Hosted/Reported by: Courtney Bastian
Dates: July 5-6, 2024
The Montana Wingshooting Clinic was held at Gallatin Sporting Clays in Three Forks, MT, on July 5-6. This venue, with its beautiful setup, perfectly accommodated our group’s needs with three 5-stands and two sporting clays courses. We had a total of 13 participants, including a youth scholarship recipient, making it a vibrant and educational event.
Our expert and enthusiastic wingshooting instructor, Grace Callahan from New Jersey, led the clinic. Grace, certified as NSCA Level 1, NSSA Level 1, Range Safety Officer, and with NRA Basics Certifications, shared her wealth of knowledge with the participants. Her best advice to anyone wanting to try shooting is to start with proper instruction. She emphasized the importance of beginning with the correct knowledge, equipment to experiment with, and fundamentals rather than developing bad habits by trying to figure it out on your own.
We were fortunate to have Syren as a sponsor for the event. They provided five demo guns that participants could try out, allowing them to experience the difference when shooting a shotgun that fit them properly. This hands-on opportunity was invaluable for many participants.
Several attendees shared a group campsite with trailers and tents along the Gallatin River. This setup fostered camaraderie, with bird dogs running freely and some participants enjoying fly fishing. We also hosted a Pint Night at the Sawdust and Steel Brewery, which was a fun and inviting fundraiser.
The Montana Wingshooting Clinic was a fantastic success, thanks to the enthusiasm of our participants and the dedication of our instructor, Grace Callahan. The event not only provided valuable shooting instruction but also created a sense of community and shared experiences that are at the heart of HerUpland. We look forward to hosting more events like this in the future.
