Double barrel duo

When Josh Kleinheksel and Tammy Bartlett first became interested in shooting sporting clays, neither of them thought that they would become nationally ranked. Nor did they think that within four years they would make it to the top two classes under Master Class in the sport. Yet, they recently returned from the U.S. Open in Tucson, Ariz. where Bartlett came home with two Women's Championships: one in the 28 gauge and one in the .410 gauge division.

"That was the first major shoot we've ever been to and we did very well. There were over a thousand shooters and we ended up placing in several events," said Kleinheksel.

Unlike skeet or trap shooting, sporting clays is often referred to as "golf with a shotgun" and, according to the National Sporting Clay Association (NSCA), it is an apt comparison. On their website, the NCSA states that "like golf courses, no two sporting clays courses are alike." They add that the terrain and background of the course have much to do with how targets are presented.

"Sporting clays is more of birds that come from different directions and do different things. Some are rabbits, some are coming from behind you over your head. Some are crossing. Just random," said Bartlett.

"You'll see a different combination of birds at each station you go to on a sporting clay range," added Kleinheksel.

Bartlett had originally been involved in trap shooting while living over in Laramie, but became involved in sporting clays after her cousin brought her over for one of the 4-H shoots held by the Silver Spur Ranch. Kleinheksel, meanwhile, credits his friend, Brent Moon, for getting him involved in the sport.

The couple decided to begin attending registered shoots, which aren't held in the southern end of Wyoming, and began going to events in Colorado. Starting out in registered events, Kleinheksel and Bartlett were at the lowest ranking, E, but within a few short years have risen to the ranking of AA and A, respectively.

"That's a lot of traveling because there's nothing around here. There's never any registered shoots around here," Bartlett said.

The couple believe that, if a registered sporting clays event were to be held in the Valley, it would be very successful just from what they've seen with the Silver Spur.

"(Dave) Sturm puts on that shoot the first Sunday of every month at the Silver Spur. You can't believe how many people come from Laramie to do that," said Bartlett.

Though putting on a registered shoot would require a lot of work, both Bartlett and Kleinheksel feel that one could be put on by A-Bar-A Ranch, Brush Creek Ranch and the Silver Spur and that it would be another draw for people to the Valley.

"It would take a lot of manpower, but it would be fun," Bartlett said.

Along with having improved in the sport, the couple have noticed an improvement when it comes to shooting at big game during hunting season. According to Bartlett, she used to require more time to setup what she thought would be the perfect shot. Since shooting sporting clays, however, her aim has become more instinctual with less thought on lining up her shot.

Much like those who compete in pool or dart tournaments, the couple have their preferred shotguns to use. Both shoot with a Caesar Guerini over and under 12 gauge shotguns that have fitted Briley tube sets. Tube sets are aluminum tubes with stainless steel chambers that can be inserted inside a barrel, changing it to a smaller gauge.

"Shooting the same gun, that is essentially four guns in one, is paramount in doing well in sub gauge events," said Bartlett.

The couple are planning on attending even more shoots this summer which will require even more traveling. Despite the travel and the cost of the sport, however, it is something they both enjoy and couldn't imagine doing on their own.

"I like that it's for anyone. Kids to 90 year olds. And it's great for couples," said Bartlett.