Basic Shotgun Coaches Certification training course is offered through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The course is designed to teach basic shotgun coaching techniques and team management fundamentals for leading youth trap, sporting clays and/or skeet teams. The course is designed for experienced shooters/coaches and novices alike. Course content includes an overview of the Scholastic Clay Target Program and Iowa High School clay target shooting, safety, range orientation and setup, eye dominance, gun-fit, coaching fundamentals, teaching the new shooter, risk management, coaching logistics and equipment.

The DNR Basic Shotgun Coaches Certification Training is a one day, discipline-specific (i.e. trap, or sporting clays, or skeet) course starting at 8:00 a.m. and finishing at 5:00 p.m. The course is 60% range and 40% classroom with all students shooting approximately 50-75 shots (targets and ammunition will be provided, shotguns will be provided if needed).

The course is free to participants who are also school teachers leading a school-based or school club team. Registration fee will be $30 for all other participants. All coach candidates must pass the practical portion (on range) and also pass a written exam with a score of 75% or above. Applicants must be 18 years or older to attend the class.

In addition to the training criteria above, all participants must pass a criminal background check conducted by the DNR. All personal information will remain confidential.

Basic Shotgun Coaches Certification Registration Form (*.pdf file)

Upcoming DNR Basic Shotgun Coaches Certification Courses

Saturday, August 30, 2008 (Trap Discipline) - Northwest Iowa (Location T.B.D.)