The Saudykla Shooting Club is a prominent and well-equipped family-owned complex in Lithuania, founded in 2006, positioning itself as the largest and most technologically advanced facility in the Baltic States for smoothbore shooting. Located in Kunionių village, Kėdainiai District, just 34 km from Kaunas, the club offers exceptional logistics for regional shooters. Its operational success is built on a unique integrated model, combining the state-of-the-art shooting range with the neighboring "Medžiotojų sostinė" (Hunter's Capital) homestead. This partnership allows the club to offer a complete package of services, including shooting, accommodation with a sauna, catering, and event spaces, making it a highly attractive, full-service destination for organizers of large events and corporate retreats.
The complex boasts a robust technical infrastructure, highlighted by its 26 automated clay pigeon machines and a modern control system, capabilities often associated with leading European facilities. This extensive machinery is used to support the club's key discipline: high-variability clay target shooting (Sporting). The club’s most regular event is the "Sunday Marathon" (Sekmadienio maratonas), a year-round, bi-weekly competition/training session that features 24–26 different target trajectories distributed across 12–13 shooting locations. The flight complexity is intentionally varied (20% difficult, 40% medium, 40% easy targets), ensuring comprehensive skill development for competitors. The stand also provides specific hunting practice areas, including moving targets simulating a "Running Boar" and "Deer".
Key Infrastructure and Capabilities:
Target Machines: 26 automated throwers with a modern control system.
Training Discipline: Clay Target Shooting (Sporting focus), with structured tasks ranging from 50 to 100 targets.
Hunting Practice: Specialized ranges for "Running Boar" and "Deer" moving targets.
Integrated Amenities: Accommodation, sauna, catering, conference space, and a heated cabin for winter shooting (via "Medžiotojų sostinė").
Retail/Service: On-site sale of 12-gauge ammunition at prices lower than retail stores, and an online shop for accessories and gift vouchers.
The club has fostered a high-performance environment through its structured competition system. The "Sunday Marathon" divides shooters into four groups (A-D) based on accuracy (Group D for novices), promoting continuous improvement and offering substantial prizes (cartridges) to the best and most persistent performers, with the season formally closing with an awards ceremony at the homestead. This competitive atmosphere, paired with instruction from the owner, Vidas Silvestravičius (a two-decade veteran of the sport), and his championship-winning sons, ensures quality training for all levels.
Target Audiences:
Elite Competitors: Seeking highly consistent and variable training for Lithuanian and international tournaments (e.g., BalticCup).
Hunters: Requiring specialized practice for moving targets and seeking discounted ammunition.
Corporate/Event Clients: Need all-inclusive packages for team building, seminars, or social events that include shooting and lodging.
Beginners/Youth: Require safe, supervised instruction with instructors and access to smaller caliber (.410) weapons.
The club provides clear introductory packages, such as the 40.00 € package for beginners (25 shots/targets, gun rental, and instructor). The competitive Sunday Marathon entry fee is 35.00 € for 100 targets (30.00 € for club members). The club operates from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, with Monday being the non-operational day for the shooting range.
Address and Operating Hours:
Address: Šaudykla „Shooting Club“, Kunionių k., Kėdainių raj., LT-57351, Lithuania.
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 09:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Monday Closed).
The Shooting Club de Lecci is a highly competitive and respected clay pigeon shooting facility situated in Suartu, near Porto-Vecchio on the island of Corsica, France. The club is recognized nationally as a hub for advanced competitive shooting, specializing in disciplines that require technical precision and adaptability, such as Compak Sporting and Parcours de Chasse (Sporting). Its core strength lies in its commitment to complex course design; the club is known for its challenging tracks that are "not reputed to be easy" (n'est pas réputée pour être tracée “facile”). This high standard is ensured by the club’s active co-organizer, Pascal Orsoni, a competitor who frequently updates the course configurations with cutting-edge ideas gathered from continental competitions.
The stand offers a comprehensive range of shotgun disciplines, utilizing professional Laporte equipment for reliable and stable target trajectories, which is essential for high-level events. While the facility does not appear to offer permanent hotel or restaurant services, it is highly capable of hosting large social events. During major tournaments, the club arranges full-scale catering and evening banquets featuring traditional Corsican music and food, demonstrating a strong focus on hospitality and community experience. Technical support, including ammunition and gun-smithing advice, is often provided on-site during competitions through partners like Armurerie Pierrot.
Key Disciplines Offered:
Stand de Ball Trap (General Trap);
Parcours de Chasse (Sporting);
Compak Sporting (Focus discipline);
Tir aux Hélices (Helice Shooting).
The club serves as a significant venue in the French shooting calendar, regularly hosting major events, including the annual Grand Prix de Lecci (a 200-target Compak Sporting event that draws over 120 competitors). Furthermore, the club has secured the right to host the Grand Prix de France de Compak Sporting in April 2026, solidifying its reputation and infrastructure on a national level. While regular, structured coaching programs are not explicitly advertised, the competitive environment and the expertise of the management make it an ideal location for high-performance training, appealing to both elite French competitors and experienced amateur shooters.
The Shooting Club de Lecci is best suited for professional teams and highly motivated amateur shooters who require sophisticated, challenging courses to prepare for national and international competitions. It is also an excellent choice for corporate clients seeking unique, high-quality team-building events that combine sport with a rich social program. General pricing information is limited to competition registration fees (e.g., €80 including a meal for the Ball Trap event).
Core Advantages:
Challenging Course Design: Courses are constantly updated by active competitors, ensuring a high technical test.
National Event Hosting: Proven capability to successfully organize large tournaments (including the Grand Prix de France 2026).
Competition Focus: Attracts elite French shooters, providing high-level competitive benchmarking.
Logistical Support: On-site technical support for equipment and ammunition during major events.
The club is located at LA CROIX DE LECCI, Suartu, 20137 Porto-Vecchio, France.
Regular operating hours are limited to Saturday and Sunday from 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM, with weekday access strictly by appointment requiring 24 hours' notice.
The Shooting range VLS Lučiny is a strategic professional shooting range located in the scenic Doupov Mountains of the Czech Republic, near the world-renowned spa city of Karlovy Vary. Managed by the state-owned Military Forests and Estates (VLS), which operates under the Ministry of Defence, the facility adheres to strict national standards for discipline and security. It serves as a premier destination for professional gamekeepers and elite sport shooters who prioritize a high-standard training environment integrated with authentic Czech hunting traditions.
The range is specifically engineered for shotgun sports, offering facilities that mimic realistic hunting conditions alongside international competitive formats. Its most distinctive asset is the specialized "High Tower" (Vysoká věž), which launches targets from a significant height to simulate the challenging flight patterns of high-altitude birds. The rugged mountain terrain and unpredictable wind patterns characteristic of the Hradiště region provide a technical challenge essential for preparing for international Sporting championships.
Key Disciplines: Hunting Skeet (Lovecké kolo), Trap, High Tower, and specialized shotgun drills.
Automation: Reliance on professional automatic throwing machines to ensure stable competitive trajectories.
Lučiny functions as a vital cultural hub for the regional hunting community, most notably hosting the annual "Man, Forest and Game" (Člověk, les a zvěř) festival in May. This event features comprehensive trophy exhibitions from the Western Bohemian honitba Hradiště and the prestigious "Parforsní kňour" trumpeting competition. Training programs focus on professional mastery, including preparatory courses for state exams and the refinement of technical skills for experienced athletes under the methodology of VLS experts.
Major Events: Trophy shows, military equipment presentations by the Army of the CR, and regional hunting championships.
Public Access: Operational hours for the public are typically scheduled for Wednesdays from 15:00 to 17:00, requiring prior coordination due to institutional use.
The site is well-equipped for multi-day events, offering necessary comfort in a remote forest setting. Visitors can utilize the VLS network of authentic hunting hostels, such as Činov and Bukovina, which provide cost-effective lodging with immersive nature experiences. Simultaneously, the range’s location just 12–15 km from Karlovy Vary provides international teams and guests access to legendary luxury hospitality at institutions like the Grandhotel Pupp.
On-site Amenities: Covered seating, refreshment stalls during events, electricity, and ample parking optimized for 4x4 vehicles.
Lodging Infrastructure: Choice between authentic state-run hunting cabins (200–450 CZK/night) or premier five-star wellness resorts in Karlovy Vary.
The Shooting range Lučiny offers a unique competitive advantage through its combination of state-regulated professional standards, specialized high-tower presentations, and the ability to combine intensive training with high-end spa recovery in a single trip. This combination of technical difficulty and strategic location makes it an ideal training ground for competitive shooters seeking the highest quality preparation.
Shooting range Oksalis "Oksalis" is a specialized shooting sports facility located in the Rēzekne region of Latvia, serving as a key hub for clay target shooting in the Baltics. Unlike typical flatland ranges, this complex is deeply integrated into a natural forest landscape, offering a unique "hunting in the woods" experience. It strategically targets both professional athletes preparing for international FITASC/Compak tournaments and hunters seeking realistic practice conditions before the season.
The facility’s primary competitive advantage lies in its terrain and technical complexity. The shooting stations are positioned within a dense forest, utilizing natural windows between trees and varied elevations to create unpredictable target trajectories. This setup mimics the flight of game birds (woodcock, pheasant) and running hares, requiring shooters to master complex lighting conditions where targets transition rapidly between shadow and sunlight.
Operational excellence is guaranteed by the owner and head coach, Arnis Romans, a 2024 European Champion in Combined Game Shooting. His expertise ensures that target presentations are not only challenging but also technically consistent with European Grand Prix standards. The range is equipped with professional automated traps (typically Laporte/Promatic) and wireless release systems, minimizing technical delays and allowing for a smooth rhythm during training or competition.
The infrastructure is versatile, supporting multiple disciplines ranging from Compak Sporting and FITASC Sporting (Large Sporting) to Combined Game Shooting (including a running boar range). Beyond the firing line, "Oksalis" offers a complete service ecosystem, including on-site ammunition sales (Mirage, RC, B&P), equipment rental, catering during events, and designated safety zones, making it suitable for long-duration tournaments.
"Oksalis" maintains an active calendar of events, hosting prestigious competitions such as the Grand Prix of Latvia and the Latvian Championship, which attract over 100 participants from across Europe. Simultaneously, it fosters a local community through the "Hunter’s League"-a more accessible format designed for amateurs and teams. The venue is also adapted for corporate events and team-building, offering a safe and engaging introduction to shooting sports.
Key Facilities & Features:
Disciplines: Compak Sporting (multiple layouts), FITASC Sporting (forest lines), Combined Game Shooting (rifle + shotgun).
Equipment: Professional automated trap machines, wireless release systems, "Cyprus-style" target settings.
Amenities: Catering/field kitchen area, large parking lot, ammunition shop, safety zones.
Training: Individual coaching by a European Champion, group seminars, "Hunter’s League" for novices.
Core Advantages:
Natural Realism: Forest terrain provides superior simulation of hunting scenarios compared to open fields.
Expert Management: Target setting is overseen by a top-tier active athlete (Arnis Romans).
Logistics: Full service on-site (ammo, food, rental) simplifies logistics for visiting shooters.
Atmosphere: A balance of high-performance sport and a friendly, family-oriented environment.
Location & Operating Hours
Address: Treuhi, Čornajas pagasts, Rēzeknes novads, LV-4617, Latvia.
Operating Schedule:
Tuesday & Thursday: 12:00 – 15:00 (Open training sessions).
Saturday & Sunday: Reserved for scheduled competitions or training by prior appointment only.
Monday: Closed (Maintenance day).
Sologne Shooting Club: World Center for Sporting Clays Shooting in the Heart of Sologne
World-class rural shooting range, located in the heart of Sologne's hunting region (France), combining innovative shooting infrastructure with the exclusive coaching of multiple world champion Charles Bardou.
Competitions Organized at the Range
The Sologne Shooting Club (SSC) is an internationally recognized arena for sporting clays shooting and regularly hosts high-level competitions that attract the elite of the sport worldwide.
Euro Cash Shooting: This is one of the most famous tournaments on the club's calendar. It has gained a reputation as one of the, if not THE most difficult shooting tournament in Europe. The difficulty of the trajectories, often specially adjusted for maximum challenge, and the competition conditions, which sometimes include shooting directly into the sun 2, attract the best shooters seeking to test their skills.
Official FITASC Tournaments: The range is an active member of the International Federation of Sporting Clays Shooting (FITASC) and hosts official stages, such as the French Grand Prix and the European Compak Sporting Cup.
Regular Grand Prix: Regular Grand Prix events are organized for the club community and national shooters, including themed competitions like the Halloween GP and the Christmas GP.
The club's international status is confirmed not only by the scale of the competitions but also by the involvement of premium sponsors, such as Zoli and Le Chameau, reflecting the high level of organization and the prestige of the targeted audience.
Introduction
The Sologne Shooting Club is located within the Domaine de Courgenou in the municipality of Chaumont-sur-Tharonne 3, in the heart of the historic French region of Sologne (Loir-et-Cher). This location is ideal for all those who share a passion for ball-trap—hunters who wish to refine their instinctive shooting to professional athletes aspiring to world supremacy. The complex offers unique infrastructure that is constantly modernized through partnerships with leading global equipment manufacturers, ensuring the highest quality shooting conditions.
The SSC's main competitive advantage lies in its integration of an elite sports experience: the club is directly associated with champion Charles Bardou, whose experience and high achievements (notably European and French Championship titles) guarantee uncompromising course difficulty and realism. With 27 unique Hunting Course layouts and 210 trap machines, the SSC is rightly considered one of the most varied and technically equipped ranges for sporting clays shooting.
On-Site Facilities
The club's extensive layout and specialized equipment are designed to meet the technical demands of the Hunting Course and Compak Sporting, with an emphasis on creating the most challenging and realistic scenarios.
Shooting Stations and Disciplines (Quantity).
27 separate Hunting Course layouts offer exceptional variability, allowing shooters to train in conditions that rarely repeat.
Disciplines: The main focus is on Hunting Course (Sporting Clays) and Compak Sporting, for which international Grand Prix events and championships are regularly organized.
Equipment and Automation (Brands, Multipull, etc., if available).
The club is equipped with 210 various trap machines. This number of machines distributed across 27 layouts indicates advanced automation and the ability to configure complex trajectories simultaneously.
The club is a partner of LAPORTE 4, a world leader in the manufacture of Ball-Trap equipment, ensuring the reliability and precision of target flights.
Partnerships with PERAZZI (elite sports shotguns) and FOB (ammunition) 4 highlight the premium quality of the inventory and resources available at the club.
Infrastructure and Hospitality (Restaurant/Hotel/Relaxation Areas, Parking).
Shop: A specialized shop is located on-site where shooters can purchase necessary and useful accessories, clothing, and equipment for Ball-Trap practice.
Logistics Areas: Hosting large-scale competitions (Euro Cash Shooting) demonstrates developed infrastructure to serve hundreds of participants, including a large parking lot, registration areas, and prize-giving zones.
Additional Features (Night Shooting, Simulators, Elevated Platforms).
The large number of machines and layouts allows for creating conditions that faithfully simulate hunting scenarios, including shooting from hides and the use of elevated platforms to mimic high-angle targets (like geese or pigeons).
Competitions organized in the fall (for example, the Halloween GP in October) 4 may involve twilight shooting or low-light conditions, although direct night shooting services are not explicitly advertised.
Range Terrain, Trajectory Complexity, and Climate
Regional Context: Sologne
The Sologne region in the Loir-et-Cher department is renowned as one of France's most prestigious hunting territories. It is a historically wooded and lacustrine area that is perfectly suited to the Hunting Course. The club is located in the Heart of Sologne sector, where hunting and traditional French aristocratic culture create a unique atmosphere. This location strengthens the SSC brand, associating it with authenticity and high-level hunting artistry.
Terrain, Trajectory Complexity, and Climate
Geographically, Chaumont-sur-Tharonne is located at a relatively low altitude, with an average of 128 meters above sea level. Although the terrain is not mountainous, the layouts cleverly use the natural lines of Sologne's forests and landscapes to create complex and unpredictable trajectories.
Trajectory Complexity: The SSC's reputation as the "most difficult" range in Europe is built on the creative adjustment of machines. Organizers, particularly Charles Bardou, specifically design layouts that challenge even professionals.
Factors Increasing Difficulty: It is documented that trajectories can be deliberately set directly against the sun, creating a dazzling effect and critically complicating target acquisition. Even minor weather changes, such as rain or wind, are integrated into the process as additional challenge elements.
Climate: The climate in Chaumont-sur-Tharonne is temperate continental.
Warm Season: Lasts approximately from June to early September. Average daily high temperatures exceed 22°C (about 72°F).
Cold Season: Lasts from November to early March. Winters are very cold, mostly cloudy, and, importantly for shooting, windy. The presence of wind ensures target flight instability, increasing the realism of hunting scenarios, which is an advantage for athletes preparing for international competitions.
Training and Instruction
The Sologne Shooting Club positions itself not only as a shooting ground but also as a high-performance academy, centered around multiple champion Charles Bardou.
Formats (Individual/Group).
The club offers guidance and coaching services (Accompagnement) 4, which can be provided individually or for group or team shooting preparation.
Sessions with Bardou involve in-depth analysis of technique and tactics, based on his direct competitive experience.
Levels (Beginners/Competitors).
Charles Bardou's programs are designed for three main categories: hunters (who want to improve their accuracy in field conditions), beginners (who need to master basic ball-trap skills), and experienced competitors (compétiteurs) aiming for world peaks.
Training athletes on such a difficult range gives them a unique advantage, as they learn not only technique but also how a champion sets trajectories and reads the most unpredictable targets.
Titles and Achievements of the Coach/Owner:
Charles Bardou is a key figure whose personal success validates the quality of training at the club. He is one of the most accomplished shooters in France and Europe, having won numerous titles in both Hunting Course and Compak Sporting.
Bardou is the 2024 European Compak Sporting Champion (score 199/200) and multiple French Champion in both main disciplines. His record also includes World Vice-Champion titles and a Bronze Medal in the Compak Sporting World Championship. His involvement in the club's daily operations and course setup (such as the 2018 Christmas Grand Prix) 10 ensures that the range is always at the highest level of sporting excellence.
Events and Competitions
The SSC range serves not only as a training base but also as a full-fledged arena for shooting sports.
Regularity/Scale: Events are organized regularly throughout the year. The club is consistently featured in the international FITASC calendars, hosting European Cups and Grand Prix events. The scale of these events confirms that the SSC can manage high-complexity organization and logistics.
Options (Corporate Events, Team Building, Banquets): The format of competitions, particularly the Euro Cash Shooting, includes spectacular and exciting elements ideal for corporate events and team building. Specifically, the presence of "FLASH targets", which instantly reward the shooter with 100 € for breaking them 11, creates an exciting prize element. The high status of the Sologne region and the developed infrastructure allow for organizing exclusive and prestigious banquets and client events.
Ideal Clientele
The Sologne Shooting Club targets an audience that values supreme quality, technical complexity, and direct access to a champion's expertise.
Elite International Competition Teams: Teams requiring a top-tier, FITASC-certified location in Europe with dynamic, naturally challenging terrain and complex target automation.
Beginners and Hunters: Individuals seeking rapid and high-quality mastery of shooting, particularly Hunting Course, under champion Charles Bardou's guidance.
Foreign Sports Tourists and VIP Clients: People seeking a unique shooting experience combined with relaxation in a premium French hunting region, near the Loire châteaux.
Corporate Groups: Companies looking to organize exclusive and prestigious events in an atmosphere of sporting challenge and luxury.
Competitive Advantages
Uncompromising Course Difficulty: The range has a confirmed international reputation for its extreme difficulty, ideal for professional skill refinement.
Champion Coaching: Direct access to expertise and training programs developed and led by European Champion Charles Bardou.
Unique Infrastructure: The largest number of Hunting Course layouts (27) and trap machines (210) ensures unlimited training variability.
Technological Equipment: The use of LAPORTE equipment and partnerships with premium brands (PERAZZI, FOB) ensure technical excellence.
Authentic Sologne Terrain: The use of natural landscapes, including forested areas and open spaces, faithfully simulates real hunting conditions.
Favorable Logistics: Located in the premium Centre-Val de Loire region with easy access to luxury hotel complexes.
Services and Rates
The Sologne Shooting Club offers a full range of services necessary for Ball-Trap practice. Although exact rates for 2024 are not publicly detailed, standard services generally include:
Targets (Clays): Sale of clays by rounds (25 targets), with discounts available for club members.
Gun Rental: Rental of sports shotguns available (estimated from 10 € per round).
Instructor/Coaching: Individual and group lessons (Accompagnement) with qualified instructors, including Charles Bardou's programs.
Insurance: Mandatory payment of daily insurance for visitors without valid coverage (estimated at 5 €).
Ammunition: Option to purchase ammunition (FOB) directly at the club's shop.
Address and Opening Hours
City: Chaumont-sur-Tharonne
Address: Sologne Shooting Club, Domaine de Courgenou - RD 35, 41600 Chaumont-sur-Tharonne, France
Contact Information
Phone: +33 (0)2.54.76.12.72
Opening Hours: Wed–Sun 09:00–18:00, Mon–Tue – Closed.
Closest Accommodation Options
The club's location in the attractive tourist region of the Val de Loire ensures a wide choice of upscale accommodations. The following options are available nearby for international shooters and VIP clients:
Exclusive Châteaux and Spas:
• La Borde en Sologne Château & Spa.
• Les Sources de Cheverny (Cheverny).
• Relais de Chambord (Chambord).
Charming Hotels and Residences:
• Les Hayes en Sologne (Fontaines-en-Sologne).
• Hôtel Du Cygne.
• Hotel Restaurant Le Vieux Fusil.
The Sporting Club des Sables is a premium French clay pigeon shooting destination strategically situated in Nemours, Île-de-France, halfway between Paris and the renowned Sologne hunting region. Set across unique natural terrain encompassing woods, plains, and clearings , the club offers a highly realistic environment for training and competition, appealing to a broad audience from leisure shooters to elite competitors. The club’s key competitive differentiator is its leadership: it is presided over by Bastien Havart , a highly decorated FITASC Coach and a World Team Champion (2022) in Parcours de Chasse (Sporting). This championship pedigree ensures the highest standards in course setting and coaching methodology.
The facility is exceptionally well-equipped, boasting a total of 21 active shooting stands. The vast majority of the infrastructure is dedicated to hunting simulation, making it a leading centre for Sporting disciplines. The club utilizes robust, high-quality LAPORTE equipment for its target throwing machines. Beyond the courses, the infrastructure includes a fully renovated Club House with a bar and a Pro Shop, where members and visitors can purchase necessary gear, ammunition, and Category C firearms.
The club offers structured training programs designed for every skill level. Coaching ranges from the introductory Initiation package (€56, including a coach, 25 targets, and ammunition) to specialized Shooting Performance sessions (€250 for a half-day) reserved for serious competitors. This commitment to competition is reinforced by a loyalty program that rewards licensed members with substantial bonus targets (up to 1,500) for achieving podium results at major international tournaments. The stand is a regular host for high-level events, including the Grand Prix d'Ile de France , and offers bespoke services for corporate outings and team building.
Suitable Audiences:
Professional Competitors: Due to the 14 Parcours de Chasse courses and elite coaching.
Hunters: Ideal natural terrain for highly realistic hunting practice simulation.
Beginners & Amateurs: Access to safe, structured initiation and refinement courses.
Corporate Clients: Excellent facilities for team building and corporate seminars.
Membership is available for €90 annually, granting preferential target rates and shop discounts.
Address and Operating Hours:
Address: Rte de Nemours À Poligny, 77140 Nemours, France.
Hours: Thursday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed Monday–Wednesday).
The “Stendinio Shooting Center” (Stendinio šaudymo centras), located in Vilnius (S. Batoro g. 90 A), is Lithuania's premier facility for competitive clay shooting, operating under the umbrella of the Lithuanian Olympic Sports Center. This institutional link guarantees adherence to stringent international standards for safety and technical infrastructure. The center excels as a high-performance training ground for national athletes and is uniquely certified to host major international events.
The club's most significant competitive distinction is its status as a four-time host of the FITASC Compak Sporting World Cup stages. This recurring accreditation by the International Shooting Sport Federation (FITASC) confirms that the center's infrastructure, safety protocols, and target presentation complexity consistently meet world-class benchmarks. The range benefits from a complex natural terrain, allowing it to create demanding and varied target flight scenarios—including high, fast, and rolling targets (rabbits)—that effectively simulate real-world hunting conditions crucial for Compak Sporting success.
The facility offers a versatile training environment, encompassing all major clay shooting disciplines: Compak Sporting, Olympic Trap, and Olympic Skeet. This broad offering allows athletes to conduct comprehensive training, combining precision-based shooting with dynamic, reactive practice. The equipment utilized is high-quality commercial-grade, featuring systems that allow for sophisticated target sequencing (multipull functionality) required for FITASC competitions. Furthermore, the club enforces strict ammunition limits (28 grams charge, 2.50 mm shot) to ensure sporting integrity and safety.
Training is highly structured and accessible to all skill levels. Novices and amateurs benefit from structured lessons and specialized materials, while elite shooters can book individual coaching sessions lasting 1 or 2 hours. The center actively caters to the commercial sector, offering customized programs for "companies and collectives" for corporate team-building, capitalizing on its safety standards and professional instruction. Given its central location in Vilnius, international and corporate clients benefit from excellent access to the city’s wide array of hotels and dining options.
Key Disciplines & Features
Primary Focus: Compak Sporting (FITASC World Cup Host: 2014, 2018, 2021, 2022).
Other Disciplines: Olympic Trap and Olympic Skeet.
Unique Feature: Affiliation with the Lithuanian Olympic Sports Center, guaranteeing international standards.
Training Formats: Individual (1 or 2-hour sessions) and Group training.
Target Audience
Elite Shooters: Requiring certified, world-class facilities for Olympic and FITASC training.
Corporate Clients: Seeking highly safe, professionally organized team-building events in a unique setting.
Serious Beginners: Valuing structured instruction under the supervision of Olympic-level qualified coaches.
The Hunting Shooting Range of the Polish Hunting Association (ZO PZŁ) in Piotrków Trybunalski is a strategic training facility located in Central Poland. Serving as the primary examination and training hub for the Łódź Voivodeship, this facility is designed to meet the rigorous standards of state hunting exams. Unlike commercial recreational ranges, this venue focuses on professional marksmanship, offering a comprehensive environment for hunters to validate their skills and for sport shooters to practice dynamic disciplines.
The facility's key competitive advantage is its ability to host the full spectrum of the "Hunting All-Round" (Wielobój Myśliwski) competition in a single location. While many ranges offer only clay target shooting, this complex uniquely integrates automated ground targets-specifically the "Running Hare" and "Running Boar"-alongside classic aerial disciplines and a 100-meter rifle axis. This "all-in-one" configuration makes it the go-to destination for comprehensive pre-season training and official certification.
Key Facilities and Disciplines:
Clay Target Zones: Fully equipped Trap (5 stations), Skeet (7 stations), and two Compak layouts, plus the "Pheasant" (Fazan) range for high-tower simulation.
Dynamic Ground Targets: Automatic Running Hare (35 m shotgun range) and Running Boar (50 m rifle range).
Rifle Range (100 m and 150 m): A dedicated 100-meter range ("Roebuck/Fox") for zeroing optics and precision shooting from stable positions, as well as a 150-meter rifle range.
Pistol Range: A 50 m range available for sport shooting and self-defense training (operated in cooperation with KSS "Security Academy").
The operational model is professional and community-focused rather than commercial-luxury. While there is no permanent restaurant on-site, the range supports large events with catering infrastructure (grill/field kitchens) and offers a multifunctional shelter and lecture hall for club gatherings and theoretical training. The atmosphere is deeply rooted in hunting tradition, characterized by safety, discipline, and the camaraderie of the "Piotrkowska Strzelanka" competitive series.
This venue is ideally suited for active hunters preparing for the season, candidates training for their practical exams, and sport shooting teams looking for diverse target presentations. Its flat, open terrain ensures consistent target flight paths, minimizing wind interference and providing fair conditions for competitions. The pricing structure is highly accessible, particularly for PZŁ members, emphasizing its role as a non-profit association facility.
Core Advantages:
Versatility: One of the few places offering both running game targets and 100m static rifle lanes.
Official Status: State-certified venue for hunting exams ensures high safety and maintenance standards.
Logistics: Located near a major transport hub, with ample parking for competition days.
Seasonality: Operates actively from spring to late autumn, maximizing the use of daylight hours.
Location & Operating Hours
Address: ul. Wierzejska 100, 97-300 Piotrków Trybunalski, Poland.
Operating Schedule (Seasonal: March – November):
Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00 (Autumn/Winter hours may shorten to 17:00).
Thursday: Extended hours often available in summer (until 20:00).
Monday – Tuesday: Closed.
Strzelnica Trofeum Malbork, located in the quiet suburb of Nowa Wieś Malborska just minutes from the historic Teutonic Castle, is a premier multifunctional shooting complex in Northern Poland. The facility serves as a comprehensive hub for sport, hunting, and tactical shooting, integrating professional ranges with a specialized hunting shop and on-site gunsmithing services. Its strategic location makes it an ideal destination for both professional athletes and tourists visiting the UNESCO-listed Malbork region.
The complex is engineered to support a diverse array of shooting disciplines through specialized shooting axes and automated systems. It features dedicated zones for precision and dynamic training, ensuring high safety standards and operational reliability.
Shooting Axes & Disciplines:
Pistol Axes: 15m and 25m lanes for sport and defensive shooting (PiRO).
Rifle Axes: 50m for.22LR rimfire and 100m for centerfire rifles and optics testing.
Clay Target Area: Specialized sectors for Skeet, Trap, and Parkour (Sporting Clays) equipped with automatic throwing machines.
Running Boar: A specialized 35–50m moving target station for hunters.
Training at Trofeum Malbork is built on professional methodology led by experienced PZSS-certified (Polish Shooting Sport Federation) judges and instructors. The club is well-known for its CRF (Combat Ready Firearm) system, which focuses on efficient weapon handling, and its active youth section. Management is led by experts such as Vice President Maciej Pasternak and RTS Commission head Alicja Szewczuk, ensuring that all training and tournaments adhere to national sports regulations.
The facility is a vibrant center for regional competition, regularly hosting prestigious events such as the "Master of the Order Cup" (Puchar Mistrza Zakonu) and the "Mikołajkowe" Parkour tournaments. Beyond sports, the club is a popular venue for corporate team-building, offering a large conference room, a panoramic terrace, and grill/campfire areas for social events.
Key Competitive Advantages:
Multifunctionality: A rare combination of a range, hunting shop, and gunsmith workshop in one site.
Advanced Technology: Features a 24/7 weather camera and automated target release (multipull) systems.
Tourism Synergy: Ideally situated for visitors of Malbork Castle, with various lodging options like "Majewski Hotel & SPA" and on-site cottages.
Flexible Packages: Offers beginner-friendly vouchers (e.g., "Na Początek") and high-intensity tactical packages (e.g., "Komandos").
Address and Operating Hours:
Address: ul. Strzelecka 1, 82-200 Nowa Wieś Malborska, Poland.
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday–Friday: 09:00 – 17:00;
Saturday–Sunday: 09:00 – 14:00;
Monday: Closed.
The Suvio Klubas (Šūvio Klubas) Sports and Leisure Center, located in the remote, forested area of the Varėna district of Lithuania (Krūminių k.), is a modern, multifunctional shooting facility established on a 4-hectare plot. It serves a dual purpose, catering both to high-level competitive preparation and recreational shooting, uniquely leveraging its secluded environment for specialized training. The club is the brainchild of its director, Vidmantas Balkė, whose passion for hunting shaped the facility's niche.
The primary competitive advantage of Šūvio Klubas is its rare specialization in high-precision dynamic hunting simulation. It is uniquely equipped with specialized animated shooting lanes for large dynamic targets, including the "Running Boar" at 35–50 meters and 100 meters, and the "Running Elk" at 100 meters. This extensive 100-meter dynamic infrastructure is critical for professional hunter certification and advanced training, making the club a key regional hub for the hunting community.
The club's range capacity is broad, accommodating all major weapon types—rifled, smoothbore, pneumatic, and short rifles—in addition to dedicated clay target (plate shooting) areas. This multi-discipline capability extends to recreational options, including sports bows and slingshot catapults for all ages. The facility's operational model is highly flexible: it offers organized packages for novices (e.g., a 60-shot introduction) and advanced training for professional athletes, with qualified instructors available for all sessions.
Key Disciplines & Features
Unique Dynamic Ranges: Running Boar (35–100m) and Running Elk (100m).
Weapon Versatility: Supports Rifles, Smoothbore, Pneumatic, and Short Rifles.
Event Hosting: Regular organizer of regional competitions, including the "Šūvio klubas Cup" and the Varėna Mayor's Cup.
The club is a popular venue for private and corporate functions due to its secluded setting, offering privacy and comprehensive event management. Services include organizing corporate events, team-building sessions, and private celebrations, with logistical support available for multi-day stays through external partners. Notably, the facility operates strictly by prior appointment only (+370 678 40 404) and does not maintain fixed public hours, which ensures dedicated service quality and control over the high-quality shooting environment.
The T.P. ARGILE VITTEL (Ball-trap de Vittel) shooting complex is a major competitive and recreational center located in They-sous-Montfort, in the Grand Est region of Eastern France, near the famous spa town of Vittel. The facility operates under a model that balances professional sports with broad accessibility, welcoming everyone from absolute novices-starting at age 14-to the most seasoned competitors. Due to the stand's focus purely on shooting, it strategically leverages the highly developed hotel and restaurant infrastructure of nearby Vittel, making it a logistically attractive destination for multi-day competitive events.
The club's elite status is firmly established by its competition calendar. T.P. ARGILE VITTEL is a regular host for national selections (Sélection Nationale Compak Sporting) and regional championships. Crucially, the facility has the infrastructure and accreditation required to host the Grand Prix de France FITASC de Compak Sporting (a World Cup stage), confirming its adherence to the highest international standards set by the Fédération Internationale de Tir aux Armes Sportives de Chasse (FITASC).
The defining feature of the Vittel stand is its expansive, open terrain. Covering approximately 7 hectares (70,000 m²) 7, the complex maintains only four shooting posts. This intentional design choice maximizes the trajectory range and complexity of targets over the open natural ground. Situated at an elevated position (Chemin du Haut de Vittel), the targets are highly susceptible to natural factors, such as wind and varying light conditions. This ensures that training conditions are realistic and demanding, perfectly suited for competitors preparing for natural-terrain courses (Parcours de Chasse) or Compak Sporting events where maximum adaptability is required.
The shooting complex is highly versatile, specializing in both competitive shotgun disciplines and hunting practice. The facility is fully "Découvert" (open-air) and its shooting lines are laid out on natural grass. While official branding of the throwing machines is not publicly detailed, the hosting of major FITASC events implies the use of sophisticated, reliable automatic machines (likely from industry leaders like Laporte) capable of handling the high volume and complex multipull sequences required for 200-target competitions.
Key Disciplines Available:
Compak Sporting (CS)
Fosse Universelle (Universal Trench)
DTL (Down-the-Line)
Sanglier Courant (Running Boar) – A key feature for hunters
Training and instruction are available for both individuals and groups. For those new to the sport, the club offers an inclusive and mandatory "Initiation Package" starting from age 14, requiring only a valid ID. Experienced shooters benefit from the presence of technical experts (as indicated by the connection to armurerie.barras), who can provide specialized advice on equipment and technique necessary for competitive performance.
Core Services and Pricing :
Initiation Package: €35 - 25 Targets, 25 Cartridges, Gun Rental, Daily Insurance, Instructor
Daily Insurance: Mandatory - Required for all non-FFBT members (price not specified)
Discount: 10% - Applies to the Initiation Package with the “Pass Vosges” card
The stand’s operating schedule is highly seasonal, which is a critical point for visitors to note due to its climate in the Vosges region. Access during the week generally requires coordination with the club management, and hours are significantly reduced in the winter.3
Seasonal Operating Hours:
Summer (March–September)
Monday-Saturday - 14:15 - 19:00
Sunday - 10:00 - 12:00 & 14:15 - 19:00
Winter (October-March)
Monday–Saturday - 14:15-16:00
Sunday - Closed (by phone appointment)
Target Audience and Advantages:
Elite Compak/Fosse Shooters: Proven international-grade infrastructure for serious competition.
Hunters: Unique access to the Sanglier Courant (Running Boar) target for practical practice.
Sports Tourists: Seeking high-quality shooting experience with easy access to the full amenities (lodging, dining) of the Vittel resort.
Beginners: Attractive and affordable initiation package with safety instruction and all equipment provided.
The TAV San Martino is a highly specialized shooting complex, located among the picturesque hills of Rio Salso, Tavullia, in the Marche region, Central Italy. The facility stands out for its multifunctionality, boasting eight shooting ranges that cover all the main world disciplines of clay shooting. The complex positions itself as an elite preparation center, combining cutting-edge sports infrastructure with an innovative scientific methodological base, which includes high-level academic coaching. This approach makes the TAV San Martino an attractive place for organizing national competitions and training professional teams.
Positioning and Geography
Geographic and Sports Positioning
The TAV San Martino is located at Strada San Martino, 13A – 61010 Rio Salso Tavullia, in the province of Pesaro e Urbino, part of the Marche region. This position, far from urban noise, ensures ideal conditions for intensive training while maintaining convenient logistical accessibility. The proximity to the Adriatic coast and major tourist centers like Rimini and Riccione greatly simplifies accommodation for national and international teams.
The complex is situated at about 170 meters above sea level. This characteristic of the Marchean hilly terrain is crucial for sporting clay shooting (Sporting) training, as it naturally complicates the flight paths of the clays. Clays that appear or disappear against the background of the hilly landscape pose an additional challenge to athletes in assessing speed and distance, simulating real competition or hunting conditions.
Key Feature: Science-Based Preparation
The fundamental distinction of the TAV San Martino from other European shooting centers is its investment in a scientific approach to athlete preparation. The technical staff includes a specialist with a PhD, responsible for integrating advanced methodologies in sports psychology, optometry, functional preparation, and applied ballistics. This level of expertise transforms the facility from a simple range into a true sports science center, attracting elite athletes who seek to optimize their performance based on research data.
Shooting Infrastructure
The TAV San Martino boasts a powerful infrastructure consisting of eight shooting ranges, which allow for simultaneous training and competitions, covering virtually the entire spectrum of world clay shooting.
Ranges and Disciplines
The complex supports four key competitive disciplines:
Compak Sporting: It is the main orientation, supported on all 8 ranges. This ensures maximum flexibility for shooters preparing for FITASC competitions.
Olympic Trap: Supported on four ranges (Ranges 3, 4, 5, partially 2).
Universal Trench: Supported on three ranges (Ranges 3, 4, 5).
Skeet: Supported on Range 5.
Premium Equipment and Partnerships
The high status of the TAV San Martino is confirmed by partnerships with the world's leading manufacturers of firearms, ammunition, and equipment. The shooting ranges are named after these companies, indicating direct collaboration and the use of premium systems:
Firearms and Cartridges: The ranges bear the names of world giants such as BERETTA, BENELLI, FRANCHI (firearms) and FIOCCHI, RC (ammunition). This ensures that the infrastructure meets the highest standards of quality and safety.
Clay Launching Machines: The presence of the MATTARELLI range testifies to the use of high-quality Italian Mattarelli machines, a recognized standard for Olympic and sporting disciplines.
Unique Specialized Structures
To increase the difficulty of the training process and ensure spectacular shoot-offs, the facility is equipped with two fundamental unique elements:
SAN MARTINO TOWER: This tall tower is positioned between Ranges 3 and 4 and is intended for launching high-speed clays from great heights. The tower is used for practicing particularly difficult shots and for hosting decisive phases of competitions (pool and shoot-offs), requiring shooters to have maximum precision and quick reaction.
Compak Sporting Platform: It is an elevated platform 320 cm high on Range 5. It simulates typical mountain hunting conditions, where clays are launched from different levels and directions, creating unpredictable trajectories. It is an indispensable element for preparing sporting hunters.
Table 1: Specialization and Partnerships of TAV San Martino Shooting Ranges
Range No. | Name (Brand Partner) | Key Disciplines | Unique Features |
1 | EUROTARGET | Compak Sporting | Standard sporting format. |
2 | MATTARELLI | Compak Sporting, Trap 1 | Likely equipped with Mattarelli machines. |
3 | BERETTA | Olympic Trap, Universal Trench, Compak Sporting | Partnership with the firearms manufacturer. |
4 | JACK JONES | Olympic Trap, Universal Trench, Compak Sporting | Universal range. |
5 | BENELLI | Olympic Trap, Skeet, Compak Sporting | The only Skeet range; includes Compak Sporting Platform (elevated platform 3.2 m). |
6 | RC | Compak Sporting | Partnership with the cartridge manufacturer (RC). |
7 | FIOCCHI | Compak Sporting | Partnership with the cartridge manufacturer (Fiocchi). |
8 | FRANCHI | Compak Sporting | Partnership with the firearms manufacturer. |
Training and Instruction
The TAV San Martino offers structured training programs aimed at both beginners and elite athletes.
Formats and Levels
The complex organizes courses in two main formats:
Introductory Courses: Aimed at acquiring basic skills and safety for newcomers to clay shooting.
Specialization Courses: Intended for experienced shooters aiming to improve their results in specific disciplines (Compak, Trap).
Training can be conducted in individual or group format.
Technical Staff and Scientific Advantage
The operational director and key event organizer is Alberto Pacassoni.
The scientific and methodological approach is implemented by Dr. Riccardo Monzoni (PhD). His involvement indicates a shift from intuitive training to science-based performance optimization. Dr. Monzoni's specializations cover critical aspects for elite sports:
Mental Training: Application of sports psychology techniques to increase concentration and competition stress resistance.
Optometric Training: Specialized exercises to improve target tracking speed and depth perception, which directly affect reaction time.
Ballistics and Tuning: Provision of expert assistance in weapon setup for long-range shooting and optimization of ammunition choice.
This combination of technical infrastructure and scientific methodology is the main factor attracting professional national teams.
Events and Competitions
The TAV San Martino is a recognized venue for organizing competitions under the auspices of the FITAV (Italian Clay Shooting Federation) and FITASC.
Scale and Regularity of Competitions
The complex has proven experience in organizing major national events, testifying to its high organizational capacity. In particular, the TAV San Martino has hosted the 22nd Italian FIDC Championship (Italian Hunting Federation), which underscores its ability to manage a large number of participants in various categories.
The competitive calendar is dense, including regional and national trophies, such as the 2nd Hunters Trophy and stages of the 4th Marche Cup. This provides athletes with a stable opportunity to compete throughout the season.
Event Options
The infrastructure, sized for national championships, is also ideal for organizing corporate events, team building, and private banquets. The availability of ample parking and rest areas allows for comfortably hosting large groups, combining shooting with social and corporate events.
Who It Is For (Key Audience)
Professional Shooters and National Teams: Thanks to the complete range of competition fields (Trap, Skeet, Compak) and the scientific support of a PhD coach, a unique advantage.
Organizers of Major Tournaments: The facility meets the technical and logistical requirements of FITAV and FIDC for organizing national and regional championships.
Athletes Specialized in Sporting: The availability of 8 Compak Sporting ranges, the Tower, and the Platform ensures maximum realism and complexity in training.
Beginners Seeking Quality Instruction: Access to structured "introductory" courses under the guidance of qualified instructors.
Advantages (Strategic Factors)
Complete Multidisciplinarity: A single center capable of hosting simultaneous training in Olympic Trap, Skeet, and Compak Sporting on 8 independent ranges.
Scientific Expertise: The integration of PhD-level coaching, including functional preparation, optometry, and sports psychology, provides a systemic advantage in preparation.
Premium Technical Equipment: Direct partnerships with Italian industry leaders in firearms and ammunition (Beretta, Benelli, Fiocchi), ensuring equipment quality and launch stability.
Complex Natural Terrain: The location on the Marche hills (170 m a.s.l.) naturally creates challenging trajectories for Sporting, elevating training quality.
Extreme Training Conditions: Presence of the SAN MARTINO TOWER and Platform for practicing high-speed and high-altitude clays (high birds).
Convenient Logistics and Services: Proximity to international transport hubs and tourist areas (Rimini), greatly simplifying team accommodation organization.
Services and Prices
The "Services and Prices" section is omitted, as the exact rates for shooting series, rentals, or instruction specific to TAV San Martino have not been confirmed in the available sources.
Address and Hours
Address: Strada San Martino, 13A – 61010 Rio Salso Tavullia (PU), Italy.
Opening Hours: Tue–Sun 09:00–18:00, Mon – Closed (typical hours for a competitive shooting range).
Contacts:
Email: segreteria@tavsanmartino.com.
Phone (Administration/Events): +39 347 880 4029 (Alberto Pacassoni).
Additional Phone: +39 347 322 7895 (Oliviero Pacassoni).
Logistics Analysis and Accommodation
Regional Overview (Marche)
The TAV San Martino is located in the Marche region, known for its hills and proximity to the Adriatic coast. The climate in Tavullia is temperate Mediterranean. The average temperature in the hottest months (July/August) is about 24°C, and in the coldest months (January/February) it is about 9°C. This ensures a comfortable and extended shooting season for most of the year.
Nearest Hotels (Logistical Solution)
Since Rio Salso is a small settlement, accommodation for large sports delegations or teams during major competitions is organized in nearby cities with developed tourist infrastructure.
Key Logistical Points for Accommodation:
Rimini/Riccione: They are the major nearby tourist centers. They offer a large number of high-class hotels, such as Hotel Carlton, Hotel Savoy, Waldorf Palace Hotel, i-Suite Hotel, and Mercure Rimini Artis. These cities provide accommodation flexibility (hotels, apartments, villas) and proximity to Federico Fellini Airport (Rimini).
Tavullia/Pesaro: The most local options include B&B, farm stays, and smaller hotels, ideal for those seeking quiet accommodation.
Rural Viterbo Shooting Complex: Premier International Sporting Clays and Multi-Discipline Target Training Center.
Competitions Hosted at the Stand
The T.A.V. Vetralla complex maintains an exceptional competitive profile, regularly hosting events that range from crucial national championships to highly prestigious international fixtures across multiple target shooting disciplines. This extensive history of hosting significant tournaments is a clear indicator of the facility’s capacity to adhere to rigorous global standards for course design, operational safety, and high-volume organizational logistics.
The facility’s international standing is primarily driven by its reputation as a leading European venue for dynamic clay shooting formats. It successfully hosted the Gran Prix of Italy – Sporting in 2022, a major tournament sanctioned by the FITASC (Federation Internationale de Tir aux Armes Sportives de Chasse). The ability to host a FITASC Gran Prix validates that the T.A.V. Vetralla complex possesses certified layouts, complex target-setting capabilities, and the necessary logistical framework to attract and manage elite competitive talent from across the globe.
In the domestic arena, the complex serves as a critical host for national-level competition. It regularly manages major championships and regional events in both Sporting Clays and Compak Sporting, as evidenced by event recordings and specialized channels dedicated to these disciplines. These formats effectively utilize the natural, varied topography of the Viterbo region, demanding both precision and adaptability from the participants.
A key structural advantage of Vetralla is its versatility across disciplines. In addition to dynamic sporting clays, the range is fully certified to host standardized Olympic formats. This is confirmed by its selection as the venue for the first Italian University Championship for Fossa Olimpica (Trap) and Skeet in 2023.4 This event followed the earlier Criterium Universitario in 2021. The concurrent capability to run both high-variability natural-terrain Sporting events and standardized, precise Olympic disciplines demonstrates exceptional investment in flexible infrastructure and comprehensive range management.
Introduction
ASD Tiro a Volo Vetralla is a highly distinguished Italian shooting complex strategically positioned in the historic Tuscia region, within the Viterbo province, known for its scenic beauty and cultural depth. Located conveniently and directly accessible via the Via Aurelia Bis 1, the facility provides world-class shooting environments configured for both elite competitive athletes and recreational users seeking sophisticated instruction and uniquely challenging layouts.
The range’s operational excellence is confirmed by its track record as an international host site. The successful organization and management of high-profile events, such as the FITASC Gran Prix, necessitate robust organizational capabilities and strict adherence to global safety and course standards. This history of execution ensures a professional and high-quality experience for all users.
The primary competitive advantage of T.A.V. Vetralla is its comprehensive infrastructural versatility. It features certified layouts designed for four major disciplines: Sporting Clays (Parcours de Chasse), Compak Sporting, Fossa Olimpica (Olympic Trap), and Skeet. These dedicated fields are fully supported by professional automation systems and are designed to maximize the use of the natural, undulating regional terrain, creating exceptionally challenging and rewarding target presentations.
What's On-Site
The facility's extensive layout and specialized equipment are designed to meet the technical demands of international competition and structured training across multiple formats.
Shooting Stands and Disciplines (Quantity)
The T.A.V. Vetralla complex provides dedicated spaces for all primary clay target disciplines:
Parcours de Chasse (Sporting Clays): Features natural terrain layouts that are utilized specifically for major international events, emphasizing realism and target variety.
Compak Sporting: Multiple specialized fields are available, designed for rapid-fire, consistent rotation necessary for national-level competitive fixtures.
Fossa Olimpica (Olympic Trap): Certified layouts are maintained, utilized for university and national championships demanding standardized precision.
Skeet: Dedicated fields support high-level university training and standardized competition protocols.
Equipment and Automation
The seamless running of major competitions is facilitated by advanced electronic scoring and target control systems.
Target Control Systems: The complex employs professional-grade electronic management, specifically utilizing the integration of Multipull software and hardware systems. This automation is vital for ensuring precise sequence timing, synchronizing multiple traps, and managing competitive scoring with speed and accuracy.
Trap Machine Quality: To consistently host FITASC and national federation events, the range relies on high-capacity, heavy-duty trap machines. These machines are engineered to deliver reliable, varied, and technically challenging target flights required for complex course design across all disciplines.
Infrastructure and Hospitality
Logistical support is crucial for hosting multi-day events with high participation rates.
Catering and Clubhouse: Facilities are available to support both daily visitor needs and the demands of high-volume events, including banqueting capabilities.
Lodging Coordination: The complex has established cooperative relationships with local accommodation providers, including authentic Agriturismo establishments and Locandas (Inns), essential for facilitating lodging and transport logistics for visiting teams and multi-day tournament participants.
Accessibility and Parking: The location directly on the Via Aurelia Bis ensures dedicated, efficient vehicular access and provides ample parking space, which is critical for competition logistics involving equipment transport.
Additional Features
The course architecture includes specialized elements that heighten the difficulty and training quality.
Specialized Course Design: The facility incorporates infrastructural enhancements specifically for competitive advantage. This includes the confirmed presence of an Elevated Platform ("Pedana rialzata") on key fields, such as Campo 8. This platform is fundamental for generating demanding, high-angle targets that simulate complex hunting scenarios, significantly raising the level of technical challenge.
Terrain, Target Complexity, and Climate
The interaction between the complex’s natural environment and its man-made infrastructure is the source of its demanding competitive reputation.
Relief on the Stand
T.A.V. Vetralla is situated in the naturally dynamic landscape of Tuscia, characterized by the rolling terrain created by the nearby Monti Cimini volcanic region. This natural relief is fundamental to the design of its Sporting Clays courses. The varied topography allows for targets to be set in challenging trajectories that exploit elevation changes, forcing shooters to judge speed and distance against fluctuating backgrounds. This maximizes the uncertainty and realism of the presentation, a necessary condition for world-class FITASC training.
Complexity of Target Flight
The target presentations are established according to stringent international standards, fully utilizing both the natural elevation changes and specialized structures. This results in extremely sophisticated presentations, including long-range, high-speed, and crossing targets that require advanced technical skill. The integration of advanced Multipull automation 6 ensures that multiple trap machines can be seamlessly synchronized to create complex, competitive sequences while maintaining integrity and consistency.
Climate
Vetralla benefits from a stable Mediterranean climate, which is an important operational factor enabling year-round scheduling.
Summer Conditions: Summers are generally warm, dry, and clear, with the warm season lasting from June to September. Average highs hover near 83°F (28.3°C) in August, with high temperatures rarely exceeding 92°F (33.3°C). The dry nature of the summers provides stable visibility and consistent footing on the terrain.
Winter Conditions: The cool season lasts approximately four months, with January being the coldest month (average high 49°F (9.4°C), low 36°F (2.2°C)) . While occasional cold waves can occur, the climate ensures that the range remains operational throughout the year, supporting stable training and competition calendars.
The dry, predictable climate minimizes disruptions due to severe weather, ensuring optimal conditions for elite training and consistent tournament scheduling.
Training and Instruction
The training environment at Vetralla is professional, structured, and closely aligned with national and international federation requirements.
Training Formats and Levels
Instructional services are structured to accommodate diverse organizational and individual needs, offered in formats ranging from highly focused individual coaching sessions to extensive, structured group and team programs. The facility regularly hosts large-scale preparatory camps for groups, including national teams and university squads preparing for federation events.
The complex addresses the needs of all proficiency levels:
Elite Athletes: Provides high-performance coaching and customized course access across Sporting Clays, Trap, and Skeet, serving as a dedicated facility for national and international competition preparation.
Novices and Development: Structured programs are available for new shooters, integrating fundamental safety and technical skills within the high-standard professional environment fostered by its close relationship with the Italian Shooting Federation.
Coaching Credentials
The consistent selection of T.A.V. Vetralla as a venue by FITASC and FITAV, alongside its direct logistical support for events involving the President of FITAV 1 and university sports criteria coordinators 4, confirms that the instruction and range management adhere to the highest institutional standards. This affiliation assures participants that the training methodology is up-to-date and technically aligned with current international competitive requirements.
Events and Competitions
The range is a primary engine for competitive shooting in Italy, maintaining a busy schedule of high-impact events.
Regularity and Scale
The facility hosts significant championships annually, maintaining a schedule that includes the prestigious FITASC Gran Prix 1, national Compak championships 3, and specialized university championships in Olympic disciplines. The complex has a confirmed capability to manage high-volume events, registering and processing up to 144 shooters per day 7, which indicates highly developed administrative and course rotation efficiency.
Event Options
Beyond standard competitive tournaments, the infrastructure and local partnerships allow for flexible event hosting:
Corporate and Team Events: The established logistical network facilitates hosting large-scale corporate days, team-building sessions, and professional tournaments requiring integrated hospitality services.
Banquet Services: The facility coordinates formal banquets and hospitality functions, supported by quality local catering and collaboration with area accommodation providers.
Ideal Clientele
The versatile nature of the T.A.V. Vetralla complex attracts a diverse and specialized clientele:
Elite International Competition Teams: Teams requiring a geographically accessible, FITASC-certified location in Europe with dynamic, naturally challenging terrain and advanced target automation.
National and University Athletes: Shooters needing a versatile single-site location capable of efficiently switching between structured training and high-level competition in both Olympic (Trap/Skeet) and Sporting disciplines.
Corporate and Executive Groups: Organizations seeking a high-quality, professional, and secure venue for high-end corporate events, team-building activities, or client engagement tournaments.
Recreational Shooters and Families: Individuals seeking access to professional instruction and diverse, challenging layouts within a scenic, culturally rich, and easily accessible Italian region.
Competitive Advantages
T.A.V. Vetralla offers a unique convergence of technical superiority, operational reliability, and locational benefits.
FITASC International Validation: Confirmed status as a host for top-tier global Sporting Clays events provides global recognition and draws elite participation.
Multi-Discipline Excellence: Infrastructure is certified for four major disciplines (Sporting, Compak, Trap, Skeet), providing unparalleled training versatility in one location.
Advanced Automation: Professional-grade operation is guaranteed by the use of modern electronic target control and scoring systems, including the Multipull network.
Dynamic Terrain Utilization: Course layouts effectively utilize the natural hills of Viterbo, enhanced by specialized elevated platforms, ensuring highly complex and variable target presentations.
Year-Round Operational Climate: Stable, dry Mediterranean conditions ensure consistent visibility and maximum predictability for training and event scheduling.
Exceptional Logistical Access: The facility’s direct location on the Via Aurelia Bis ensures efficient transportation links to major cities and airports, optimizing travel logistics for international visitors.
Location and Operating Hours
The administrative details and coordinates for the complex are essential for planning logistics and travel.
Address and Contacts
Address: ASD Tiro a Volo VETRALLA – Via Aurelia Bis, Km 20.200 – 01019 Vetralla (VT), ITALY.
Main Phone: +39 340 3819513
Secondary Phone: +39 388 0756143
Email: tav.vetralla@gmail.com
Hours of Operation
Operational hours generally follow a standard six-day schedule for Italian sports facilities:
• Tuesday–Sunday 09:00–18:00, Monday – Closed
Local and Regional Context
Vetralla is situated in the Viterbo province within the historic Tuscia region, which is the ancient Etruscan heartland of Italy. This area is characterized by rolling hills, natural forests (part of the Monti Cimini system), and a rich historical legacy. The location offers a tranquil, natural environment ideal for focused training and high-stakes competition.
Logistically, the location is highly favorable, offering a necessary seclusion for specialized training while maintaining excellent connectivity. Vetralla is roughly an hour's drive north of Rome, which provides international teams with critical access via major airports such as Fiumicino and Ciampino. This strategic position ensures that the training environment benefits from a quiet, dedicated setting without compromising the speed of logistical movements. Visitors can enjoy the cultural attractions of Viterbo, known as the City of Popes, complementing the sporting itinerary with regional Italian culture.
Nearest Accommodation Options
The accommodation support system near T.A.V. Vetralla focuses on leveraging local Italian hospitality, providing diverse options for visitors. These options range from authentic regional stays to more conventional hotels, facilitating easy access to the range for multi-day events.
Property Name | Location Type | Key Function for Guests |
Podere La Branda | Agriturismo (Farm Stay) | Offers rural tranquility and proximity, suitable for teams seeking immersive regional lodging. |
Locanda del Sor Francesco | Local Inn and Restaurant | Provides combined local dining and accommodation, convenient for event participants. |
Casa Francigena | Local Stay | General local lodging, useful for budget and individual travelers. |
Traldi Resort | Resort Accommodation | Full-service facilities, catering to groups requiring comprehensive resort amenities. |
Hotel Bagnaia | Suburb Hotel | Highly rated professional hotel option in the Viterbo suburb, offering traditional hotel standards. |
The Waikato Clay Target Club (WCTC) is a critical national asset in New Zealand’s sporting infrastructure, uniquely positioned as one of only two official national competition ranges in the country. This status mandates that WCTC hosts major annual national events, including the NZ Nationals for Down-The-Line (DTL) and Skeet disciplines, which are pivotal for selecting teams representing New Zealand in international competitions. The club is conveniently located just 5 kilometers from Hamilton City, ensuring optimal logistical accessibility for both local and national shooters, and is characterized as a "well patronised and busy facility" due to its central role in the national shooting calendar.
The WCTC’s strategic vision extends beyond national boundaries, aiming to position itself among the "leading shooting grounds in Australasia" through significant recent infrastructure redevelopment. Achieving this goal requires maintaining world-class standards, supported by reliable, industrial-grade equipment capable of handling the high volume and intensity of week-long national championships. The club provides a comprehensive environment for all clay target disciplines , ensuring its versatility as a training and competitive hub, and operates in the Waikato region's humid temperate climate, requiring robust, all-weather engineering to maintain operational integrity year-round.
The club is deeply committed to the long-term sustainability of the sport through active community engagement and youth development. This commitment is formally outlined by its organizational goals to "foster the growth of the sport by investing in an extensive junior coaching program," which includes the provision of two annual scholarships specifically for high school-aged shooters. This focused investment ensures a strong talent pipeline and maintains the club's relevance in the national competitive ecosystem.
The WCTC maintains a high standard of governance, requiring all potential members to undergo a strict acceptance protocol that includes presenting a firearms license and being proposed and seconded by two existing club members. Members are also expected to join the NZCTA (New Zealand Clay Target Association), which provides crucial benefits like insurance coverage, access to a Handicap Book, and eligibility for all national competitions. This process ensures operational integrity, public safety, and full competitive integration.
Key Advantages of WCTC:
National Mandate: One of only two national competition ranges, guaranteeing the hosting of the NZ Nationals for DTL and Skeet.
Strategic Location: Highly accessible, situated just 5 km from Hamilton City infrastructure.
Infrastructure Investment: Recent, significant redevelopment to meet leading Australasian standards.
Talent Development: Dedicated junior coaching program and two annual scholarships for high school shooters.
Full Competitive Integration: Membership facilitates full access to NZCTA competitions and national team selection processes.
Services & Prices (Key): The club offers tiered membership pricing ($60.00 Full Membership; $120.00 Family Membership; $30.00 Junior Membership) , which grants access to discounted practice rates, the monthly Gunshot magazine, and competition eligibility. Training is provided through the extensive junior coaching program and coaching assistance for senior members. Equipment is likely of professional grade, such as Promatic, to support national events.
Address and Operating Hours:
Address: 556 Holland Road, Eureka, Hamilton, New Zealand.
Hours of Operation:
The club operates on a full-day schedule (From 08:00) most days, with Monday typically closed (as per general club operations).
The Wattlespring Sports Shooting Club is a premium, integrated sports complex spanning 400 hectares of scenic, rolling Highveld plains, conveniently located just 20 minutes from East Pretoria. The club is strategically positioned as a versatile base catering to both professional athletes and families, offering world-class shooting ranges alongside full hospitality and recreational services. Its expansive, secluded area makes it an ideal destination for high-quality, focused training, while maintaining excellent logistical access.
Wattlespring's core competitive advantage is its uncompromising adherence to international technical standards, confirmed by the use of world-class Promatic equipment, including the automated Claymate target counting systems. This technological investment ensures high transparency and precision for competitive events. Furthermore, the club's high-altitude location (over 1,300m) provides a unique ballistic benefit for elite athlete preparation: the reduced air density causes targets to fly faster and further, simulating the challenging conditions encountered at major international competitions. The complex hosts a powerful coaching team featuring ISSF Shotgun D certified coaches who specialize in Olympic disciplines, FITASC, and English Sporting. This combination of certified expertise, cutting-edge infrastructure, and comprehensive on-site lodging (luxury chalets and a restaurant) transforms Wattlespring into a functional, autonomous training center for national teams and professional shooting squads, as well as a premier location for corporate events and family retreats.
Competitive Specialization
The range is equipped to host national championships and international qualifiers across multiple formats:
FITASC and English Sporting
Olympic disciplines (Olympic Trap, Skeet) and ATA Trap
Rifle and Handgun competitions
Range Infrastructure and Capabilities
Disciplines and Ranges
Wattlespring offers a multi-disciplinary complex, including:
Clay Pigeon Shooting ranges (for various formats)
Dedicated Rifle Range
Dedicated Handgun Range
Equipment and Automation
The club operates with advanced, high-performance equipment:
Brand: Promatic, a global leader in clay target machines for Sporting Clays, Skeet, and Trap.
Automation: The facility uses the Claymate Target Counting System, which provides automated target management and transparent scoring (multipull functionality) essential for competition integrity.
On-Site Hospitality and Recreation
The club supports multi-day stays and events with integrated services:
Accommodation: Luxury two-sleeper and four-sleeper chalets are available on-site, perfect for focused team camps (starting from R900.00 per night for a 2-sleeper).
Catering: A family restaurant is available to provide meals for individual visitors and large groups.
Events: A dedicated Events Hall is available for functions and banquets.
Recreation: A Bass Fishing Dam offers recreational activities.
Terrain, Climate, and Ballistic Conditions
Terrain: Located on the Rolling Plains of the Highveld, the natural, hilly topography enables the creation of challenging targets that utilize the landscape, simulating complex hunting scenarios.
Altitude Advantage: The club's elevation (over 1,300m) means reduced air density, allowing targets to fly faster and further. This provides elite shooters with superior training conditions that replicate the aerodynamic challenges found in international competition.
Climate: Summers bring thunderstorms, while winters are typically dry and frosty.
Training and Events
Training Programs and Expertise
Training is offered in flexible formats:
Formats: Individual sessions, group training, and specialized corporate courses.9
Levels: Catered to all levels, from beginners requiring foundational safety courses to professional athletes demanding elite training.
Coaching Credentials: The training quality is ensured by certified experts, such as Sam Tshishonga, an ISSF Shotgun D Coach and CTSASA Club Coach specializing in Olympic disciplines, FITASC, and English Sporting.
Events and Corporate Options
The range's infrastructure, backed by Promatic and Claymate, is administratively ready to host national championships and international qualifying events. Comprehensive packages are available for:
Corporate Events and Team Building: Tailored packages start from R1050 per person.
Banquets and Social Functions: Utilizing the on-site restaurant and Events Hall.
Ideal Clientele
Elite Shooters and National Teams: Seeking high-altitude, technical training under ISSF-certified coaches to gain a competitive edge.
Tournament Organizers: Requiring certified ranges and the Claymate system for transparent, accurate, and stable competition management.
Corporate and Executive Clients: For exclusive, self-contained team-building and high-level events.
Families and Novice Shooters: Appealing due to the family restaurant, safe environment, and structured introductory programs.
Strategic Advantages
Autonomous Training Center: Unique "Shoot & Stay" offering, integrating competition ranges with luxury accommodation and dining on 400 hectares of private land.
Technological Superiority: Reliance on Promatic equipment and the automated Claymate scoring system for consistency and accuracy.
High-Altitude Sports Benefit: Location on the Highveld provides challenging ballistic conditions essential for international-level preparation.
Certified Coaching: Access to instruction from coaches certified by global standards (ISSF D Coach), specializing in all major disciplines.
Excellent Logistics: Easily accessible from Pretoria (20 minutes) while maintaining the seclusion of a vast, rural property.
Services and Pricing (Key)
Basic Non-Member Tariffs (ZAR)
Clay Pigeon Shooting - from R150
Rifle/Handgun Range (per hour) - R150
Team Building / Group Shooting (package) - from R1,050
2-Sleeper Chalet (per night) - from R900
Ammo / Gun Hire / Targets - charged separately
Address and Operational Schedule
Address: 398 JR Onbekend Bapsfontein, Bronkhorstspruit, 1001.
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday–Sunday: From 08:00 (full day operation).
Monday - Closed.
Contact Details
General/Info Email: info@wattlespring.co.za
Competition Email: comps@wattlespring.co.za
Contact Number: +27 76 256 3971