Those who shoot NSCA (National Sporting Clays Association) registered events know just how challenging it is to move up the ranks. It takes 60 “punches” to progress from “D Class” where shooters begin the journey to “Master Class” – a journey involving navigating through 5 classes (D, C, B, A, AA, and Master). Punches are awarded for top finishes in each event. I am not sure what the average time is to make the journey, but I can tell you based on my personal experience and that of my friends I shoot with, that progressing through one class a year isn’t bad. To do the entire trip in 17 months is something really phenomenal.
Meet Dustin Crittenden!
He just punched into Master Class last weekend by taking first place in “AA Class” at the Palmetto Cup, shot at Hermitage Farm Shooting Sports in SC.
Dustin is a product of Alpena Michigan. He relocated with his wife, 14 year old daughter and 12 year old son to Wake Forest NC in May of 2019. He has been enjoying shooting since he was 7 years old. He grew up hunting all the species that Michigan had to offer especially enjoying hunting ruffed grouse.
Dustin agreed to answer some questions that might be of interest to blog readers, so here goes!
When did you start shooting sporting clays?
I shot my first clay when I was 12 years old when I took my hunters safety. We had a small course in my home town and all the traps were all hand sets. Seems funny looking back at that. Having to have someone go around the course with you and hide behind a piece of plywood hoping to not get shot. To now all of the different kinds of remotes and options the clubs have.
What drew you to the sport?
I’ve always loved to shoot the sport but being from a small town the enthusiasm to shoot regularly of fellow shooters was up and down so my interest followed suit. Until the winter of 2019, when I was asked to join a team to shoot the winter league at the local club. The addiction really got its roots from there. Fell absolutely in love with the game and was at the club as much as my schedule allowed. Moving to NC only fueled that addiction as we have so many clubs to choose from and pretty much any weekend of the year you can find a registered shoot here.
What made you so successful in your move from D class to Master Class?
The foundation of that success I have to say was having a phenomenal coach – Tom Kidd. He wouldn’t give you every drop of knowledge you needed. He’d give you 80% and you would have to work your tail off to figure out the other 20%. His style of teaching really made you want to get out and practice and work on your techniques. Tom also was a huge proponent of getting away from your home range as much as possible and shoot events. I’m a firm believer of this. The only way to build your “Shot Library” is to get out there and shoot all the different presentations you can.
Which mental skills have been helpful to you?
Goal setting: You have to set goals for yourself. For example, my goal for 2020 was to win the east coast championship and the North Carolina championship in my class. I was able to achieve one of those goals by understanding what the goal was, knowing where the shoot was going to be so that I could work on style of presentations that the club would throw and getting myself into the right frame of mind. I knew going into that shoot I had a real shot as I practiced my tail off and built my “Shot Library” for that shoot. As with most things in life lots of preparation gives you a ton of confidence.
Pre-shot routine: I’m a firm believer of this. You need to find what makes you comfortable and stick to it. At this point in my shooting if there is the smallest of things that doesn’t flow right in my routine, I break the gun open and start over.
Mindfulness: This is a big one if you want to excel in this sport. A lot of people will walk up to the stand look at the first show pair and go “okay” turn around and start talking about who won the football game last night. While you’re waiting your turn to shoot you need to be analyzing where the traps are. Flight path of the bird. Hold points/Kill points. The entire time formulating your plan as to how you’re going to break these birds. Watching as many pairs of the shooters in front of you until you have that plan concreted into your mind. Never jump into the stand without a plan. The plan my be wrong, but you can always tweak it so that you can be successful.
Tell us more about your practice routines:
The majority of the time when I practice, I try to recreate the tournament. Try to create that pressure of performing. Make a $1 wager with your buddy or winner buys lunch. Learning to deal with the pressure at that level translates into the pressure you might feel at a larger shoot.
What is your best advice for other shooters just starting out?
Find a coach. The sooner a shooter gets pointed in the right direction the better. You will be less likely to create bad habits that are harder to break down the road. Also, a coach will help you with any questions you might have as far as gear or what to expect at a shoot for example.
Find a coach that your comfortable with and build a routine with them. Make mental notes from shoots and the presentations that gave you trouble. Recreate the presentation with your coach and work it till you understand it and are very comfortable with breaking it. That target presentation is now in your “Shot Library”
Tell is about your equipment:
Shotgun: Browning 725
Ammo: Gamebore EVO 1250FPS 8 shot,
Glasses: Pilla Outlaw x7
Vest: Castellani
I understand that you are now a NSCA certified level 1 instructor and offering shooting lessons. How can shooters contact you if they are interested in discussing this with you?
Yes, I have formed North South Shooting Clinics
Reach me at: Dustin Crittenden – 919-906-0482; dccritter@outlook.com
