Musketeers Skeet: Parent FAQ

It's a monthly youth skeet shooting session for ages 10–21, held on the last Sunday of each month from March through October. It's part of the California Musketeers, a youth shooting program recognized by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) and the National Rifle Association (NRA), and funded and run by the Diablo Rod & Gun Club (DRGC).

Lee & Esther Halverson chair the Musketeers Skeet program and lead Skeet at 3:00 PM. Richard and Ryan Mabanag chair the Musketeers Trap program and lead Trap at 1:00 PM. All of them are volunteers. They are NRA trained Shotgun Instructors and Range Safety Officers.

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A skeet field has two target houses. The High House is on the left and launches targets from about 10 feet up. The Low House is on the right and launches them from about 3 feet. Targets from both houses fly the same fixed path every time and cross in front of the shooter. Shooters move through eight stations: seven around a half-circle between the houses, plus Station 8 in the middle. A round is 25 targets, mixing singles (one target) and doubles (one from each house at the same time).

A crossing target is moving sideways, so the shooter has to swing the gun and fire slightly ahead of it. That distance is the lead. In skeet, each station has its own lead: small at the end stations, largest near the middle of the half-circle. Since targets follow the same path every time, youth learn these leads quickly with coaching, and the skill carries over to every other shotgun sport.

Yes. Skeet is a beginner sport, and youth can start it on their very first visit. It's a little harder to pick up than trap, because trap targets go away from you and need little lead. If your child has never fired a shotgun, starting with Trap at 1:00 PM and then staying for Skeet is a great first afternoon. That's not required, though.

Youth ages 10 through 21.

Shotgun is more physically demanding than rifle, because the guns are heavier and have more recoil. Skeet also asks shooters to swing the gun smoothly across the field. We recommend youth be about 12 years old and 100+ lbs, but every child is different. Talk to us if you're unsure.

No. Youth can start Skeet at any time. Even so, we recommend that all youth start with our .22LR Benchrest Rifle program to learn basic firearm handling and marksmanship. Many find Trap an easier first step into shotgun.

No. Hunter education is not required to participate.

No. Membership isn't required for our youth programs. We do encourage families to join, because DRGC dues pay for the training, firearms, range maintenance, ammunition and targets that make these programs possible. Annual dues are very reasonable for the whole family and you can join online.

No. Musketeer activities are free for youth participants. DRGC covers the cost of the clay targets and provides the ammunition, and USI charges no entry or shoot card fee.

The last Sunday of the month (with a couple exceptions), March through October:

New shooters arrive at 2:45 PM, and shooting starts at 3:00 PM on Skeet Field #4 and/or #5. Youth usually shoot two rounds of Skeet. Many come early for two rounds of Trap at 1:00 PM, and some shoot just one round of either. It's your choice. Each event ends when every shooter has had their turn, usually after 1–2 hours.

No season-long sign-up is needed. Come when you can. Please RSVP by email when you plan to come with new participants, so we can have enough loaner guns and helpers ready.

We normally cancel for inclement weather. You can call the USI Shotgun Clubhouse office to ask about current conditions, and the Activity Chair may email active families about last-minute schedule changes. Always check the Diablo event calendar, and confirm with your leader before you drive out, because last-minute changes don't always make it onto the calendar.

Yes. Musketeers 5-Stand shoots on the last Sunday of the month from November through February. It's for experienced youth only.

• Sign the USI online safety waiver before you come, one for each parent and one for each youth: unitedsportsmen.com/waiver.
• Arrive by 2:45 PM at USI, 4700 Evora Rd, Concord (off Hwy 4). If you're joining Trap first, arrive by 12:45 PM instead.
• Sign in at the USI Shotgun clubhouse window. Give your last name so staff can verify your waiver, and tell them you're new for Musketeers Shotgun.
• Complete the USI safety orientation with a Range Safety Officer (RSO) to get your USI shoot card.
• Walk out to the Skeet field by 3:00 PM. Look for Lee in a red Diablo shirt and hat, on Skeet Field #4 or #5.
• Sign the Musketeers attendance sheet once you're on the field. Every youth signs it every time, new or returning.

USI requires a signed safety waiver and a shoot card for everyone using any of its ranges (Shotgun, Public, Multi-Purpose Range and Action Pistol). The online waiver starts the process, and the RSO safety talk finishes it with your card. Each parent and each child needs their own card and must show it at every visit.

Every shooter, every time:

• ALWAYS keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
• ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot.
• ALWAYS keep your action open and your firearm unloaded until you're ready to shoot. Check it, and check it again.

Skeet shooters move between stations around the field, so actions stay open and empty while walking. If you bring your own shotgun, please bring it to the field in a case.

Yes. This is NOT a drop-off activity, and a parent or guardian must be present for the whole session. In shotgun, parents usually don't shoot or coach. Depending on group size, we do ask parents to help with general safety supervision and keeping score.

Yes. Younger siblings are welcome to watch, but they must wear appropriate eye and ear protection at all times.

• Eye and ear protection for everyone present, including parents and spectators
• Closed-toe shoes and a baseball cap
• No loose clothing or dangling jewelry
• Your own shotgun in a case, if you have one
• Water and sun protection for an afternoon outdoors

Large earmuffs can get in the way of a proper cheek weld on the stock, so a good pair of in-ear plugs usually works best for shotgun. Younger children often like to wear both plugs and muffs when they're starting out.

No. We provide ammunition in both 12 ga and 20 ga for all youth shooters, including those who bring their own shotgun. If you do bring shells, use target loads with size 8 or 9 birdshot. Hunting/game loads and steel shot usually aren't allowed.

No. We have loaner shotguns in 12 ga and 20 ga, in both semi-auto and over/under. We don't have a left-handed loaner, but most left-handed youth can shoot a right-handed shotgun without much difficulty. If you're new to firearms, we recommend shooting with us and trying a few different guns before you buy.

Yes. Please bring it in an appropriate case. Semi-autos and over/unders work best for Skeet, because doubles need a fast second shot. A pump-action is very challenging in Skeet, but if you already have one, bring it and try it. It works fine for Trap.

Skeet targets are shot close, so an open choke (Skeet or Improved Cylinder) works best. That's one reason we recommend shotguns with changeable chokes. Pumps and many tactical shotguns have fixed barrels without them.

See the full Shotgun gear & buying guide

Gun fit matters more than brand or type (see the next question). That said, here's what we recommend:

See the full Shotgun gear & buying guide

If your child's eye doesn't line up with the rib, or the stock is too long or too short, good shooting is very hard. Fit matters even more in skeet, where the shooter swings through crossing targets. A shooter with shorter arms needs a shorter stock, and a smaller, thinner face needs a higher comb. "Youth size" doesn't automatically mean it fits your child. Some tips:

• It's easier to buy a shorter stock and lengthen it with a recoil pad than to cut one down. Professional fitters often charge $250+ and usually want to cut the stock.
• Likewise, it's easier to start with a lower comb and add a cheek pad.
• Adjustable competition stocks exist for many popular models. They're less convenient if several family members share one gun.
• Try before you buy. Shoot a few guns. When the fit is right, it just feels right.

See the full Shotgun gear & buying guide

A parent or guardian makes the purchase. California requires:

• A Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC), a background check and a 10-day waiting period for every firearm purchase. Check the California DOJ for current FSC requirements.
• Guns bought online or out of state must be shipped to a local licensed dealer (FFL). Contact the dealer first and expect transfer fees.
• Ammunition purchases also require a background check and a small fee. Ammo ordered online must ship to a licensed vendor.

Used guns are a great value. Look at local shops' consignment racks, the Calguns.net forums, and gun shows (all transfers still go through an FFL). Families often shop at Canyon Sports in Martinez and Turner's Outdoorsman. Know what you're looking for before you buy.

See the full Shotgun gear & buying guide

Our youth programs take part in the NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program. Leaders track scores and award qualification patches as shooters reach each level. Youth can start the Skeet and/or Trap courses at any time. Each course of fire culminates in the Distinguished Expert (DE) rating.

When a youth earns a Distinguished Expert rating in Rifle, Pistol and Shotgun, DRGC awards them a personalized club jacket. It's AWESOME!

Yes. Competitive youth shooting teams, events and leagues exist in our region. Ask us for more information.