me today and they are all members of Junior Team USA sporting and are heading out to England shortly to compete in the world English sporting championship at EJ Churchill.  All 4 of them are very qualified and maybe the best junior team that I have ever seen.

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Mike Dianda hails from Nevada and has spent his entire life in the state. His passion for firearms and shooting was kindled during his childhood, where he bonded with his father over hunting expeditions. From a tender age, his father imparted the value of hard work, emphasizing the importance of delaying gratification for future rewards. As time passed, Mike, now 52 years old, joined forces with his brother to oversee a thriving construction company that their father established in 1964. The remarkable success of their enterprise has afforded Mike the opportunity to participate in numerous tournaments, expanding his shooting endeavors to various locations across the globe.  

There is a lot in this episode with a super nice guy!

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Corey Rugg is Owner/Operator of Gulf Coast Clays in Naples Florida.  Not only is he a hard worker, he is an unbelievable shooter that has claimed the Florida State Champion title in 22 and 23.  He is a student of Mike Luongo in shooting and a student of Both Mike and Chuck Frazier at target setting.  In this episode, find out how Corey shoots 1500 targets a year and can stay as competitive as he does.  His secret is actually pretty simple.

Gulf Coast Clays

We mention clay shooting on a VR headset, here are the links to check that out.
Oculus VR Headset
Clay Shooting VR

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Clay Robertson has grown up around this sport.  He started shooting at an early age and figured out quickly that this is something he always wanted to be involved with.  He was on the Junior PSCA tour, on the super squad last year at nationals and now trying his hand in helice.  He is currently attending gunsmithing school at Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma which is a two-year program and teaches all aspects of building and repairing firearms.

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Zach Kienbaum shares the tips and strategies to help you hit more targets than ever. This comprehensive course of 56 chapters is designed to help seasoned shooters and beginners to take their game to the next level in any clay-target sport.

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Zachary Kienbaum started shooting sporting clays in 1990. After a successful junior career, he took a few years off before returning to the sport in 2005. He’s coached full time since 2007. 

Born in California, Zach later moved to Texas to broaden his shooting experience. He now lives in Savannah, Georgia, in the middle of one of the nation’s fastest-growing clay shooting regions. He has won three National Sporting Clays Association Championships (2018, 2019, and 2022), is a 28-time All-American, a 10-time captain of the NSCA All-American First Team, and has represented his country 24 times as a member of Team USA. In 2022, he was inducted into the NSCA Hall of Fame.

Zach teaches across the United States and coaches many of today’s top competitors. He has a true passion for competing, as well as helping others.

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