Scholastic Clay Target Program

SCTP was developed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)

The Arizona Game and Fish Department Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) is a team-based youth development program that uses the shotgun sports of trap, skeet, and sporting clays to instill life skills such as discipline, safety, teamwork, ethics, self-confidence and other life values. The program utilizes these disciplines to teach hunting skills through the safe use of hunting equipment including firearms and their relationship to hunting situations.

2024-25 season shoot dates

Fun Shoots
Dec. 7 – 8, 2024: Ben Avery Clay Target Center, Phoenix, AZ
Jan. 18 – 19, 2025: Tucson Trap & Skeet, Tucson, AZ

Commissioner’s Cups
April 12, 2025: Tucson Trap & Skeet, Tucson, AZ
April 26 – 27, 2025: Ben Avery Clay Target Center, Phoenix, AZ

Overview

SCTP was developed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) in conjunction with the firearms industry and shotgun shooting governing bodies and is now nationally governed by the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) to provide team participation to youth in the shotgun shooting sports.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department sponsors the program in Arizona and invites students from age 9 though graduation of college to an opportunity to learn about safe use of hunting firearms, and teamwork in a safe environment by certified shotgun coaches.

Participants may choose not to become competitive or may compete in a variety of events from Fun Shoots to State Championships to National Championships.

How to join

There are 21 SCTP clubs state wide that are run entirely with volunteer help. Each club is independently organized setting their own practices dates, times, and locations. To find a club in your area click on the map below. You may contact the SCTP Coordinator at 623 236-7305, or through email at AZSCTP@azgfd.gov. You can also contact your local shooting range or gun club to find out if they offer the program.

Shooting season

The season runs from Oct. 1 through May 1. Teams provide practice schedule and AZGFD hosts two fun shoots and state shoots. Those athletes that participated in a state championship are then eligible to participate in the National Championships during the summer. International shoots and competitions for those desiring to participate in our international sports are held in conjunction with the state Junior Olympic Shotgun Competition. Arizona SCTP Clubs, view the map

Benefits

Arizona’s SCTP teaches youth the importance of the safe use of hunting equipment while instilling values they will use through their lives. The program provides team leaders and team members with the opportunity to participate in an activity that promotes the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship and ethical behavior. Parents and participants are enthusiastic about the benefits of the program.

Join SCTP as a Volunteer or Coach

Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and complete an Arizona Game and Fish Department approved Shotgun Coach Course and approved background check.

To inquire about certification please contact the Lead Instructor of your local club or contact the Shooting Sports Coordinator of the Arizona Game and Fish Department directly.

Starting a Team

If you are interested in starting a SCTP team at your local shooting club there is support available for this from the Game and Fish including clay target machines, firearms, safety equipment, training and funds for new shooters. Contact the SCTP Coordinator at 623 236-7305, or through email at AZSCTP@azgfd.gov.

SCTP highlights – video
SCTP administrative calendar
AZGFD SCTP New Team Reference Guide

Support from organizations

Wildlife for Tomorrow – Wildlife for Tomorrow has donated thousands of dollars to endowment accounts for all Arizona SCTP Clubs. These endowment accounts are called the Team Endowment Account is the key to the future of the SCTP.

Midway USA Foundation – The Midway USA Foundation was created by the Potterfield family and they have been major supporters to Arizona SCTP. The Midway USA Foundation created the Team Endowment Account. This partnership is key to the future of Arizona SCTP.

The NRA Foundation provides general grants and range grants for programs like youth education, law enforcement training, hunter education, conservation, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Since their establishment in 1990, they have awarded nearly $398 million in grant funding in support of the shooting sports.