The Endorsement
Earned, not bought.
The Wing and Clay Endorsement is the public mark we attach to lodges, schools, and sporting clays operations we've shot, scored, and stand behind.
There is no paid placement. There is no sponsored tier. The criteria below are the same ones our coaches use with their own students.
The criteria
Six standards. All six required.
Gun safety & range protocol
Documented muzzle awareness, station discipline, eye and ear protection enforced for every shooter on the line.
Quality of instruction
At minimum one NSCA-certified instructor on staff; consistent gun-fit and stance correction observed in our review.
Habitat & conservation
Active membership and contribution to the relevant conservation organizations (Quail Forever, Ducks Unlimited, RGS, etc.).
Lodging & hospitality
Consistent care from arrival to departure. Clean rooms, considered meals, gracious staff. Heritage feel, not hotel feel.
Dog work (where applicable)
Visible standard of training, condition, and rotation across the kennel. No tired dogs sent into the field.
Pricing & transparency
Published rates, no surprise fees. What we list on the operator profile is what you'll see at the desk.
The process
Four steps to a badge.
01
Application
Operators submit a written application covering staffing, instruction, conservation work, and references.
02
On-site review
A senior reviewer visits and shoots a full schedule unannounced, on the operator's standard rate.
03
Reference checks
We speak with three independent guests from the prior twelve months and the relevant conservation contacts.
04
Endorsement decision
Every endorsement is signed off by a credentialed coach on the team. Annual review keeps the standard from drifting.
FAQ
Common questions.
Do operators pay for the Endorsement?
No. Operators pay an annual review cost that covers the on-site visit and reference checks. We do not sell placement, sponsorships, or featured slots.
How often is an operator re-reviewed?
Every twelve months at minimum. Operators who change staff or ownership trigger an immediate re-review.
What disqualifies an operator?
Any failure on safety, sustained pattern of poor instruction, or material misrepresentation in the application. We've removed operators before; we'll do it again.
Can a hunter request a review?
Yes. Guest reports go directly to the review team and inform the next annual review.
Apply for the Endorsement.
We accept applications from lodges, schools, and sporting clays operations that meet all six criteria.
Start an application