By Jace Bauserman    Published on June 20, 2023.

I've been fortunate to interview several outdoor celebrities, pro staff members, CEOs, product designers, etc. Most of them have been gems — a few sour lemons, of course — but I often hang up the phone refreshed and inspired. 

Then I interviewed professional sporting clays shooter and Browning Pro Staff member Alex Wampler. She was witty, funny, and soft-spoken, and not only was she inspiring, but when I hung up the telephone, I grabbed my three kids and told them all about this fantastic young woman. I didn't tell them bits and pieces of the conversation; I told them about everything. Then I let them listen to the interview. I have never done that before.

So, why Wampler? Simple.

Alex Wampler is a winner in more ways the one. What I loved most was that she couldn't remember most of her wins, accomplishments, etc. There was no chest-thumping or ego, just a quiet laugh and loads of energy. 

Why?

Alex Wampler is always looking ahead — pushing forward — looking for new barriers to break down and doing her best to be an ambassador for shotgun sports. That's what matters to her, not personal accolades.

"I remember my dad shooting and hunting when I was very young," Wampler said, "and I used to go bird hunting with him." "It's a pretty standard beginning. Fortunately, I had a dad who loved to shoot, and then at age 12, he put a shotgun in my hands."

Wampler took to the shotgun like a fish takes to water — she loved it. She couldn't get enough and soon started competing in tournaments. By age 18, she was working as a hunting guide. Things started snowballing from there. 

"I have been a professional sporting clays shooter since 2013," Wampler added. "I qualified for Team USA that year, which was cool."

That same year, Wampler started winning many competitions, including the 2013 NSCA National Tour Ladies Championship. 

I tried to keep Wampler on her toes throughout the interview, which was easy because you could feel her energy and passion through the phone. I wanted to know why she picked sporting clays over trap or skeet.

"Sporting clays is more engaging," she said. "Trap and skeet, and this is just my opinion, can get a little bit ... stale." 

There was a little nervous giggle after that statement, but I knew what she meant. Wampler loves bird hunting and chose the discipline that best mimics hunting-type shots. 

"I enjoy shooting different targets, and I love not knowing how the course will be put together or what types of shots you might face. I also love that you don't have to hit 100 targets straight to make it to the podium. Sporting Clays is extremely challenging, and as I said, every course is different."

A pro since 2013, Wampler's love of the game has stayed the same. She does her best, no matter how busy she is, and she is a very busy lady (more to come on this), to practice at least four times per week.

"When I have all the resources I need to train optimally, I like to shoot four times a week at different clubs to shoot different courses, see different terrains, and experience different target settings. On Wednesday nights, I shoot at the skeet field."

Wampler pointed out that skeet training allows her to work on her basic shooting fundamentals, as she knows what target will come from what station. 

Another training tactic Wampler pointed to that she feels gives her an advantage is weight training.

"I train six days a week. That has been super helpful for me. I shoot about 1,100 targets during most competitions, which is a lot over a four or six-day go. There is also a lot of walking, and you're carrying your gun, ammo, and everything. The better physical shape I'm in, the better I do."

A typical sporting clays course will have 10 to 15 stations spread out along a trail, with two machines at each station. When the shooter arrives, they will shoot three or four pair, depending on the competition, so there is a lot of walking, shooting, and toting gear. 

When it comes to her shotgun of choice, Wampler shoots several different Brownings. Her primary shotgun, which she shoots for main events, is the Citori CXS. 

"I also shoot a lot of sub-gauge divisions, and I love to shoot gauges of 20, 28, and .410. It's a lot, but it allows me to compete more. When shooting sub-gauges, I use Browning's Citori 725 Sporting."

Throughout the interview, I was blown away by Wampler's desire. I said the words "that's a lot" way too much. However, the girl does a lot. She lives life to the fullest, and she lives it wide open.

Besides shooting professionally, training six days a week, and shooting four days a week, Wampler is finishing her Ph.D. at UC Davis. Wow! 

"I don't have much spare time on my hands, but that's how I like it," said Wampler.

For those thinking about wanting to bust clays, Wampler pointed out multiple times that the sporting clays discipline is the best method for field preparation.

"Trap and skeet are not super great representatives of field-type shots. The shots are usually overhead when you're shooting doves or waterfowl, and many sporting clays shots mimic those shots."

Wampler said that hunting shots are more straightforward than sporting clays shots. 

"The clay targets are moving much faster and are harder to see. Birds are a bit bigger and, most of the time, move slower than a clay target. You'll become a much better wing shooter as you get comfortable busing clays over your head, at weird angles, and in certain directions."

Alex Wampler is a driven young woman and an excellent example of what hard work, a fantastic attitude, and a desire to excel can do.