Has anyone been to Pine Belt Sportsman Club in Shamong? New to shooting clays… went once with a friend to a WMA and did terrible. Does anyone know how exactly Pine Belt works? I see you do not need to be a member to shoot there. I assume the throwers are automatic and can be operated somehow if you go there solo? Also, any idea what “game” would be best for someone new? Bought myself a decent semi auto 28", so I should be ok as far as that goes.
Welcome super47!
Sorry I don’t have experience at this place but I’d have to assume there is staff pulling targets. They have a number you can call. Probably start with trap and if possible bring someone already familiar to give advice.
You should try to join our next WMA outing and we will get you on target.
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I’ve heard of Pine Belt but I’ve never been there, but if you’re looking for fun with a shotgun you could try Red Wing Sporting Clays in Port Republic. I’ve been there several times and the place is great. I’m pretty sure they’re only open on weekends and it does it crowded.
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Where do you live ?
If you’re anywhere near Monroe you should check out Mallard trap club
They’re open to the public Wednesday, Sat and Sun, I think it’s $6 a round (best check, been a while since I’ve been there)
Good bunch of guys
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I’m a bit more south than Monroe, but looks like it’s only a little over hour away. I will have to add it to the list.
I’ve been shooting for a long time, but trying to hit clays for the first time was definitely humbling haha.
Trap clubs typically have structured participation, ie scored rounds with squads of five shooters. For a more casual shooting experience you can A) use the WMA ranges if you have a trap (target thrower) and a hunting license. or B) Range-14 at Ft Dix.
If u r going alone, a trap club is prolly the best bet, but if u can get a friend or two to go along then the WMA and Range-14 are probably better options. A round of trap is only $6 at R-14
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Ground swipers in Lacey is another great place. It’s a private club but they open it to the public on Thursday and Sunday or at least they used to. I haven’t been there in a few years but they were a great bunch of guys and most were happy to give pointers to beginners
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Wait until you have a go starting 16 yards back from the trap house. It’s a whole nuther world from starting a few feet from the thrower.
Used to live relatively near Pine Belt. It was quite the shotgun range. Haven’t been there in years, but whatever they’re doing, its likely to be top-notch.
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Been to Pine Belt a number of times, very laid back, great clubhouse with a kitchen selling food, nice people, beautiful place with great fields. It was on the honor system, but pretty sure recently changed to a card reader. Definitely an enjoyable place to shoot. Also has Friday night shooting and 5-stand. Membership is very reasonably as are the round prices.
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Thanks for all the input and suggestions. I have to wait for the hunters ed live fire test to re-open next year to get my license, then I plan to get a thrower to try out if I go to the WMA by myself. Will have to find a day to hit Pine Belt or one of the other trap/skeet places in the mean time, and hope I don’t miss every single shot while people are watching haha.