Clay target shooting uses a shotgun to break saucer-shaped clay targets thrown through the air. Targets fly at different angles, distances and speeds, and you score a point for each one you break. Shooters usually shoot in small squads and move through a set of shooting positions.
The main formats
Trap. Targets are thrown away from the shooter from a trap house in front of the stands. Down the line, the trap variant Field and Game Australia branches most often run, has five stands in an arc, with shooters rotating between them. Olympic trap is an international variant.
Skeet. Targets come from two towers, one high and one low, on set paths, while shooters move around a semicircle of shooting stations. Skeet is also an Olympic event.
Sporting clays and simulated field. Targets imitate the flight of game, from all sorts of angles. Sporting Clays Australia describes a course of 10 to 15 stations laid out over natural terrain. Field and Game Australia runs its own version, called Australian Simulated Field.
Who runs it
Three national bodies run clay target disciplines:
The Australian Clay Target Association (ACTA) administers clay target shooting, including trap, skeet and the Olympic ISSF events. Joining an ACTA club includes ACTA membership.
Sporting Clays Australia is the national association for sporting clays and universal trench.
Field and Game Australia runs more than 50 clay target ranges.
ACTA and Sporting Clays Australia are both member organisations of Shooting Australia.
How to try it
Clay clubs commonly run come-and-try days. The fee usually covers the shotgun, ammunition, a set number of targets, eye and ear protection and an instructor, though some clubs charge for ammunition separately. You'll usually shoot in a small squad with a coach or mentor. ACTA's website lists clubs by state, and it notes that most clubs let non-shooters come and try.
Wear closed shoes and comfortable clothes (one Adelaide club recommends clothing that covers your shoulders), and check the what to bring checklist.
Clay clubs run come-and-try sessions under rules that vary, including limits on visits before you need a licence. Requirements differ by state; check with the club and your state firearms registry.
Reviewed against: Home (Australian Clay Target Association), National ISSF Events (Australian Clay Target Association), Clay Target (Field and Game Australia), About Us (Sporting Clays Australia), ISSF Rule Book 2026 (International Shooting Sport Federation), 2025 Annual Report (Shooting Australia), Visitors (Sydney Clay Target Club), Try clay target shooting Adelaide (International Clay Target Club), How to Become a Member (Australian Clay Target Association), Come and Try (West Australian Gun Club), Come and Try! (Melbourne Gun Club)Reviewed Suggest a correction
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