Harvey Schwartz, President of the Georgia State Clay Association, shares his journey into the world of sporting clays, detailing how he transitioned from a novice shooter to a key figure in the sport's governance. He discusses the financial revival of the GSCA, the importance of youth engagement, and the competitive landscape of Georgia's sporting clays shooting community. The conversation also delves into the challenges of target difficulty and the future of sporting clays, emphasizing the need for innovation and growth in the sport. The conversation explores the growth of youth participation in shooting sports, the challenges of scheduling state shoots, and the leadership transition within the GSCA. It highlights the importance of integrity in the sport, the bidding process for hosting events, and the upcoming major shooting events in Georgia. The speakers emphasize the need for community involvement and self-policing to maintain the sport's integrity. All this on the Matson Shooting Academy Podcast brought to you by The Clay Lab Network.

GSCA Website: https://www.ga-sportingclays.org/

Cody Matson: (770) 293-8820

Matson Shooting Academy: https://www.matsonshootingacademy.com/

MSA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matsonshootingacademy/

The Clay Lab: https://claylabusa.com/

Key Takeaways

-Harvey was introduced to sporting clays by a friend in 2005.

-Engaging youth in the sport is crucial for its future.

-Georgia has a highly competitive shooting community.

-Target difficulty is a debated topic among shooters.

-The quality of target setters has improved significantly.

-The GSCA aims to provide scholarships for high school seniors.

-The SCTP program is growing rapidly in Georgia.

-New clubs are emerging, providing more opportunities for shooters.

-Upcoming events like the Seminole Cup and Shooters Championship are highly anticipated.

-Self-policing within the shooting community is necessary to maintain standards.

-The trend towards more difficult targets reflects the sport's evolution.

-Community involvement is key to sustaining shooting sports in Georgia.