Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)
It’s been quite a few years since I visited the Rose Lake Shooting Range and Education Center in Clinton County and the upgrades to the facility are quite impressive. Where once it was a simply stark open field with shooting benches, it now boasts a large building with all the amenities of a teaching center plus an upgraded clay pigeon range with automatic throwers – all accessible to the public. My purpose in the visit was to gain some wing-shooting pointers via a teaching clinic that was to include a classroom session and some live action on the trap range.
Bill Fischer of Pheasant Forever was our presenter, who demonstrated through videos and personal demonstrations such factors as eye dominance and foundational techniques of hitting moving targets. Once everyone signed liability releases, we headed to the range with Bill, as our personal teacher. If you’ve ever wondered if you’ve been shooting blanks at ducks, geese or upland game such as pheasants or grouse, stick with me.
However, before getting into the details, this event and the range improvements were all funded by sportsmen and women who’ve bought firearms, ammo, boats or fishing gear over the years. The Pittman Robertson Act funding from excise taxes, whereas manufacturers pay an 11-percent tax on manufactured goods, has come back to us consumers in this remarkable, tangible asset for the population to enjoy. Because of the nature of the funding, this event was required to be free of charge, but it was worth more than money could buy.
Of the 10 people that had signed up for the session, only 4 were in attendance. This meant Joe and I were able to take turns at the range with our scatterguns under the direct tutelage of the trained and watchful eyes of Mr. Fischer. The other participants had their own shooting guides from the site’s DNR personnel, as well.
Initially, Joe and I were stinking up the place, as we were supplied with 20-gauge and 12-gauge shells respectively. Bill would get behind us and watch over our shoulders as most clay targets fell to the ground unscathed. We alternated shooting 5 shots each and the coaching became key, as we both finished with perfect 5-shot strings. But, I was left with a desire to get more of this quality range time.
Here’s the best part of the experience: With one’s own ammo and clay pigeons, anyone can test skills, albeit without an expert assistant during normal range hours. The staff will set shooters up with a portable electric thrower and will even provide shotguns and hearing protection, if needed. Eye protection is required, too.
More good news is that another free clinic is scheduled at Rose Lake on June 28th at 6 pm. If interested, call Bill Fischer at 989-395-5945 to insure a spot. With a limit of 10 people, it makes for a personal setting particularly conducive to learning.
Unlike rifle shooting, where aiming at stationary paper targets gives instant feedback, shooters can usually work out deficiencies themselves. However, the mysterious nature of knowing how and why we miss flying targets can be overcome with practice – perfect practice that is – and here’s an opportunity to minimize excuses afield and to have some fun at the same time.
and the upgrades to the facility are quite impressive. Where once it was a simply stark open field with shooting benches, it now boasts a large building with all the amenities of a teaching center plus an upgraded clay pigeon range with automatic throwers – all accessible to the public. My purpose in the visit was to gain some wing-shooting pointers via a teaching clinic that was to include a classroom session and some live action on the trap range.
Once everyone signed liability releases, we headed to the range with Bill, as our personal teacher. If you’ve ever wondered if you’ve been shooting blanks at ducks, geese or upland game such as pheasants or grouse, stick with me.
