Considering that the April showers have passed, the May flowers are in full bloom, and Covid restrictions are gradually being lifted, now is the time to enjoy the great outdoors with friends! With that said, it also seems like the perfect time to try something new. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Isobel Ziluca, the only Masterclass Lady shooter in Virginia, about her favorite sport; shooting sporting clays.

Isobel picked up her first shotgun at the age of fifty and initially used sporting clays to warm up bird hunting. Gradually, clay shoots became more attractive to Isobel, and in 2017 she earned her instructor's certification with the National Sporting Clays Association. The bug had bitten her, and the rest is history. In 2018 Isobel was named to the Virginia State Team and has since been named to all five All-American teams, including all sub gauges and 12-gauge. Over the past several years, Isobel's students have gone on to win local, regional and national titles, with three students making All American teams and one lady student making two All American teams. Part of what makes Isobel's students so successful is her unique ability to clearly explain concepts and techniques while instilling confidence in her pupils. She has a distinct interest in teaching juniors, with several having entered her program with no experience and making all-American teams. To that point, Isobel's investment in the community is admirable as well. She was named Volunteer of the Year by the Fauquier County Boys and Girls Club and served as President of the Upperville Community League.

Given Isobel's long list of accomplishments and her intensive approach to teaching firearm safety, learning the sport of shoot clays is undoubtedly a safe, family-friendly, and enriching new way to enjoy the great outdoors.

PULL!

Thank you for reading. I will see you in the field.