Club spotlight: Clay target club

The club welcomes both experienced trap shooters and beginners interested in competition.

In its second season, the Clay Target Club built momentum both on and off the range. The team earned second place in its region during the fall 2025 conference season and secured a first-place finish at the New York College Regional Trap Shoot on May 2. 

Second-year student and club president Mason Bush, who will graduate May 21, played a key role in growing the club during the off season by recruiting and mentoring new members, including first-year student Andrew Goodwin. 

Andrew emerged as one of the team’s top competitors, placing second overall in the fall conference standings and earning a first-place finish at the regional competition. 

Club members hope to expand participation, build on their recent success, and introduce more students to competitive clay target shooting. 

About the club 

Approved by the FLCC student government, the FLCC Clay Target Club is one of several student clubs and organizations that gives students an opportunity to build community through a shared interest. 

Clay Target Club members shoot at bright orange, 4.5-inch disks, commonly called clay pigeons. The targets are launched from a machine that propels them away from the shooter at speeds of 35 to 45 mph at varying angles and heights, mimicking the flight path of a bird fleeing a hunter. 

There are two competitive seasons, in the fall and spring semesters. Each season lasts six weeks, with students shooting a minimum of 50 targets each week for competition scoring. 

Who can join 

Any current FLCC student, whether part-time or full-time, is eligible to join the club and compete. Students must remain in good academic standing and follow the college’s code of conduct.

A valid New York hunting license is preferred, but safety training is also available through the USA Clay Target League. Club members must provide proof of training completion and sign safety waivers before participating. 

Because of the flexible nature of the season, students may also be able to participate in the club while competing in another FLCC athletic program. 

Practices and competition 

Practices are held at the Shortsville Rod and Gun Club at least once each week, depending on when students choose to shoot their competition rounds. 

Each week, students shoot a minimum of 50 targets and may shoot up to 100. In addition to weekly practices, students can participate in events hosted by the Rod and Gun Club, assist with local leagues, and practice independently on weekends. 

Students also have the opportunity to compete in the USA College Clay Target League national tournament, held each fall in various locations, and the recently created New York College Regional Trap Shoot in Shortsville. 

Costs and funding 

Many club expenses are covered by the student government. The primary expenses for students are ammunition, clay targets and travel. 

Club members are responsible for transportation to and from practices in Shortsville, about 7 miles from the main FLCC campus. Carpool opportunities are coordinated in advance. 

A box of ammunition costs approximately $10, while a round of trap shooting costs about $5. At minimum, a student shooting 100 targets per week during a six-week season could expect costs of approximately $360.  

Additional expenses may vary depending on travel and special events. 

How to join

Prospective and current students interested in joining the FLCC Clay Target Club can contact John Foust, club advisor and professor of environmental conservation and horticulture, John.Foust@flcc.edu. 

Prospective students can also begin the enrollment process by completing the free admissions application. FLCC is an open-enrollment college that accepts new students year-round. 

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Participating teams from FLCC, Paul Smith's College, SUNY Delhi and SUNY Adirondack at the May 2 New York College Regional Trap Shoot.