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Become a Shotgun Shooting Instructor 2025

Confirmed class dates for 2025:

August 1 – 3 (Friday-Sunday, 8:30 am – 5 pm)

September 5 – 7 (Friday-Sunday, 8:30 am – 5 pm)

OVERVIEW FOR
INSTRUCTORS CERTIFICATION COURSE

This shotgun instructors certification course is a program developed by Dave Fiedler, a nationally renown shotgun shooting instructor with over 30 years experience.  This program is expansive and covers information specific to the three primary clay target games of Skeet, Trap and Sporting Clays.

If you’re interested in becoming a shotgun instructor with certification, sign up today! This course was designed to provide new instructors with the knowledge and ability to teach the fundamentals, such as stance (foot and body position), proper gun fit, evaluating eye dominance, visually acquiring the target and reading the signs for ’cause and effect’ of lost targets. With the knowledge gained from this course you will be equipped to instruct beginning students of all ages in the recreational shotgun sports.

Together we will enlighten and secure the future of our shooting sports! For more information on this shotgun instructors course contact Dave Fiedler or Vandy Fiedler at (503) 792-3431 or midvalley@midvalleyclays.com.

OVERVIEW FOR
STUDENT SHOTGUNNERS

During this course student instructors will be working with student shotgunners while being supervised by head instructor Dave Fiedler.

Student shotgunners who are beginners to intermediate level shooters will gain fundamental skills, techniques and tools while working on the clay target games of Sporting Clays, Skeet and Trap.

This is a great opportunity to gain professional instruction at a fraction of the cost!

Student Instructor Schedule

Friday,
8:30am-5:00pm

Student instructors will be shooting on Friday so be sure to bring your shotgun and a case of shells.

Saturday,
8:30am-5:00pm

Sunday,
8:30am-5:00pm

The cost to participate as a student instructor is $500 plus target fees.

Student Shooter Schedule

Limited to 12 shooters per time slot.
Time slots available are:

Saturday,
9am – 11:30am
1pm – 3:30pm

Sunday,
9am – 11:30am
1pm – 3:30pm

The cost to participate as a student shotgunner is $65 per person per time slot and covers:

♦ Instruction
♦ All targets
♦ Use of a rental shotgun*

*Must purchase shells from our pro shop for use in rental shotguns

Lunch
Lunch will be available for purchase on-site or feel free to bring your own.
(Student Instructors Only)

Sign Up
To sign up for the instructors course as a student instructor or shotgunner, please call the clubhouse at 503-792-3431 or email us at midvalley@midvalleyclays.com.

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Clay Shooting for Families: Fun and Bonding in the Great Outdoors

Hailey

At Mid-Valley Clays & Shooting School, we take pride in providing family-friendly shooting experiences that bring loved ones together in the great outdoors. Clay shooting isn’t just a sport; it’s a chance for families to bond, create memories, and share the thrill of hitting targets as a team. We invite families to discover the joy of clay shooting at our Gervais, Oregon, shooting school. Conveniently located only 35 minutes outside of Portland and 21 minutes from Salem.

1. An Adventure for All Ages:
Clay shooting is an inclusive sport for family members of all ages. Everyone can participate and have a blast at our shooting range. From young teens to grandparents. Our experienced instructors are here to guide beginners, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and confident on the shooting line.

2. Safety First, Always:
The safety of our guests is our top priority, especially when families are involved. Our shooting school has strict safety protocols in place, and our instructors will brief you on all safety measures before you begin. You can rest assured that we provide a safe and controlled environment for your family’s shooting adventure.

3. Quality Time Outdoors:
Clay shooting takes you away from screens and technology, allowing your family to reconnect with nature and each other in the context of a visceral activity. Spend quality time outdoors, breathing in the fresh air, and appreciating the beautiful surroundings of our Gervais, Oregon shooting range.

4. Friendly Competition and Teamwork:
Clay shooting, like other sports, can have an element of friendly competition and fosters teamwork among family members or work associates. Root for each other’s success, celebrate every successful shot, and share in the excitement of crushing clay targets together.

5. Life Skills and Focus:
Clay shooting teaches valuable life skills, such as focus, discipline, and patience. As shooters enter the range, they enter an environment that demands unwavering attention to detail with a calm, composed mind. Whether it’s analyzing the trajectory of a clay target, mastering proper shooting techniques, or adapting to various shooting scenarios, sport shooting cultivates mental acuity and sharpens concentration.

Participating in clay shooting at Mid-Valley Clays & Shooting School challenges individuals to set goals, measure progress, and practice perseverance. Shooters learn to overcome challenges and accept both successes and setbacks with grace. The sport instills a sense of responsibility, as safety protocols must always be observed and adhered to during shooting sessions.

Beyond the shooting range, these life skills translate into personal and professional endeavors. Focus and concentration become powerful tools for success in various aspects of life, whether it’s academic achievements, work performance, or managing daily challenges. The discipline cultivated on the range reinforces dedication and commitment in all pursuits, making clay shooting a transformative experience that enriches lives beyond the sport itself.

By embracing sport shooting as a means to foster essential life skills, participants enjoy an exciting and rewarding hobby and prepare themselves for success in life’s diverse journeys.

Clay target shooting at Mid-Valley Clays & Shooting School offers an array of benefits that extend beyond the sport. From promoting camaraderie to enhancing physical and mental well-being, and fostering valuable life skills, clay shooting is an activity that continues to capture the hearts of enthusiasts and newcomers alike. As you embark on your clay shooting journey at our Gervais, Oregon shooting range, you’re bound to find an exhilarating and transformative experience. Whether you aim to improve your shooting prowess, bond with family and friends, or simply enjoy the thrill of hitting clay targets under the wide Oregon sky, Mid-Valley Clays has something to offer everyone. So, grab your shotgun, bring your enthusiasm, and join us for an unforgettable clay shooting adventure. Let’s aim high and shatter expectations together!

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The Benefits of Shooting School & Training: Unleash Your Potential

Are you passionate about shooting sports? Whether you’re a novice or an experienced shooter, enrolling in a shooting school or training program can unlock a world of benefits that go beyond the range. At Mid-Valley Clays and Shooting School, we understand the value of comprehensive shooting education and skill development. In this blog, we’ll explore the numerous advantages of shooting school, ranging from safety and confidence to physical and mental strength, improved accuracy, and its suitability for shooters of all levels. Join us as we delve into the exciting world of shooting training and discover how it can empower you in various aspects of your life.

Safety: The Foundation of Responsible Shooting
Safety is paramount in shooting sports, and proper training is key to fostering a culture of responsibility. Shooting schools prioritize safety protocols, teaching essential rules, and emphasizing the importance of safe handling and storage of firearms. Through expert guidance, you’ll learn about firearm safety, range etiquette, and emergency procedures, ensuring that you and those around you are protected at all times.

Confidence and Self-Empowerment: Unlock Your Potential
Shooting school provides more than just technical skills—it instills confidence and empowers individuals. As you acquire knowledge and refine your shooting abilities, you’ll witness personal growth and a boost in self-esteem. Mastering the fundamentals, understanding different shooting techniques, and witnessing your progress will enhance your self-confidence both on and off the range. The discipline and focus required in shooting training will translate into other areas of your life, enabling you to tackle challenges with resilience and determination.

Physical Strength: A Surprising Benefit
Engaging in shooting sports requires physical stamina and control. The repetitive actions involved in shooting help develop core strength, stability, and hand-eye coordination. From proper stance and body alignment to controlling your breath and maintaining balance, shooting training is a full-body workout that enhances your physical capabilities. As you train, you’ll notice improved muscle tone, increased endurance, and enhanced motor skills—all of which contribute to overall physical fitness.

Mental Strength: Sharpening Focus and Concentration
Shooting is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Shooting school hones your mental acuity by challenging your focus, concentration, and decision-making abilities. Through various training exercises, you’ll learn to manage stress, remain calm under pressure, and develop a keen sense of situational awareness. These mental skills extend beyond the range, benefiting your professional life, academic pursuits, and everyday problem-solving.

Better Accuracy: Elevating Your Shooting Skills
Achieving consistent accuracy is a goal shared by all shooters. Shooting school provides the guidance necessary to refine your technique and improve your precision. Expert instructors will analyze your shooting mechanics, offer personalized feedback, and suggest adjustments to optimize your accuracy. Through targeted practice drills, you’ll develop muscle memory and gain the ability to consistently hit your mark. Whether you’re a competitive shooter or simply enjoy recreational shooting, enhanced accuracy will elevate your overall shooting experience.

Beneficial for Shooters of All Levels: From Novices to Experts
Shooting school caters to individuals at every skill level. Novices can benefit from comprehensive introductory courses that lay a solid foundation, covering firearm basics, shooting fundamentals, and range etiquette. Intermediate shooters can expand their skill set through specialized training, such as tactical shooting or clay target shooting. Even experienced marksmen can further refine their abilities and explore advanced techniques to stay at the top of their game. No matter where you are on your shooting journey, there is always something new to learn and discover through professional training.

At Mid-Valley Clays and Shooting School, we believe that the pursuit of excellence should be accompanied by a sense of adventure and camaraderie. So, whether you’re a novice yearning to learn the basics, an experienced shooter seeking to fine-tune your skills, or someone simply looking for a new and exciting hobby, we invite you to join our vibrant community of shooting enthusiasts. Unleash your potential, build unshakable confidence, and experience the thrill of hitting your target with precision. Embrace the transformative power of shooting training and let Mid-Valley Clays and Shooting School be your trusted guide on this exhilarating journey.

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Blaser New Models & Engravings

Blaser’s new F16 Pro designed by Cory Kruse has landed at Mid-Valley Clays’ Pro Shop. We even have one available in our rental fleet. Come try before you buy.

Some details:

  • Adjusted pitch angle ready for competition
  • Added weight in stock and barrels, perfectly balanced
  • RHINO ported barrel
  • Custom G1 RHINO ported competition chokes
  • KICK-EEZ butt pad
  • Each purchase donates to Warrior Health

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The Best Sporting Clays Shotgun

The best sporting clays shotgun is the one that fits you!

Shotgun fit isn’t a term you may not hear often, but one that has the greatest impact on your success as a shotgun shooter. Most hunters and sporting clay enthusiasts read a few “The Best Sporting Clays Shotgun” lists, select a factory gun off the rack, test its heft, eye the finish, and purchase it. Now, this isn’t to say that your new shotgun won’t be effective, but it won’t be as precise as it could be because most mass-produced shotguns are designed for the “average shooter’s build,” forcing the shooter to adjust and adapt to the shotgun rather than having the gun adjusted to fit them.

When a shotgun has been properly fitted to the shooter, it feels comfortable to the shooter. When mounted, it becomes an extension of their body, in natural symmetry with their eyes, head, and arms. It rises fluidly to the cheek, rests comfortably on the shoulder, and the shooter’s eyes align almost instinctively down the barrel. Now doesn’t that sound like the best sporting clays shotgun?

So what parts of your shotgun should we focus on? Mount, stock length, and sight picture.

Mount

When you mount your shotgun, check the distance between your thumb and nose. We recommend at least an inch of spacing to account for recoil. You want to avoid striking your nose and breaking your concentration on the range or out in the field. You want to keep your eyes downrange and your barrel tracking the next target.

Stock Length

When considering stock length, there are three specific measurements to account for: drop at comb, heel, and length of pull. Using these three measurements to fit a shotgun to your body will significantly affect your shooting success.
A stock that is too long may catch under the armpit or drag on the lower shoulder—delaying your ability to acquire a target. Whereas a stock that is too short may cause a conflict with your face and hand. You should also take into account the seasons. You’re probably wearing a thin shirt when shooting in the summer, whereas you’ll be layered up during the winter months. So a stock that fits you in the winter might be an inch or two too short in the summer. A quick way to adjust your stock length is to add or remove spacers in front of the recoil paid.

Sight Picture

Since most shotguns have no rear sights, the shooter sights along a plane from breech to barrel muzzle. In effect, the shooter’s eye is the rear sight. Thus, the amount of drop at the comb is significant in its impact on success or failure. Should the comb be too low, the shooter’s eye will be too low when the gun is mounted and will miss low. Conversely, the shotgun will miss high if the comb stands too high. Shooters also need to determine if they want to see the rib and the bead or just the bead when sighting down a target. This is a point of personal preference, and there’s no better place to determine your preference than at a trap range, shooting targets repeatedly.

90% of shooters will be happy with their off-the-rack shotgun, but you’re not like everyone else, are you? A discriminating shooter such as yourself should consider working with Mid-Valley Clays Shooting School to choose a shotgun with the proper measurements for your body type, then adjust or alter the stock from there and work with you to determine your optimal sight picture.
Call or stop by our range today and let’s talk about how you can be a better shooter.