BOUNTIFUL — The sound of competitive clay target shooting is becoming more common in the foothills above Bountiful, as the Davis County Clays youth shooting team reports increased participation, particularly among young women. Athletes on the team practice at the Bountiful Lions Range, honing skills in disciplines like sporting clays, skeet, and trap shooting.
This growth reflects broader trends, according to data from the Firearm Industry Trade Association, which indicated that 2024 saw the highest levels of participation among women and young adults in clay target shooting sports nationwide.
Hazel Erickson, a senior on the Davis County Clays team, is now in her fourth year with the sport and dedicates much of her free time to practice. She noted a significant increase in female shooters since she joined the team four years ago, when she was one of only two girls participating. Erickson explained that becoming proficient requires dedicated effort, stating she "was not amazing when I started out," but her love for the sport motivated her to dedicate her time to it.
Coach Isaac Erickson has observed this growth directly, commenting that it is always enjoyable to see girls join the team. He highlighted the boost in confidence for athletes like Hazel, describing how her confidence grew and she was able to compete against and beat some boys. Coach Erickson also noted the presence of many strong female shooters in the league where Hazel competes.
Currently, the Davis County Clays team has 35 members, with opportunities for additional athletes to join throughout the season. Statewide, Utah Youth Education in Shooting Sports encompasses approximately 350 members across 14 teams. Like participants in many other youth sports, these athletes travel to compete in tournaments against others from across the country.
Beyond competition, the sport offers personal development benefits. Teammate Carter Pack shared that his mindset has grown and changed significantly. Coach Erickson affirmed that building confidence is a primary objective for the team. He aims to help young athletes find a sport where they can build confidence while they are young, with the hope of making it a lifetime hobby.
Hazel Erickson's commitment and growing confidence have led to notable success. She has secured multiple state championships and western regional competitions. Recently, she placed third at the National Junior Clay Target Championship. Looking ahead, Erickson has set an ambitious goal: to make it onto the national team and compete in the Olympics and other national tournaments. She acknowledged the significant challenge and time commitment involved, adding that she is ready to fight for it.
For the athletes of Davis County Clays, each target represents a challenge they continue to embrace as the sport gains popularity across Utah.