Aboite Clays Youth Shooting Sports

Aboite Clays is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, dedicated to introducing and developing youth in competitive shotgun sports. The team operates as a scholastic shooting program for middle and high school-aged shooters, with approximately 20 team members ranging from complete beginners to experienced competitors.

The team focuses on two clay target disciplines:

• •Trap Shooting — The oldest shotgun sport in the U.S., originating from live pigeon shooting in England. Clay targets (called "birds") are thrown from a fixed location 48-52 yards downrange at angles up to 22.5 degrees on either side of center. One round consists of 25 targets—five from each of five shooting stations. Competitions typically run four rounds (100 targets total). The team competes in ATA (Amateur Trapshooting Association) trap, handicap trap (shooting from extended distances up to 27 yards), and doubles (two targets per turn).

• •Skeet Shooting — A supplemental shotgun sport developed in the 1920s using clay targets on a semicircular field with eight shooting stations. Two machines throw targets from a high house and low house, creating presentations that move away, toward, and across the shooter's line of vision. One round is 25 targets. The team has a subset of shooters who specialize in skeet alongside trap.

The Aboite Clays team competes in two formal shoots annually:

• •SCTP Shoot (Scholastic Clay Target Program) — Usually held in July at the Indiana Gun Club near Indianapolis
• •ATA State Shoot (Amateur Trapshooting Association) — Also typically in July at the Indiana Gun Club

Team practices run year-round with sessions scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at their home facility, Hillside Shooting Sports in Roanoke, Indiana (7870 N Mayne Rd., Roanoke, IN 46783).

Head Coach Larry Easley brings extensive experience in youth shotgun sports. He specializes in foundational instruction, gun fitting, teaching shooting principles, and helping shooters understand shotgun dynamics and shot patterns.

The coaching team also includes dedicated parent and grandparent volunteers who support the youth shooters and attend competitions.

Joining requires two registrations:

1. SCTP (Scholastic Clay Target Program) — Provides insurance coverage; must be completed online with e-signature before participating in official team practices 2. ATA (Amateur Trapshooting Association) — Provides registered target shooting status

Cost: $50 registration fee for SCTP; additional fee if ATA membership is also needed.

Medical forms are completed in person at first practice. Each shooter also participates in team fundraising (raffle ticket sales) which provides ammunition and financial support through the IYSSF (Indiana Youth Shooting Sports Foundation).

"Shooting improves self-discipline, focus, and confidence. My child was left out of 'normal' sports at school because their definition of 'sports' was much too narrow." — Parent of team member

The program welcomes shooters regardless of prior experience and creates an inclusive environment where youth can develop marksmanship, safety skills, and competitive experience.

Email: [email protected] Phone/Text: 260-673-5544 Home Club: Hillside Shooting Sports, 7870 N Mayne Rd., Roanoke, IN 46783