(May 12, 2026) – Washington D.C. – Earlier today, Members of the bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) stepped away from Capitol Hill and onto the range for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s (CSF) annual Congressional Clays Competition, an unmatched event that continues to highlight the power of collaboration through America’s outdoor traditions.
Held at the Prince George’s County Trap and Skeet Center, the competition brought together lawmakers, conservation leaders, and industry partners for a day centered on sporting clays, trap, and skeet shooting. More than just a contest, the gathering continues to serve as a unique forum for strengthening bipartisan relationships, exchanging ideas, and reinforcing a shared commitment to protecting the nation’s hunting, fishing, trapping, and recreational shooting heritage.
The day began with registration and warm-up rounds before transitioning into friendly, but spirited, competition among participants. As in years past, the event concluded with a luncheon and awards ceremony recognizing standout performances across multiple categories.
While scores were tallied and bragging rights earned, the broader purpose of the event is to provide a rare opportunity for policymakers from both sides of the aisle to connect outside the legislative environment, helping to foster cooperation on key issues to sportsmen and women.
“The Congressional Clays Competition is more than a day on the range – it is an opportunity for CSC Members to get to know each other on a personal level over some of our favorite activities,” said Taylor Schmitz, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s Senior Vice President. “These shared experiences help build the relationships necessary to advance bipartisan conservation priorities and ensure the future of America’s outdoor heritage.”
With more than 230 bipartisan members, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus continues to be the largest and most active bipartisan caucus in Congress, advocating for the interests of millions of Americans who participate in outdoor recreation. Through its partnership with CSF, the Caucus continues to play a central role in advancing legislation and initiatives that sustain the nation’s sporting-conservation legacy.
“Strengthening outdoor recreation advocates’ relationships while showcasing their marksmanship skills is a hallmark of the Congressional Clays Competition. Beyond the fun and bragging rights, it results in a more effective coalition working to benefit sportsmen and women across our nation,” said Senator John Boozman, CSC Senate Co-Chair.
“From Arkansas to communities across the country, outdoor traditions are a unifying force. The Congressional Clays Competition reflects that spirit and helps ensure we’re working together to support the hunters and recreational shooters who drive conservation forward,” said Representative Bruce Westerman, CSC House Co-Chair.
“Being able to get outdoors reinforces our work together in Congress to safeguard our beauty and bounty for future generations. America’s longstanding traditions of hunting and fishing are deeply tied to conservation, and the CSC Clays Competition only perpetuates our commitment to our pastimes and protecting our environment,” said Representative Jimmy Panetta, CSC House Co-Chair.
As challenges to conservation, access, and outdoor traditions evolve, the Congressional Clays Competition stands as a reminder that meaningful progress often begins with connection, whether around a conference table or on the shooting range.
CSF would like to express our gratitude to the Mission Partners and sponsors who helped make this such a successful event. Title Sponsors include Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Outdoor Sportsman Group, and Richard Childress Racing. Host Sponsors include Amgen, Ducks Unlimited, Ferocity Capital, Gun Broker, Hornady Manufacturing Inc., International Order of T. Roosevelt, MVP Robotics, National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Rather Outdoors; Safari Club International, Scheels, Shimano, and The Kinetic Group . Co-Host Sponsors include Kent Cartridges, Lockheed Martin, And Winchester.
Clays Competition Awards
Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Individual Category
- “Top Gun” Member of Congress: Rep. John Rutherford
- “Top Gun” Democrat: Rep. Mike Thompson
- “Top Gun” Republican: Rep. Bill Huizenga
- Top Skeet: Rep. Troy Downing
- Top Trap: Rep. Bob Latta
- Top Sporting Clays: Rep. Jeff Crank
Attendees Category
- “Top Gun”: Robert Crow
- “Top Gun” Beginner: Nicole David
- “Top Gun” Female: Andrea Cerwinske
- Top Skeet: Jared Mott
- Top Trap: Jon Zinnel
- Top Sporting Clays: Marshall Conrad