Rylie Sass shares her journey as a young clay shooter, discussing her love for the sport, the challenges she has faced, and the importance of community and support in overcoming obstacles. She highlights the mental aspects of shooting, the significance of coaching, and her aspirations for the future, while also offering advice to new shooters, particularly women, to encourage them to participate in the sport. Rylie Sass is a Scholastic Clay Target Program Coach to youth shooters in Trap, Skeet, and Sporting Clays out of Florida. He commitment to bettering herself and the youth shooters she coaches is top-notch. As a new shooter to the sporting clays industry, Rylie is on track to achieving her goals from both the mental and practical stand point of shooting.

Dawn Grant Links

https://dawngrant.com/

https://mindmastered.com/

https://ameliashotgunsports.com/

Free webinar here: https://dawngrant.com/pages/clay-shooters-mind-game-mastery

Takeaways

-Andrea's journey showcases the importance of adaptability in sports.

-The transition from horse racing to sporting clays shooting highlights personal growth.

-Intuition plays a crucial role in both racing and shooting.

-The significance of mental resilience in high-pressure situations.

-The impact of physical fitness on performance in shooting sports.

-Mindfulness is crucial in high-pressure sports environments.

-Breathing techniques can help manage anxiety and improve focus.

-Women in shooting sports face unique challenges related to eye dominance and hormonal shifts.

-Learning from top performers can accelerate skill development.

-Women are increasingly making their mark in traditionally male-dominated sports.

Andrea Seefeldt Knight shares her remarkable journey from being a professional jockey to becoming a successful clay shooter. She discusses the challenges she faced as a female jockey in a male-dominated sport, her transition to clay shooting, and the importance of intuition in both sports. Andrea reflects on her early life, competitive spirit, and the thrill of competition, emphasizing the dedication and training required to excel in her pursuits. In this conversation, Andrea Seefeldt Knight shares her journey from being a professional jockey to becoming an accomplished clay shooter. She discusses the challenges of managing local shooting clubs, the physical demands of the sport, and the importance of mental focus in competition. Andrea reflects on her experiences in both fields, highlighting the adrenaline rush of competition and the parallels between jockeying and shooting. She also addresses the impact of injuries on her career and the strategies she employed to overcome challenges and improve her performance. In this conversation, Dawn and Andrea explore the mental aspects of shooting sports, focusing on visualization techniques, learning from top shooters, and the importance of mindfulness and mental training. They discuss the unique challenges women face in the sport, including hormonal influences on performance and eye dominance issues. The conversation emphasizes the balance between mental focus and instinctive reactions, highlighting the significance of enjoyment and relaxation in high-pressure situations.

Dawn Grant Links

https://dawngrant.com/

https://mindmastered.com/

https://ameliashotgunsports.com/

Free webinar here: https://dawngrant.com/pages/clay-shooters-mind-game-mastery

ASK Sporting Clays, LLC: https://www.facebook.com/AndreaSeefeldtKnight/

Email: Zigask1@gmail.com

A.I.M Shooting School: https://clayshootinginstruction.com/

Takeaways

-Andrea's journey showcases the importance of adaptability in sports.

-The transition from horse racing to sporting clays shooting highlights personal growth.

-Intuition plays a crucial role in both racing and shooting.

-The significance of mental resilience in high-pressure situations.

-The impact of physical fitness on performance in shooting sports.

-Mindfulness is crucial in high-pressure sports environments.

-Breathing techniques can help manage anxiety and improve focus.

-Women in shooting sports face unique challenges related to eye dominance and hormonal shifts.

-Learning from top performers can accelerate skill development.

-Women are increasingly making their mark in traditionally male-dominated sports.

In this conversation, Drew Ricketts shares his lifelong experiences in wildlife management and shooting sports, detailing his journey from growing up in Kansas to becoming the NSCA Chief FITASC Referee. He discusses the evolving drama with the FITASC & Super Sporting, the importance of education in wildlife management, the balance between conservation and hunting, and the role of referees in clay target sports. Drew emphasizes personal growth through experiences and the significance of taking advantage of opportunities. Drew’s expertise in FITASC lends to his methods of shooting and coaching. As a referee and course manager, Drew has learned by watching the best shooters around the world for decades. Drew Ricketts manages the K-State Research and Extension Wildlife Management YouTube Channel and Podcast. He also highlights the educational initiatives he is involved in, including a viral video on trapping moles and the importance of wildlife management in the community.

Dawn Grant Links

https://dawngrant.com/

https://mindmastered.com/

https://ameliashotgunsports.com/

Free webinar here: https://dawngrant.com/pages/clay-shooters-mind-game-mastery

Drew Ricketts: https://www.wildlife.k-state.edu/

KSRE Wildlife Management YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KSREWildlife

Takeaways

-Drew has lived in Kansas for 43 years, except for one.

-He is the NSCA Chief FITASC Referee and a professor.

-Drew's early experiences with his father as a trapper shaped his career.

-He transitioned from wildlife management to academia after realizing the red tape in government jobs.

-Drew emphasizes the importance of personal growth and learning from experiences.

-He believes in the balance of wildlife management and conservation efforts.

-Drew's educational initiatives aim to teach wildlife management effectively.

-He highlights the importance of being a facilitator as a referee in shooting sports.

-Drew's viral video on trapping moles reached over 100,000 views.

-He encourages aspiring wildlife managers to take advantage of opportunities

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.

Derrick Mein shares his journey as an accomplished Olympic shooter, discussing his experiences in the sport, the mental aspects of competition, and the importance of preparation and mindset. He reflects on his family support, the evolution of shooting techniques, and how he manages the emotional rollercoaster of competition. Derrick emphasizes the significance of understanding oneself and developing a personal approach to shooting, while also acknowledging the advancements in technology that have changed the game. In this conversation, Derrick and Dawn explore the evolution of shooting sports, emphasizing the increasing difficulty of targets and the advancements in shooter skills over the years. They discuss the importance of enjoying the game rather than solely focusing on winning, highlighting how a positive mindset can enhance performance. The conversation delves into the process of winning, the significance of nutrition and hydration, and maintaining normalcy while traveling for competitions. Derrick shares insights on finding focus and entering the zone during competitions, as well as his future aspirations in the sport. The discussion concludes with the importance of embracing failures as a pathway to growth and improvement.

Dawn Grant Links

https://dawngrant.com/

https://mindmastered.com/

https://ameliashotgunsports.com/

Free webinar here: https://dawngrant.com/pages/clay-shooters-mind-game-mastery

Derrick Mein: https://www.teamusa.com/profiles/derrick-mein-984146

Takeaways

-Derrick made his second Olympic team and competed in Paris.

-The Olympic experience is humbling and eye-opening.

-Preparation at home helps focus on competition.

-Mental aspects are crucial for success in shooting.

-Finding personal routines is key to performance.

-Managing emotions is essential for competitive shooters.

-Mistakes are opportunities for learning and growth.

-Understanding oneself is vital for success in shooting. Targets are more challenging now than in the past.

-Focus on the process of winning, not just the outcome.

-Maintaining a routine helps in competition settings.

-Finding focus is essential for success in shooting.

-Embracing failures can lead to personal growth.

-Traveling with familiar comforts can enhance performance.

-A positive mindset can significantly impact shooting results.

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On this episode of Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence & Industry Insight, Dawn Grant brings you Nathan Flanagan who shares his journey into the world of clay shooting, detailing how his family influenced his passion for the sport. He discusses his transition from a developer to a professional target setter, balancing family life with his commitments to shooting events. Nathan elaborates on his philosophy of target setting, emphasizing the importance of visibility and accessibility for all shooters. He also reflects on his experiences at the Nationals, the challenges of course management, and how he handles criticism from the shooting community. In this conversation, Nathan Flanagan discusses his experiences in the shotgun sport, emphasizing the importance of mental preparation, the challenges of balancing passion with family commitments, and the evolution of clay shooting as a competitive sport. He shares insights on target setting, the significance of teamwork, and the necessity of maintaining physical and mental fitness for optimal performance. Nathan also offers practical advice for aspiring shooters, highlighting the value of safety and learning from diverse shooting partners. Nathan Flanagan has been involved in sporting clays for over 25 years. After honing his skills at instructing, course management, and target setting in his home state of Texas, Nathan moved to Colorado and founded Flanagan Shooting Sports in 2014. He is a NSCA certified level 1 instructor based in Colorado. Nathan works full time in the shooting industry; whether instructing a beginner shotgunner, or setting up for a major shoot, he is dedicated to providing an enjoyable and safe experience for his clients. Nathan’s Email: FlanaganShootingSports@gmail.com Nathan’s Phone: (940) 206-4476 Dawn Grant Links https://dawngrant.com/ https://mindmastered.com/ https://ameliashotgunsports.com/ Free webinar here: https://dawngrant.com/pages/clay-shooters-mind-game-mastery Key Takeaways -He transitioned from a developer to a professional target setter after the 2008 crash. -Nathan emphasizes the importance of visibility in target setting for all skill levels. -He believes in creating a balance between challenging and accessible targets. -Handling criticism is part of the job, and Nathan focuses on constructive feedback. -Community engagement is vital in the shooting sports world. -Nathan's approach to target setting is seen as an art form. -He values the feedback from shooters but prioritizes visibility and safety. A signature style in -shooting can be deceptive. -The mental aspect of shooting is crucial for success. -Trusting your instincts is key in target setting. -Preparation for major events requires significant time and effort. -Gun safety should always be a priority in shooting sports. #sportingclays #shotgun #12ga #overunder #semiauto #trap #skeet #shooting #sports #claytarget #training #NSCA #shotgunsports #podcast Join The Clay Lab Squad to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQ4Epr--Dor0ydrflnLnTg/join Like, Share, and Subscribe. Be sure to comment what else you would like to see in the future. Disclaimers: All logos used in this video were used by express permission of Fiocchi USA, Cole Fine Guns & Gunsmithing, Westside Sporting Grounds, Ranger, Greenwood Custom Stocks, Castellani USA, Electronic Hearing Protection, SoundGear, Fennell Shooting School, and Krieghoff International. Music: Used under license from Epidemicsound This video, podcast, article, and channel are a product of Clay Lab USA, LLC. All Copyright protections apply.

In this podcast episode, host Cody Matson interviews Mike Luongo, team manager for Krieghoff International. They discuss the recent success of the Krieghoff team at Nationals, the importance of confidence in shooting, and the upcoming Krieghoff Demo Days at Cherokee Rose. Nov 23 & 24 2024 Krieghoff Demo Days at Cherokee Rose. All versions of the Krieghoff K-80 and K-20 will be available even sub-gauge barrels! Mike shares insights on customizing shooting experiences, the significance of customer service in gun sales, and his future plans for expanding gun sales and knowledge sharing. The conversation highlights the value retention of Krieghoff guns and the personal touch that Mike brings to his work. In this conversation, Michael Luongo discusses the intricacies of vintage firearms, the artistry of hand engraving, and the importance of skilled gunsmithing. He highlights the exceptional performance and quality of K-80 shotguns, emphasizing the craftsmanship involved in their production. The conversation also touches on community engagement through upcoming events, encouraging participation and connection among shooting enthusiasts. Rocky Creek Sporting Clays: https://www.rockycreeksportingclays.com/ Cherokee Rose Sporting Clays: https://crclays.com/ Key Takeaways -Mike Luongo emphasizes the importance of confidence in shooting performance. -The Krieghoff team had a standout performance at Nationals, showcasing their talent. -Demo Days at Cherokee Rose will allow shooters to try various Krieghoff guns. -Customization options for Krieghoff guns are extensive, catering to individual needs. -Customer service is a priority for Mike, ensuring buyers get the right fit for their needs. -Mike's passion for the shooting sports is evident in his dedication to helping others. -The upcoming website will enhance customer experience and accessibility to products. -Krieghoff guns maintain their value well, making them a smart investment. -Personalized coaching and support are key components of the demo experience. -Mike plans to focus more on gun sales and customer education in the future. Vintage firearms can appreciate in value over time. -Hand engraving adds unique value to firearms. #krieghoff #k-80 #luongo #rockycreeksportingclays #sportingclays #shotguns #12ga #cherokeerose #MSA #podcast #theclaylab #claylab #skeet #trap #olympics -The craftsmanship in gunsmithing is a dying trade. -K-80 shotguns are known for their exceptional performance. -Quality control is paramount in firearm production. -Krieghoff prioritizes service and customer satisfaction. Join The Clay Lab Squad to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQ4Epr--Dor0ydrflnLnTg/join Like, Share, and Subscribe. Be sure to comment what else you would like to see in the future. Disclaimers: All logos used in this video were used by express permission of Fiocchi USA, Cole Fine Guns & Gunsmithing, Westside Sporting Grounds, Ranger, Greenwood Custom Stocks, Castellani USA, Electronic Hearing Protection, SoundGear, Fennell Shooting School, and Krieghoff International. Music: Used under license from Epidemicsound This video, podcast, article, and channel are a product of Clay Lab USA, LLC. All Copyright protections apply.

In this conversation, Ashleigh Alexander, A 2x National Sporting Clays, 5x US Open, 2x World Sporting & World FITASC Ladies Champion, shares her journey in the competitive shooting world, detailing her early beginnings, family involvement, and the transition into running a family business. She discusses the challenges of balancing family life with a demanding shooting schedule, the mental strategies she employs to maintain focus and confidence, and the influence of her father's competitive spirit on her career. Ashleigh emphasizes the importance of hard work and preparation in achieving success and reflects on the supportive environment her family created for her growth as a competitor. In this engaging conversation, Ashleigh shares her journey as a competitive shooter, discussing the challenges and triumphs she faced in a male-dominated sport. She reflects on her father's influence, the mental fortitude required for women in competitive shooting, and the shifting priorities that come with motherhood. Ashleigh also touches on her recent Hall of Fame induction and emphasizes the importance of hard work and commitment in achieving success. Shotgun gear LLC focuses on Promatic Trap Sales and Services with addition to mobile target setting and trap leases.

Shotgun Gear LLC

Website: https://www.shotgungearllc.com/

Email: Shotgungear@gmail.com

Dawn Grant Links

https://dawngrant.com/

https://mindmastered.com/

https://ameliashotgunsports.com/

Free webinar here: https://dawngrant.com/pages/clay-shooters-mind-game-mastery

Takeaways

-She has won multiple national and world titles.

-She travels extensively for competitions and business.

-Flipping the switch between family and competition is crucial for her.

-Being in the zone means intense focus and calmness.

-Confidence comes from years of hard work and experience.

-Her father's competitive nature influenced her own drive.

-Ashleigh's family created a supportive environment for her success.

-The grid's going to break it. If there is a flaw in your game, you're going to find it there.

-Everything's impossible till somebody does it right.