The Hardeman County Clay Dusters is holding a Field Day in October at The Clays at Lone Oaks Farm. The event will introduce young people to the sport of competitive shooting. There will be activities for skilled to novice shooters.
“This is the chance for new shooters to come out and see the sport of competitive shooting and to sign up for the Hardeman County Clay Dusters Shotgun Team. Youth and parents can show up on the field day and talk to one of the coaches about the team and how to sign up for this year,” said Hardeman County 4-H Director Gary Rodgers.
One may ask, what is a Clay Duster? Well, first of all, Clay Duster is a very creative name for a member on the Hardeman County shooting team. The targets they use are clay-based, hence the clay, which forms the Hardeman County Clay Dusters.
Just as interesting as the name, is the history as to how the program began in Hardeman County.
“It started as a conversation with former director of schools, Nubbin Ross, and the discussion began just prior to 2020. COVID brought it to a screeching halt,” said Rodgers “We later went to the school board for approval and received the green light and began the program in 2021 with 33 athletes registered. We had 15 in 2026 and expect that number to increase in 2027.”
The program, now in its sixth year, is expanding through a collaboration between the Hardeman County 4-H Club and Hardeman County Schools for the 4-H and TN Scholastic Clay Target Program (TNSCTP) season.
Since 4-H participation can begin in the fourth grade, that is a base year for SCTP participants who may compete through twelfth grade. Rodgers noted there is a collegiate division in SCTP for those who want to continue competing after high school.
“Traditionally, we meet for practices on Thursdays and Sundays, based on availability of the range at Lone Oaks Farm. Competitions begin in late January for SCTP trap competitions and run through May. Regionals are held the last weekend of May at various locations around West Tennessee and state is the third full week of June in Nashville,” said Rodgers. “4-H holds a Shotgun Jamboree in May for all grade levels with those in grades 8-12 having the chance to advance to state contest if they shoot 75% or higher.”
Sixth grade homeschool student Levi Read is entering his third year as a member of the Clay Dusters. He loves the personal challenge of competitive shooting.
“What I enjoy most about being part of the Hardeman County Clay Dusters is being with my teammates and friends. Even though we are shooting individually, it is still a team sport,” said Levi. “I also like challenging myself to get better every time I shoot. I always try to beat my personal best and improve from my last score. I’m excited to start my third season with the team.”
If you are wondering about the safety of the sport, especially when fourth grade students have guns with live rounds, Rodgers shared his assurance regarding the safety of the sport.
“Next to table tennis, shooting sports programs are one of the safest sports. In Tennessee, we have a very high safety level, and it is preached and taught constantly to our athletes. It gives them a chance to do what they enjoy while enjoying competition and the great outdoors,” said Rodgers. “When you attend a Clay Dusters event, you can expect intense competition and loud noises! We have a great family atmosphere and the whole family is welcome at any event.”
The Hardeman County Clay Dusters Field Day will be held at The Clays at Lone Oaks Farm { 8875 Sain Road, Middleton, 380052 } on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The free event is open to public school, private school, and homeschool students.
