Nearly 300 shooters from 20 states are registered to compete in the Kentucky State Sporting Clays Championships that begin Thursday at Elk Creek Hunt Club near Owenton.
Elk Creek has three courses that will be used during the four-day event. Sporting clays courses have multiple stations designed to simulate the hunting of ducks, pheasants and other upland birds using shotguns of different gauges.
Clay targets are launched from different angles in each target area. After inspecting each clay, a referee scores each shot a hit or miss.
Shooters of all ages will compete in several classes on the three courses. Entry fees are charged with cash prizes and trophies awarded to the top finishers.
This is the first time since 2023 that Elk Creek has hosted the event. There will be a large tent with tables and chairs for participants and spectators. A vendor area will have food trucks and merchandise booths.
The address is 1860 Georgetown Road off Route 227. A map is on the Elk Creek Hunt Club website.