Your First Registered Shoot

Registered shoots can seem intimidating, but they're simply organized competitions where scores are officially recorded. Once you understand the format, you'll find the atmosphere welcoming to newcomers.

Everyone started somewhere: Even the best shooters remember their first registered shoot. Most competitors are happy to help newcomers navigate the process.

Why Shoot Registered Targets?

Personal Benefits

• Clear measure of your progress over time
• Motivation to practice with purpose
• Experience shooting under pressure
• Set concrete goals for improvement

Community Benefits

• Meet shooters of all skill levels
• Learn from more experienced competitors
• Become part of a supportive community
• Shoot well-maintained courses

Understanding the Organizations

Different organizations sanction registered shoots for different clay sports:

Organization	Sport	Membership Cost
NSCA (National Sporting Clays Association)	Sporting Clays, FITASC, 5-Stand	$60/year (adult)
NSSA (National Skeet Shooting Association)	Skeet	$60/year (adult)
ATA (Amateur Trapshooting Association)	Trap	$30/year + state dues
PSCA (Professional Sporting Clays Association)	Sporting Clays	Varies by level

Note: Prices as of 2024. Check organization websites for current membership fees. Combined NSCA/NSSA membership is also available.

Before Your First Shoot

Join the Organization

You must be a member before shooting registered targets. Join online before you arrive—most clubs can process memberships on-site, but it takes time.

Find a Suitable Shoot

Start with a local club shoot rather than a major tournament. Smaller shoots are more relaxed and forgiving of newcomers.

Register in Advance

Most shoots allow pre-registration. This speeds up check-in and ensures you get your preferred squad time.

Know the Format

Understand how many targets you'll shoot, the event format, and approximate time commitment. Ask the club if unsure.

Prepare Your Equipment

Ensure your gun is functioning properly. Bring enough ammunition plus extra. Pack eye and ear protection, water, and snacks.

Day of the Shoot

Arrive Early

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your squad time. You'll need time to check in, get your scorecard, and find your squad.

Check In

At the registration desk, provide your membership number. You'll receive a scorecard with your name, class, and squad assignment.

Find Your Squad

Introduce yourself to squadmates. Mention it's your first registered shoot—experienced shooters will often offer helpful guidance.

Understand Scoring

A scorer (often rotating among squad members) tracks hits and misses. Verify your scores at each station if you're uncertain.

What to Expect

The Pace

• Registered shoots move slower than casual rounds
• Each shooter takes their time
• Expect 50 sporting clays targets to take 2-3 hours
• Multi-event days are common (100+ targets)

The Atmosphere

• More focused than casual shooting
• Quiet during shooting sequences
• Friendly conversation between stations
• Most shooters are supportive of newcomers

Competition Etiquette

Stay quiet when others shoot: No talking, moving, or distractions when a squadmate is preparing or shooting.

Be ready when it's your turn: Have your gun loaded (where safe and appropriate) and be prepared to step up promptly.

Accept the referee's call: In registered shoots, the referee's decision is final. Don't argue about whether a target was hit or lost.

Keep pace with your squad: While rushing is bad, taking excessive time affects everyone. Find a comfortable rhythm.

Sign your scorecard: At the end, verify your scores and sign. This is your responsibility—errors are hard to fix later.

Managing First-Shoot Nerves

Nervousness is completely normal. Here's how experienced shooters manage it:

Focus on Process, Not Score

Your first shoot is about learning the experience, not winning. Focus on proper technique rather than results.

Breathe Before Each Station

Take a few deep breaths before stepping up. This simple practice helps many shooters calm down.

Accept Imperfection

You will miss targets. Everyone does. The goal is to learn from the experience, not shoot a perfect score.

Stay in the Present

Don't dwell on the last miss. Focus on the current target. The best shooters have short memories.

Realistic Expectations

What's a reasonable first score? For sporting clays, most new competitors score in the 30-50% range on their first registered shoot. Trap and skeet scores tend to be higher due to the more predictable targets. Don't compare yourself to experienced shooters.

Your first registered shoot establishes a baseline. Every shoot after that is an opportunity to improve. Track your progress and celebrate improvement, not absolute scores.

After the Shoot

Turn In Your Scorecard

Make sure your signed scorecard gets to the scoring area. Your scores will be entered into the national database.

Stick Around

Stay for the awards if possible. Even if you didn't win, it's part of the experience and a chance to meet other shooters.

Reflect on the Experience

What went well? What targets gave you trouble? Use this to guide your practice before the next shoot.

Plan Your Next Shoot

The best way to improve at registered competition is to compete more. Find another local shoot and sign up.