Sporting clays has grown rapidly over the past several decades, evolving from a niche shooting discipline into one of the most popular clay target sports in the world. Often described as “golf with a shotgun,” sporting clays challenges shooters with a wide variety of target presentations designed to simulate the flight paths of game birds such as ducks, pheasants, and quail.
Having originated in England in the early 20th century, hunters looked for a way to practice shooting during the off-season. Early courses used simple traps to launch clay targets in unpredictable directions, helping shooters improve their reflexes and accuracy.
By the 1980s, sporting clays began to experience strong popularity. The establishment of organizations such as the National Sporting Clays Association helped standardize rules, scoring systems, and tournament structures. Technological improvements also played a significant role in the sports expansion. Modern automated traps allow for highly varied and realistic target presentations, making courses more challenging and engaging. Shooting facilities offer multi-station courses that simulate different hunting environments, including wooded areas, open fields, and water features.
Participation has also increased dramatically as sporting clays appeal to a wide range of people. There are hunters, competitive shooters, recreational shooters, and those who enjoy shooting but not (hunting) killing. National competitions now attract thousands of competitors each year, with events hosted all over the country.
Today, as sporting clays continue to grow, more shooting ranges and sporting clays courses are being added. And, as youth programs continuing to expand, the sport is likely to remain a significant part of the shooting sports community for years to come.
Fortunately for us, Hunting Hills Shooting Preserve is a well-known sporting clay and upland bird hunting facility located in Dilliner.
Established in 1967 by Roy and Sally Sisler, the preserve has developed a reputation as one of the premier destinations in Pennsylvania for shooting sports and pheasant hunting. The preserve offers a wide variety of shooting activities designed for both beginners and experienced hunters.
In addition to sporting clays, the preserve includes several other shooting practice areas. These include two five-stand stations, a wobble trap, and skeet and trap fields. A five-stand is a compact clay shooting game where targets are thrown from multiple machines, creating unpredictable shooting scenarios. The wobble trap adds another level of difficulty by changing the angle and elevation of the clay targets, helping shooters improve their reflexes and accuracy. There are also practice stations where shooters can refine their skills before moving on to the more challenging courses.
Beyond target shooting, Hunting Hills is also widely recognized for its upland bird hunting opportunities. From mid-October through the end of March, hunters can participate in guided pheasant hunts across the preserve’s carefully maintained habitat. The land includes switchgrass fields, food plots, and small woodlots designed to provide a natural environment for game birds. Professional guides and well-trained bird dogs assist hunters during these outings, helping locate birds and ensuring a safe and successful hunt.
Recently, Toby and Aileen Rice became key investors in the preserve and are making considerable improvements to the facilities and adding additional land, bringing the total area of the operation to approximately 800 acres. Being very mindful to continue and protect the meaningful legacy created by Roy and Sally Sisler, both subtle and significant changes can be expected at the preserve. Long time staple and key contributor to the preserve, Ras Sisler will continue to oversee the day-to-day operations of the preserve.
One exciting addition to the shooting preserve is the opening of the new Hunting Hills Armory and Outfitters emporium. With a “soft opening” in November 2025 and a Grand Opening slated for April 3, the Armory and Outfitters addition offers a wide selection of guns, ammo, optics, apparel, reloading supplies, E-bikes, and shotgun sports simulators.
The guns range from hunting grade to exquisite and everything in between. The high-end rifles and shotguns feature a wide selection of carefully selected and carved classic wood stocks that are chosen for both strength and their striking grain patterns. High-end rifles and shotguns occupy a rare space where engineering precision meets traditional gun making artistry. Built for demanding hunters, competitive shooters, and collectors, these firearms are defined not only by performance but by meticulous craftsmanship and premium materials that go into them.
High-end rifles and shotguns typically emphasize extreme precision and feature elaborate engravings and decorative touches. Master engravers cut intricate scrollwork, wildlife scenes, or geometric motifs directly into metal surfaces. Some pieces include gold inlays or custom serial markings. The result is a firearm that reflects both technical excellence and artistic heritage.
Carefully tuned triggers, rigid actions, and precisely bedded stocks help deliver consistent shot placement at long distances. Premium shotguns, especially over-under or side-by-side designs, prioritize flawless balance and smooth operation. Their actions open and close with remarkable precision, while finely regulated barrels ensure reliable shot patterns.Top of Form
Two shooting simulators have also been installed and are up and running. Shooting simulators are interactive systems designed to replicate the experience of firing a weapon in a safe, controlled environment. They use real firearms (bring your own or they have some there), fitted with laser emitters that are inserted into the barrel to emit a laser pulse when you pull the trigger, which is detected by high-speed cameras.
High-definition projection screens and software generate a dynamic scenario and amazing graphics. These simulators are widely used by military units, police departments, security personnel, and sport shooters for training and decision-making practice. Users can improve aim, reaction time, judgment, and situational awareness without the cost and risk of live ammunition. Modern systems track accuracy, timing, and movement, providing feedback after each session. Beyond training, the shooting simulators are also popular for team building activities and party’s (maximum six people per simulator).
The HH Shooting Preserve and the HH Armory and Outfitters emporium are also major sponsors of the Hunting Hills Hawkeyes Sporting Clays team. The Armory and Outfitters is managed by Kurt Katchmark, Michele Katchmark, Pat McAndrews, and Janine McAndrews. The staff is highly qualified and available to assist you with all your shooting and outdoor needs. Pat has over 40 years of shooting sports sales and service as the former owner of Pat’s Sporting Goods (1985-2025).
Regular hours for the Armory and Outfitters emporium are Friday & Saturday, 9:00-5:00, and Sunday, from 9:00-3:00. For questions, schedule a party, or reserve a spot on the simulator, please contact them at 724-324-2230.
