News Summary
The RSA Clays Range hosted its inaugural clay shooting competition, attracting participants from local organizations including UAH and the Army. The event featured trap shooting and five-stand, with awards for top performers. The new range aims to enhance community collaboration and could host more events in the future, including the upcoming Alabama State Competition. Overall, this competition marks a significant step forward in promoting recreational opportunities at Redstone Arsenal.
Redstone Arsenal, Alabama – The inaugural event at the RSA Clays Range took place on Saturday as part of the Redstone Arsenal Invitational Clay Shooting Competition, drawing participants from various local organizations including the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), Redstone Test Center, Army Materiel Command, and Defense Acquisition University. Rain-free weather and a strong turnout highlighted the day, according to Redstone Arsenal Garrison Commander Col. Erin Eike.
The competition featured two main events: a round of trap shooting and a round of five-stand, carefully organized by recreation specialist and hunting coordinator Frederick Anderson. At the conclusion of the competition, awards were distributed to recognize the highest-scoring team and individual shooter, presented by Col. Eike and Dr. Charles Karr, President of UAH. Joey Skinner, the Public Works Director at Redstone Arsenal, expressed hopes that the event would become an annual staple in the community’s calendar.
The newly launched RSA Clays Range aims to foster collaboration and strengthen relationships both within the Redstone Arsenal community and with external partners. Although the initial plan included three trap and skeet fields, the project was completed with only one range due to funding issues. Following the initial opening, a second shooting field was recently funded and constructed, with a potential third field planned for the future.
Utilizing energy savings funds, a new pavilion and restroom facilities were also constructed to enhance the shooting range experience for visitors. The shooting fields boast year-round availability, operating day and night, with greater usage anticipated to boost future funding for expansions and improvements. The site also serves as a designated hunting area that plays a vital role in preserving Alabama’s quail population, which is further supported by a five-year quail study.
The automated shooting fields include modern features such as stadium lights, increasing usability in various conditions. To utilize the facilities, participants must register through the iSportsman app, ensuring an organized process for all users. The Redstone Test Center has also leveraged this new facility to enhance team cohesion outside traditional work environments, aiming to foster collaboration and camaraderie.
Upcoming events at the RSA Clays Range include the Alabama Skeet Shooting Association’s Alabama State Competition, scheduled for September 5-7. This will mark the first time Redstone has hosted a state-level shooting competition, a collaboration between the Directorate of Public Works, the Cultural and Natural Resources Division, and the NASA Mars Club. Detailed information on the competition schedule is available at the Alabama Skeet Shooting Association’s website.
The successful competition and the opening of the new RSA Clays Range signal a positive step toward enhancing recreational opportunities in the region. This event not only promotes the sport of clay shooting but also underscores a commitment to community engagement and the development of sporting facilities for diverse populations.
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Additional Resources
- The Redstone Rocket: Redstone Arsenal Clay Shooting Competition
- Wikipedia: Redstone Arsenal
- AL.com: New State Law on Pistol Carry at Redstone Arsenal
- Google Search: Redstone Arsenal news
- The Redstone Rocket: Community Engagement Events
- Google Scholar: Redstone Arsenal events
- Laughlin Service: Obituary for Richard Bentley
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Redstone Arsenal
- Tukios: Obituary Resource
- Google News: Redstone Arsenal clay shooting competition
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
