“Although I had a proven track record as a winner competitively,” states Bobby, “I had to overcome the misconception by others that a professional shooter could not necessarily teach the sport. I had to prove myself all over again in the instructional world. But I have been the underdog before, and I am always up for a challenge—it just makes me strive harder to be the best.”

Having been a wingshooter all his life, with more than a decade of experience in shooting and competing, Bobby’s seen just about every target presentation imaginable. He has proven at a young age that with belief in oneself and dedicated training, you can achieve your full potential. This experienced instructor can help his students, whether beginners or accomplished competitors, reach their full potential, his target prowess and teaching record setting him apart from the average shooting instructor.

“I had been teaching on a part-time basis since 1999,” says Bobby, “just by word of mouth. I was enjoying teaching much more than I ever thought I would, so in 2001 I decided to dedicate myself to teaching on a fulltime basis. Within days of the release of my first ad in Sporting Clays magazine, the calls started coming in from all over the country, and the school has been gaining momentum ever since. By the end of 2001, I had incorporated the business and was working on a fulltime basis.”

Students of the Elite Shooting School can learn the art of shotgun shooting from this top pro, whether the discipline is sporting clays, FITASC, 5-Stand, skeet, trap, helice, or bird hunting. One-on-one lessons provide detailed instruction that identifies and explains specific techniques available for all skill sets, from novice and intermediate to advanced levels. Individual lessons are available for teaching specific methods and offering helpful advice, such as setting up for pairs and shooting from a pre-mounted gun.

“I think what makes my school successful is that I do enjoy teaching very much,” claims Bobby. “I have a proven record of performance, so I certainly know how to hit the targets, how to manage the concentration (mental game), and the dedication it takes to win. I have found a way to communicate my information in an easy, understandable way for all levels, genders, and ages. I love working with people, and I bring my desire to be the best in the game to my shooting school.”

Elite Shooting School’s sporting clays clinics include four hours of intense instruction, with a maximum of five students per clinic to ensure the best personal attention. Utilizing his friendly, personable approach, Bobby teaches when to use swing-through, maintained-lead, and pull-away methods for tower shots, quartering birds, rabbits, chandelles, teal, driven targets, dropping and incoming clays, battues, minis, and midis. He also enjoys working on corporate team building and hosting charity events at ideal venues, like Cajun Elite Shooting Club in Jennings, Louisiana.

“I never dreamt how rewarding it would be to teach to others what I love so much,” says Bobby. “At times it is far more rewarding than any trophy or event I have ever won. Please don’t misunderstand, I love winning. But let’s face it, sometimes it is time to focus on something new and challenging. I have found it very refreshing to help others achieve their goals, whether it is personal or a charity event…. The biggest thing to impact my business would be the corporate and charity events. These events are where I can introduce the sport and my sponsor companies (Blaser, Briley, HiViz, Winchester, White Flyer, Speedbump Stock Works, etc.) to new shooters. The people who shoot these events are often times in the market for lessons and products since many of them are new to the shooting sports. It is also a very rewarding way to spend your time. There is nothing like charity events; it is very rewarding to give back to organizations and people in need.

“I have personally dedicated my efforts to Kids & Clays, raising money for Ronald McDonald House Charities. I have to say that it can be somewhat selfish on my part because there is nothing like the feeling of giving to children and families in great need during a crisis. I have had personal friends who have had to use the houses at times in their children’s lives, and I know what this means to them. Had it not been for my wife, I would not have had the opportunity to know that feeling. She is the one who encouraged me to involve myself and my school in charity organizations, specifically Kids & Clays.”

Bobby’s extremely supportive wife Lorie has been an important driving force in marketing and managing the successful business. Being vice president and handling marketing for Elite Shooting School, Lorie has not only provided much needed support for Bobby but has also encouraged him to become active in giving back to the shooting community and beyond.

“Having shot since I was four years old,” remembers Bobby, “shooting is and will always be a way of life for me. It is unfortunate that mass media only reports the negative aspects of gun use (crimes), but as a responsible gun owner, I know that there are far more positive aspects of owning and learning to use guns. As a child, it taught me responsibility and allowed me to enjoy the outdoors and time with my grandfather, as well as (develop) a healthy respect for life. Although there are already programs promoting gun use and competition on television, I believe much of it (media) is used in the wrong manner, such as vulgar language and old-school male antics that create the wrong impression for the masses. I would like to create a program that shows the nicer side of all shooting sports—such as friendly competition—using it as a way to raise monies for charity, as a way to bond with your sons and daughters, etc.”

Aside from bringing families and communities closer together, shooting instruction can be a great way to enhance team building and performance skills through corporate events. Corporations such as KBR, Smith Services, Oceaneering, and Laramie Leasing have utilized Elite Shooting School for group instruction, shooting seminars, and safety clinics. Bobby is insured by SASI and may also serve as a guide during company hunts by assisting hunters before and during the hunt to help make the experience more rewarding. In addition to being a tournament coach and hunting guide, Bobby also provides other quality shotgun services, like expert gun fitting and shooting demos for the public.

“I believe that in order for gun ownership to continue in this country, we have to get away from the ‘good ole boy’ ways and create an atmosphere that invites people of all ages and genders to the sport. As an example, I have taught many women who were afraid of guns, either because of mass media interpretation or because a husband, father, or boyfriend had handed them a 12-ga. shotgun without ever showing them how to stand correctly, how to hold the gun, etc. When I teach someone who has fear, I guarantee you that after I am through, they will have a more positive view of guns. After all, shooting can be a lot of fun.”

Elite Shooting School, 14231 Jaubert Ct., Dept. SC, Sugar Land, TX 77478; (281) 313-3309; www.eliteshooting.com