Clay shooters flock to Sportsman's Club

SACKETS HARBOR — Bright orange discs are always in season at the Sackets Harbor Sportsman's Club.

Two dozen target locations are set up throughout the nearly 75 acres of land at the Sportsman's Club, 17500 County Route 66, for two sporting clay shoot courses it uses the first Sunday of every month beginning at 9 a.m.

"It's like golf but with a shotgun," Carl G. Carr, co-chairman of the sporting clay shoot, said Sunday morning.

Shooters have 50 chances to hit targets, or "birds." A slingshot-like machine, called a trap, simulates flights of different bird species depending on how the discs are launched.

Single targets fly out and allow the shooter a second chance in case of a miss. When two birds come out at once, there is no room for error.

Mark P. Lilley, Cape Vincent, hit both clay targets with one shot, his first ever "willy."

"It's only my second time ever doing this sporting clay shoot," he said. "Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good."

The sport is both fun and safe for the shooters, Mr. Carr said. There are specific rules about where and when to load a gun. Once the two shots are loaded, the shooter yells "pull," the trap is released and the birds become swiftly moving targets.

Depending on how the bird is hit, it becomes a puff of brown dust or rains down in small pieces.

But for the men on the course, it's more dangerous to miss a target.

"Once you get into the sport, you may have some teasing and ridicule," said Harold E. Meagher, president of the club. "It's all in good fun, though."

"Aim for the orange ones," Jeffrey A. Klimek, Watertown, yelled to James D. Warner, Calcium, as Mr. Warner missed two targets. "You've got to shoot where they're going, not where they've been."

The friendly banter went back and forth during the two-hour trek through the woods. There also were shouts of praise and encouragement, as well as helpful tips, such as where the shooter can expect to see the bird.

"There are so many experienced guys out here," Mr. Klimek said. "Even a new person like me can come out and they'll help you out."

Donald W. Curtis, Watertown, was the oldest in the group. Mr. Curtis, 75, said he has been shooting clay targets for 30 years, but Sunday, he said he got off to a slow start.

"I'm normally good," he said. "I love wasting ammunition. God almighty."

Having one's own gun is strongly encouraged by the club, but Mr. Carr said the club will do what it can for those who don't own one.

"If someone wanted to come and shoot, we'll make sure they get to do it," he said.

"The guys here are only too willing to share their knowledge and expertise," Mr. Meagher said, "and to ease the paranoia that some people may have towards sport shooting."

Jason E. Mark, Chaumont, offered his shotgun to a first-time shooter and the group shared in a good laugh over her surprise at the strong recoil.

Wayne J. "Doc" Doctore, Dexter, said new members are always welcome at the club. He said women are underrepresented in the sport in this area.

"We're always looking for more women to come out and join us," he said.