Clays for Conservation Brings Washington Community Together

Fifteen shooters stepped onto the range, joined by volunteers from the Southwest Gobblers Chapter, the Vancouver Trap & Gun Club and the Lake Washington Longbeards Chapter. Together, participants and volunteers spent the day enjoying friendly competition while raising funds that will support the NWTF's conservation mission across Washington. 

Throughout the day, volunteers handled registration, scoring, raffles, food service and event operations, demonstrating the dedication that fuels NWTF chapters across the country. Local conservation supporter Joe Pauletto also contributed to the event's success by donating three Winchester Model 12 shotguns for the raffle. 

"This was the Southwest Gobblers Chapter's first trap shoot, and while raising money for conservation was certainly the goal, we also wanted to create a fun event that would bring our community together," said Caleb Smith, president of the NWTF Southwest Gobblers Chapter. "We wanted people to enjoy a day outdoors, spend time with family and friends, meet others who share similar interests and build relationships within our community while supporting conservation." 

That sense of community was evident throughout the competition as new faces joined longtime supporters. Among the day's highlights was the participation of the Woodland Youth Trap Team, whose talented young athletes impressed competitors with both their marksmanship and sportsmanship. 

"It was inspiring to watch these talented young shooters showcase their skills, and they brought great energy and enthusiasm to the competition," Smith said. "Seeing youth involved reminds us why events like this are so important, not only for conservation today, but for inspiring the next generation to enjoy the outdoors and become future conservationists." 

Funds raised during the event will support the NWTF's conservation mission in Washington, including habitat improvement projects such as the Wind River Project, which is enhancing critical habitat for wild turkeys, elk, deer and countless other wildlife species. The chapter also hopes to expand educational programs and future youth hunting opportunities, helping cultivate tomorrow's conservation leaders while connecting more young people to the outdoors. 

Events like the Clays for Conservation Trap Shoot demonstrate that conservation is built through local action. Lasting conservation isn't accomplished by one person alone — it is made possible when communities invest their time, talents and resources in a shared purpose. 

"Conservation starts with people," said Naomi Smith, Southwest Gobblers Chapter member. "Every volunteer, sponsor and participant who came out helped make our first trap shoot a success. Watching the community come together and seeing the youth shooters compete with so much confidence and sportsmanship gave us hope for the future.” 

That spirit reflects the heart of the NWTF vision, showcasing the life-changing power of the outdoors. Whether through volunteering, supporting conservation, inspiring young shooters to discover a passion for the outdoors or bringing communities together around a shared purpose, every person plays a role in conserving wildlife and preserving our hunting heritage. 

"Events like this provide the resources needed to continue meaningful conservation work while introducing more people to the NWTF mission," Smith said. "They build relationships, inspire future volunteers, and ensure we can continue protecting wildlife habitat and preserving our outdoor traditions." 

Although this year's Clays for Conservation Trap Shoot marked the Southwest Gobblers Chapter's first, organizers hope it becomes a lasting tradition that continues to unite the community in support of wildlife conservation. 

When communities gather around a common purpose, the impact extends far beyond a single day on the range. Through the dedication of volunteers, the generosity of sponsors and the enthusiasm of participants of all ages, the Southwest Gobblers Chapter demonstrated that conservation is strongest when people come together to invest in something greater than themselves.