Lost Dutchman Sporting Clays

Lost Dutchman Sporting Clays sits in the historic Picacho mining district, roughly an hour from Florence, Mesa, or Tucson. The club operates October through May—closed summers due to Arizona heat—and is built around one simple idea: shooters running the place for shooters.

The range includes:

• •10-12 Sporting Clays stations – Main course running 100 targets
• •1 FITASC Parcour – International format clay shooting
• •5-Stand – Combines elements of skeet, sporting clays, and trap with five shooting stations and 6-18 clay throwers

Sporting clays gets called "golf with a shotgun" because you move between stations over natural terrain, shooting at clay targets from different traps. A typical round is 100 targets. The game simulates hunting ducks, pheasants, upland birds, and rabbits.

• •Annual Membership: $250 (2025), increasing to $300 (2026) and $350 (2027). Includes 10% off ammo and 15% off shooting accessories and clothing. Family discounts available—additional household members get $25 off. Children under 18 shoot free on parent's membership.

• •Lifetime Memberships are available at 10x the current annual rate with age-based discounts: 2% off for each year over 50. Example: A 60-year-old pays $2,000 instead of $2,500.

Lost Dutchman runs competitive tournaments throughout the shooting season:

• •Copper Queen FITASC Invitational (January) – 100-target FITASC tournament with lunch
• •Silver Dollar Open (February) – 100-target tournament
• •20 Mule Train Open (March) – 100-target tournament
• •Mining Claim Classic (April) – 100-target tournament
• •Dynamite Classic (June) – 100-target tournament
• •Fun Shoots – Monthly 100-target events with free lunch, registered through ScoreChaser

Opening hours during season: Friday-Sunday, 8am-3pm. Monday-Friday by appointment only. Tournaments close the range for prep the day before.

• •Address: 20 N. Start Rd, Florence, AZ 85231
• •Phone: 520-414-4397

Approximately: - 50 minutes from Coolidge - 1 hour from Florence or Picacho Peak - 1 hour 15 minutes from Casa Grande - 1 hour 30 minutes from Mesa or Tucson

The last 5 miles to the range crosses State Trust and Federal BLM land on a well-graded road passable by most 2-wheel drive vehicles. Reasonable ground clearance required. Two gates (steel and barbed wire) secure the entrance—close them behind you.

"The Lost Dutchman is surrounded by AZ state land with vast amounts of room for dry camping. In spring you'll be surrounded by wildflowers and blooming cactus, serenaded by coyotes at night."

Arizona allows camping on 9.4 million acres of trust land. You'll need a recreational permit (per person or family) with a 14-day annual limit. Several hotels nearby in Casa Grande and Eloy, including Best Western Plus, Baymont by Wyndham, Quality Inn, and MainStay Suites.

The club offers customized team building experiences for companies. Events can include food and entertainment. Contact the club for custom quotes and availability. All corporate shooters must be members; bookings are Monday-Friday subject to availability.

1. Safety first – Standard firearm safety rules apply. Shells loaded only at the stand, guns always pointed safely, treat as loaded 2. Shotguns only – No pistols or rifles. Shot size restricted to 7½, 8, or 9 shot. Lead ammunition only 3. No smoking on range – Fire danger in the desert. Cigars welcome at the fire pit 4. No shooting under the influence – Alcohol and drugs prohibited 5. Eye and ear protection required

Most shooters bring: - 12 gauge or smaller shotgun - 12-gauge or smaller ammo (7½, 8, or 9 shot) - Eye and ear protection - Sunblock - Shooting vest or belt bag - Water and snacks - Camera

The club has ammo, guns, and equipment available if you need rentals.

The course is walkable, but golf carts and side-by-sides are allowed. Keep speed to 10 mph. Cart rentals available for members ($25) and non-members ($35) on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The club plans expansion including a member clubhouse, cart storage, camping hookups, additional sporting courses, trap, ZZ-bird, and more. Members are encouraged to provide input on what the club should build next.

The name comes from the legend of the Lost Dutchman gold mine in the Picacho area. In the 1800s, a Dutch prospector supposedly found a gold mine so pure it didn't need smelting—he turned in $350,000 worth (documented by the US government). After his death, no one ever found the mine. It's become an Arizona legend.