Celebrate National Shooting Sports Month!
August is officially here, which means it’s time to kick off National Shooting Sports Month! Whether you are a seasoned marksman or looking to introduce a newcomer to the range, this month is all about celebrating how safe, social, and rewarding shooting sports can be.
From beginner experiences to special range days, there are countless ways to get involved across the state. If you are looking for the ultimate way to challenge your skills and jumpstart your summer momentum, look no further than the fastest-growing shotgun discipline in Texas.
The Ultimate Test of Reflexes: Mastering the Thrill of Helice
Photo is courtesy National Helice Sporting Complex.
If you think you’ve mastered sporting clays or skeet, we dare you to step into the Helice ring this month. Often called "ZZ shooting," Helice is widely considered the closest thing you can get to live-bird hunting without the live birds. Originally developed in Europe as an alternative to traditional live-pigeon rings, the sport uses unique, two-piece plastic targets called ZZ birds. Driven by oscillating launchers spinning at over 5,000 RPM, these targets are completely unpredictable. When the machine fires, the target jinks, dives, and catches the August breeze in a way that perfectly mimics a flaring dove or an explosive quail covey. You have a mere fraction of a second to mount, track, and shoot.
Where to Shoot Helice in Texas
Ready to test your reflexes against the unpredictable ZZ bird? While Helice rings require specialized equipment and space, Texas is home to several world-class facilities featuring dedicated layouts. Whether you are prepping for the season or looking for a fast-paced weekend shoot, here are premier spots across the state to book a ring:
Central Texas & The Hill Country
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Austin Gun Club (Lampasas): Offers fantastic voice-activated Helice layouts with options for public ring reservations to test your skills before hunting season.
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Joshua Creek Ranch (Boerne): Nestled in the scenic Texas Hill Country, this luxury resort features a world-class Helice ring available by reservation for individual shooters, corporate groups, and competitive events.
South Texas & The Gulf Coast
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Greater Houston Sports Club (Houston): Situated on 290 immaculately maintained acres just south of downtown, this premier shotgun sports complex features a dedicated Helice layout alongside their expansive clay courses.
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American Shooting Centers (Houston): Located right in Houston's Westside, this massive facility is well-known across the state for its competitive target setups and accessibility for shotgun enthusiasts.
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Texas 46 Helice (New Braunfels): Located just northeast of San Antonio, this dedicated USHA-recognized venue operates by appointment only, making it an excellent option for private groups or shooters looking for focused, uninterrupted time in the ring.
North & East Texas
💡 Quick Tip for First-Timers: Because Helice targets are incredibly fast and erratic, many venues recommend a fast-handling shotgun with a slightly tighter choke (like Modified or Improved Modified) to ensure you cleanly separate the witness cap from the propeller before it flies out of bounds!
From the Helice Ring to the Rifle Range: Prepping Your Gear
As hunting season approaches, taking time to ensure your firearm is clean, functional, and safe is non-negotiable. A little preparation now prevents equipment failures later, keeping your focus entirely on the hunt.
1. The Four Rules of Firearm Safety
Before handling any firearm, always reinforce the fundamentals:
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Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
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Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy.
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Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target.
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Be sure of your target, what is in front of it, and what lies beyond it.
2. Inspect, Clean & Lubricate
Work in an area completely free of ammunition. Verify the firearm is unloaded, then check for rust, debris, loose mounts, or barrel obstructions.
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Clean the Bore: Scrub away old, settled lubricants according to your owner's manual.
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Lube Lightly: Apply a light coat of oil to moving parts. Avoid over-lubricating, which actively attracts field dust and grit.
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Note: If you discover mechanical wear or damage, take it to a qualified gunsmith before firing.
3. Confirm Your Zero & Pattern
Storage shifts and travel bumps can easily knock optics out of alignment from last season.
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Rifles: Verify scope rings are secure, and confirm your zero at the range using the exact ammunition you plan to hunt with.
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Shotguns: Spend time patterning your shotgun with your specific choke and shotshell combination to ensure clean, ethical harvests.
4. Range Time & Safe Transport
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Practice: Shake off the off-season rust by practicing from realistic field shooting positions rather than just a benchrest.
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Travel: Always transport firearms completely unloaded and secured in a case, storing ammunition separately when practical.
🎯 The Bottom Line: Responsible preparation is the foundation of a safe, ethical hunt. Taking the time to prep your gear ensures a better experience for you, your partners, and everyone sharing the Texas outdoors.
How to Clean Your Rifle
Before you head out for your next day of field prep or range time, take a few minutes to watch our quick video guide. Follow these fast, essential steps for cleaning your rifle to ensure optimum performance, accuracy, and safety when it matters most.
Click the image to watch the video
More Shooting Sports Resources
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Safety & Regulations: Dive deeper into firearm safety, target ranges, and Texas gun regulations in the Shooting Sports section of our website.
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Find a Range: Looking for a place to practice or sight-in your rifle before opening day? Locate a nearby facility using the national Where to Shoot directory.
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Did You Know? Every time you purchase firearms and ammunition, you directly fund wildlife conservation. Through federal excise taxes, your passion for shooting sports supports vital habitat management and public outdoor access across Texas.
Firearm Safety First, Last, Always
While at the shooting range or anywhere you handle a firearm, safety always comes first. There are ten commandments to firearm safety and the first four are the big ones.
Click the image to watch the video
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