South Dakota State Skeet Association

The South Dakota State Skeet Association coordinates competitive skeet shooting throughout the state. As an NSSA-affiliated organization, SDSSA sanctions shoots, maintains shooter records, and connects competitors across South Dakota's network of gun clubs.

• •Sanctioned Competitions - Hosts state championships, invitational shoots, and registered events at member clubs
• •Virtual League - Runs an online scoring league where shooters compete across divisions (ten divisions from beginner to expert)
• •Shooter Classification - Maintains the SD Record Book and NSSA classification system
• •Certified Instructors & Referees - Lists NSSA-certified personnel to elevate club programs statewide
• •Youth Development - Partners with USA Clay Target League and Scholastic Clay Target Program
• •Regional Coordination - Connects shooters with clubs in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming

SDSSA coordinates with 10+ active skeet clubs across the state:

Upcoming Events: - May 9-10 - Pete Lein & Sons: SD/WY Challenge (Piedmont) - June 20 - Mitchell Gun Club: Morning Flight Singles & Doubles - July 11-12 - Mitchell Gun Club: Cattail Four-Gun Challenge - August 22 - Mitchell Gun Club: Prairie Pothole Two-Gun Classic - September 18-20 - Willow Creek Wildlife: South Dakota State Championship - October 30-November 1 - Pete Lein & Sons: Regional competition (Piedmont)

Shooters qualify by posting a minimum of 100 targets, then can shoot up to 400 additional targets. Ten competitive divisions based on skill level. 2025 winners included Nathan List (95.43% Division I), Bill Coad (94.80% Division II), and Doug Sell (87.20% Division III).

• •State Director - Steve Clark (Crooks Gun Club)
• •Board Members - Including Roger Plooster, longtime skeet competitor with 40,450+ lifetime registered targets
• •Ad Hoc Directors - Think tank for growing skeet: Andrew Thorsen (Rapid City), Sam Hummel (James River)
• •Certified Referees - Bob Stoeser and Rylie Stoeser (Willow Creek); ongoing recruitment for club-level referees
• •Level II Instructor - Bill Coad (completed NSSA Level II training at Mini-World in San Antonio)

As an NSSA state association, SDSSA members get access to: - National classification system (AA, A, B, C, D ratings) - Rule books and competition standards - State Shoot Grant programs (discounts for new competitors) - National Director voting (states with 25-150 members elect one director) - Connection to Mini-World and World Skeet Shoots in San Antonio annually

"Roger Plooster finished the year with 40,450 lifetime targets across multiple midwestern states, Arizona, and San Antonio" - from December 2025 board notes

SDSSA actively recruits new shooters through: - USA Clay Target League partnership - Introducing youth trap shooters to skeet at Monday night club shoots - Club expansion - Supporting new skeet field construction at Oacoma Trap Club; three fields coming to Aberdeen Gun Club - Newcomer discounts - 2025 State Championship brought 13 "new" participants who hadn't shot in 3+ years using NSSA grant discounts - Social media - Active Facebook page with 44+ followers, event galleries, and community updates

1. Join NSSA - Annual membership required to shoot registered events 2. Pay dues early - Registration opens in October; pay before year-end to ensure membership 3. Find a club - Contact any of the 10+ member clubs for walk-up or league opportunities 4. Virtual League - Shoot 100+ targets at your home club and submit scores online 5. State Championship - September event at Willow Creek; open to all NSSA members

• •Website - sdskeet.org (meeting minutes, shoot schedules, scores)
• •Facebook - South Dakota State Skeet Association
• •NSSA - nssa-nsca.org (national rules, certified referees, member search)
• •Email - Contact through SDSSA website for questions

SDSSA is run by volunteer shooters who compete in the same events they organize. Club activity varies seasonally—peak season spring through early fall before pheasant and waterfowl hunting season.