Here’s One Of Oklahoma’s Best Free Shooting Opportunities

We've made it to August, and that means only one thing for Oklahoma's hunters... Dove season is a month away.

The shotgun has come out of the safe, and while you do your regular maintenance, the fears set in... You start wondering if you can still hit a dove flying 50 miles an hour...

The good news is you don't have to wait until opening day to find out. You can always hit the range.

Now, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has several shotgun ranges around the state in a couple of Wildlife Management Areas, or you could opt for something a little more fun.

Skeet and trap shoots are fun for what they are, but the most fun you can have with a shotgun is the sport of kings.

Sporting Clays

Think of it like golf, but for men.

You walk around a course stopping at designated stations. Hit the button, random clays start flying, and you get as many as you can. It's a ton of fun, especially if you can get the guys together in a big group.

I've only ever shot sporting clays at the gun club in Tulsa, but there are others around the state. In fact, I think there's a sporting clay course in Duncan, maybe Marlow... Google it.

If you're new to bird hunting, never done it before, the ODWC is also bringing back STEP - their Shotgun Training Education Program. They've got events scheduled all over Oklahoma this month.

I haven't been to one, but I imagine it's really heavy on safely handling your shotty in the field like every responsible outdoorsman should, but also tips and tricks to develop your skills. They also bust out the clay pigeons and walk you through hitting a moving target.

Best part is, the ODWC is providing everything. You don't even have to bring your own gun.

Here's the list of coming events:

Aug. 8: Atoka WMA
Aug. 8: Texoma-Washita Arm WMA
Aug. 15: Kaw WMA
Aug. 29: Packsaddle WMA
Aug. 29: Lexington WMA (finalizing renovations)
Sept. 12: Okmulgee WMA
Sept. 26: Canton WMA (finalizing renovations)

Space is limited, and registration is required. Register here.