Australian Grand Prix - Sporting - Australia (March 2013)

Laang Sporting Clays, also known as the Warrnambool Range, is a premier, shotgun-only shooting facility managed by the Warrnambool Branch of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA Victoria). Located in the picturesque forested region of Laang, Victoria, it stands as one of Australia's most respected venues for sporting clays and compak sporting. The facility provides an inviting, highly secure environment that accommodates everyone from complete novices to elite international competitors.

The defining "signature" of the Laang range is its integration with the dense, natural forested valley terrain. This undulating topography allows target setters to utilize natural elevations, creating incredibly realistic, three-dimensional target trajectories among the trees. Additionally, the low-lying valley microclimate often introduces cool, misty morning conditions. Without wind, powder smoke tends to linger within the tree line, creating a unique visual challenge that tests a shooter's focus and rapid target acquisition.

Technically, the complex is exceptionally well-equipped, featuring cutting-edge automatic clay traps from top global brands like Promatic and La Porte. Laang proudly holds the distinction of being the first club in Australia to acquire and implement the Promatic "Moorhen" automatic trap. On-site amenities include a modern, comfortable clubhouse featuring electrical power, running water, heating, and air conditioning. To maximize competitor comfort during major events, the organizers provide shelters, seating, and mobile toilets at every range, while its smart layout allows shooters to drive their personal vehicles directly to each shooting station.

Collaborating closely with Sporting Clays Australia (SCA), Laang is a celebrated host of top-tier championships, including the FITASC Australian Grand Prix, Compak Nationals, and VSCA State Titles. The technical design of these courses is supervised by Stephen Chilton, the National Target Director Specialist and SCA Target Shooting Director, ensuring that target presentations are world-class. These elite courses are meticulously balanced to ensure that shooters of all grades are fairly challenged and thoroughly entertained.

The versatility of the Laang range makes it highly appealing to a broad demographic of shooting sports enthusiasts. The club effectively caters to several distinct groups:

• Novices and Juniors: Benefit from highly structured safety inductions, supportive coaching, and subsidized or free competition entries to foster youth development.

• Sporting Marksmen: Gain access to complex, masterfully designed layouts throwing at least 30% "exotics" like Rabbits, Battues, Midis (90mm), Minis (70mm), Super Minis (60mm), and Rockets to hone their skills.

• Teams and Schools: Regularly utilize the venue for regional inter-school clay target competitions, promoting team building and sportsmanship.

• Corporate Groups: Can arrange tailored corporate packages, combining clay shooting under expert guidance with full event catering.

Key Features & Advantages

• Immersive Topography: Natural valley and dense forest provide realistic hunting simulations and complex target angles.

• Advanced Automation: First-class Promatic and La Porte traps, including the innovative "Moorhen" trap, ensure exceptional reliability and variety.

• Premium Amenities: Fully conditioned clubrooms with electricity and running water, plus specialized on-range shelters and seating during big events.

• Seamless Logistics: Shooters can drive personal vehicles directly to each range, eliminating the need for bus transfers.

• Elite Course Design: Targeted menus crafted by SCA National Target Director Stephen Chilton ensure optimal grading difficulty.

Hours of Operation

• General Practice & Shoots: First Sunday of every month, starting from 10:00 AM onwards.

• Major Tournament Days: As scheduled per the Sporting Clays Australia calendar (typically starting at 8:15 AM or 9:00 AM depending on the event format).

• Monday – Saturday: Closed for general public access (except for scheduled regional championships, multi-day national events, or pre-arranged corporate/group bookings).