Frequently Asked Questions

A clay target team is a group of students who compete in shooting sports, focusing on hitting clay targets with a shotgun. It combines skill, concentration, and safety. 

Students need to be in 7th-12th grade to be eligible to join the Clay Target Team.  

No prior experience is necessary. We welcome both beginners and experienced shooters. Coaches provide all necessary training.  

Flower Mound Clay Target Team follows the zoning for FM High School.  If you are zoned for FMHS, you are eligible to be on the team.  That includes anyone attending FM High School, Shadow Ridge Middle School, McKamy Middle School and Forestwood Middle Schools.  Students that are living in the district and are home schooled or attending a private school are also eligible.

All team members must comply with the LISD standards.  All team members must complete an NRA shotgun training class or complete an approved Hunter Safety Course.  

Safety is our top priority. All team members are required to complete a firearm safety course, and safety protocols are strictly enforced during all practices and competitions.   Coaches and volunteers complete mandatory background checks and coaches on an annual basis.  

No, owning a shotgun is not required to join the team. The team can provide shotguns and other necessary equipment for members who don’t have their own at the start of the season.  We do recommend that you purchase a shotgun after trying out a few different ones.

Most commonly, 12-gauge or 20-gauge shotguns are used in clay target shooting. Coaches can help guide you on what’s best for beginners or advanced shooters.  Most team members prefer an over/under style shotgun.   Pump action shotguns are not allowed on the team.

 The team typically practices once or twice a week, depending on the season and competition schedule. 

Practices are held at Northlake Shooting Sports. The exact location and times will be provided once you join the team. The team typically practices on Sunday afternoons.

The team competes in various levels, including local, regional, and state competitions. We also have opportunities to compete nationally.  

There are no bench warmers in Clay Target Shooting.  Once the coaches are confident in your safety skills and feel you can shoot 100-200 rounds in a day, you are eligible , and encouraged, to participate in tournaments.  

There is typically a fee to cover range time , team jersey, gear bag, shell bag, shooting vest, etc.  

Shotgun shells run between $8-$12 a box 

Personal safety equipment - eye and ear protection

Recommended shotguns start at $800 on the low end.  

Tournaments are also extra and range between $100-$200

While specific clothing isn't required, participants should wear comfortable and weather-appropriate attire. Eye and ear protection are mandatory during all practices and competitions as well as closed toed shoes. Airpods are not considered hearing protection.

 Parents are encouraged to get involved by attending competitions, helping with team logistics, or even volunteering as assistant coaches if qualified. 

Sign up for the team is typically in October.  We have announcements about registration and  requirements starting as early as August.