Question 1

What is TargetWise and who is it for?

Accepted Answer

TargetWise is a free score tracking and AI analysis app designed specifically for clay target shooters. Whether you shoot DTL, Sporting Clays, Skeet, Trap, or any clay discipline, TargetWise helps you log your scores, manage your gear, and get personalized AI feedback to improve your shooting.

Question 2

Is TargetWise really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes! TargetWise is free forever with all core features including unlimited score tracking, gear management, and per-score AI feedback. Free users will see ads. You can upgrade to remove ads or get Pro features, but the free tier is genuinely unlimited.

Question 3

Do I need to enter all my gear to get started?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. You can start logging scores immediately without adding any gear. However, adding your guns, loadouts, and cartridges later will unlock deeper insights from AI analysis, as Clay can see what equipment you're using and provide more tailored advice.

Question 4

Can I use TargetWise on my phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes! TargetWise is a Progressive Web App (PWA). You can add it to your phone's home screen directly from your browser, and it will look and feel just like a native app, without needing to go through an app store. Works offline too!

Question 5

How do I sign up?

Accepted Answer

Simply click 'Start Free' on the landing page. You can use your email, Google account, or Apple ID. No credit card required, no strings attached.

Question 6

Is it easy to log scores?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We've designed the score logging process to be fast and intuitive. You can log a basic score (hits/total) in seconds. For more detail, you can optionally add your gear, notes, and even target-by-target sequences without leaving the page.

Question 7

What disciplines can I track?

Accepted Answer

TargetWise supports DTL (Down The Line), Sporting Clays, Skeet, Trap, and Compak. Each discipline has its own scoring format and analytics tailored to how that game is shot.

Question 8

Can I log scores from past shoots?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can add scores with any date. Perfect for catching up on old competitions or practice sessions. Just select the date when you log the score.

Question 9

How does the app calculate my average?

Accepted Answer

Your average is calculated across all scores in each discipline. You can view overall averages or filter by date range, gun, discipline, or location. The AI breaks this down further to show patterns and trends.

Question 10

Can I track multiple disciplines?

Accepted Answer

Definitely. The app is built to support shooters who compete in multiple disciplines. You'll get separate analytics for each one, so you can see how you're doing in DTL vs Sporting vs Skeet independently.

Question 11

Can I share my scores with friends?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can view leaderboards and connect with friends to see how you stack up against them in different disciplines. All sharing is private and only between approved connections.

Question 12

What are shotgun chokes and why do they matter?

Accepted Answer

Chokes are tubes that constrict your shotgun's barrel to tighten or spread the shot pattern. Tighter chokes create denser patterns for longer distances, while open chokes allow wider patterns for closer targets. Choosing the right choke for your distance and target type is crucial for clay shooting success.

Question 13

What are the standard choke sizes?

Accepted Answer

From most open to tightest: Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full. Some manufacturers also offer Extra Full or specialized chokes. Each provides different constriction levels measured in thousandths of an inch.

Question 14

What's the best choke for Sporting Clays?

Accepted Answer

It depends on target distance and presentation. Use tighter chokes (IC to Full) for longer shots (40+ yards) and open chokes (Cylinder to Improved Cylinder) for closer targets (15-30 yards). Many shooters use Modified as a versatile middle ground. Our interactive choke selector tool can help you decide based on specific scenarios.

Question 15

What chokes should I use for DTL?

Accepted Answer

DTL typically uses Modified to Full chokes since birds are launched at increasing distances (16-27 yards). Most DTL shooters use Modified or Improved Modified for consistent performance across all yardages.

Question 16

What's best for Skeet shooting?

Accepted Answer

Skeet uses tighter patterns despite close distances. Most shooters use Skeet or Improved Cylinder chokes. Since targets cross at specific angles and distances, consistency is key—many stick with the same choke throughout.

Question 17

Can I change chokes on my shotgun?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your gun. Modern shotguns usually have interchangeable choke systems, allowing you to swap chokes easily. Older or fixed choke shotguns cannot be changed, but you can work with what you have by adjusting your distance and shot selection.

Question 18

How do I know what choke I have?

Accepted Answer

Check the end of your barrel or inside the choke tube itself—manufacturers mark chokes with notches, stars, or names (Modified, Full, etc.). Your gun's manual will have a reference chart. If you're unsure, bring your gun to a range or gunsmith for identification.

Question 19

What is Clay and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Clay is your personal AI shooting coach. Ask it anything about clay shooting—choke selection, technique, discipline rules, equipment recommendations, or how to improve specific weaknesses. Clay provides instant, personalized answers based on your shooting data.

Question 20

What can I ask Clay?

Accepted Answer

You can ask Clay about: shotgun chokes for any scenario, shooting techniques and form, discipline-specific strategies, equipment selection and recommendations, how to break your next target, why you're missing certain presentations, and how to improve your scores. Clay learns from your data in Pro tier.

Question 21

Does Clay learn about my shooting style?

Accepted Answer

In Free tier, Clay provides general advice. In Pro tier, Clay analyzes your actual shooting data—your patterns, missed targets, gear, and discipline preferences—to give truly personalized coaching tailored to YOUR weaknesses and goals.

Question 22

What's the difference between Free and Pro Clay coaching?

Accepted Answer

Free: Ask anything, get instant answers and per-score tips. Pro: All of that plus unlimited detailed AI reports, discipline-specific coaching summaries, AI-powered training plans based on your data, and predictive insights showing where you'll improve.

Question 23

Can I use Clay on the website without signing up?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Clay Basic is available on the website to anyone without creating an account. It provides general shooting knowledge and TargetWise education. Sign up and log in to unlock Clay Pro with personalized coaching based on your shooting history.

Question 24

Is my data private and secure?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Your personal shooting data is private to your account. We use secure cloud infrastructure provided by Google Firebase to protect your information with enterprise-grade security. You maintain full control over your data.

Question 25

Can I export my data?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can export your scores, gear inventory, and shooting history. We believe your data belongs to you.

Question 26

What if I delete my account?

Accepted Answer

All your data will be permanently deleted from our servers. You have 30 days to recover your account if you change your mind.

Question 27

Does TargetWise sell my data?

Accepted Answer

No. We never sell your personal or shooting data. We use it only to improve your experience and provide AI coaching. Read our Privacy Policy for full details.

Question 28

Can my coach see my scores?

Accepted Answer

Only if you approve them. You can share your progress with approved coaches to get feedback and assigned drills. You control who sees your data.

Question 29

How do I add a gun to my gear?

Accepted Answer

Go to your Gear Locker, click 'Add Gun', and fill in details like manufacturer, model, barrel length, and action type. You can add as much or as little detail as you want. Even basic info helps Clay provide better coaching.

Question 30

What are loadouts?

Accepted Answer

Loadouts are specific combinations of your gun, chokes, and cartridges for different shooting situations. Create 'DTL Skeet Setup' or 'Sporting Clays Practice' loadouts so you can quickly log scores with the exact gear you used that day.

Question 31

Can I track cartridge stock?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Log your cartridge inventory and TargetWise automatically tracks how many you've used based on your scores. Get reminders when you're running low.

Question 32

Can I share gear with other users?

Accepted Answer

Not directly, but you can share your exact gun/loadout specifications so friends can recreate your setup. Useful for seeing how your gear compares to others shooting the same equipment.

Question 33

How does AI analysis help me improve?

Accepted Answer

AI analysis looks at your data to identify patterns: Which presentations do you struggle with? Are certain chokes giving you more misses? Do you shoot better in specific conditions? Clay highlights these patterns and suggests targeted practice to address them.

Question 34

What does the 'breakdown by target type' mean?

Accepted Answer

In Sporting Clays, for example, it shows your score broken down by presentation type—crossers, rabbits, teals, etc. If you're 70% on crossers but 40% on rabbits, Clay will suggest focused practice on rabbits.

Question 35

Can the app predict my improvement?

Accepted Answer

Pro tier includes trend analysis showing your trajectory. If you've improved 5% per month, Clay can estimate where you'll be in 3 months and suggest drills to accelerate that improvement.

Question 36

How often should I check my stats?

Accepted Answer

However often you want! Some shooters check after every shoot for immediate feedback. Others review weekly or monthly trends. Use it as a motivation tool or detailed analysis—it's entirely up to you.

Question 37

Does TargetWise have practice drills?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Access a library of proven drills for each discipline, create custom training plans, and schedule practice sessions. Pro tier gets AI-powered plans tailored to your specific weaknesses.

Question 38

Can I set goals in TargetWise?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Set a goal like 'Break 90% in Sporting Clays by March' and track your progress toward it. Clay will suggest specific practice to help you hit that goal.

Question 39

Can I track practice vs competition scores separately?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tag scores as practice or competition so you can compare how you perform under pressure vs casual shooting.

Question 40

What's the difference between DTL, Sporting Clays, and Skeet?

Accepted Answer

DTL: Birds launch straight away at increasing distances. Sporting Clays: Simulates hunting scenarios with varied presentations. Skeet: Fixed stations with targets crossing at different angles. Each has different rules, scoring, and strategy.

Question 41

How do I improve my accuracy?

Accepted Answer

Focus on: consistent gun mounting, proper stance and footwork, correct lead calculation, target acquisition, and follow-through. Track which presentations challenge you, then practice specifically on those. Clay will analyze your data to pinpoint your biggest improvement opportunities.

Question 42

What's the proper shotgun mount?

Accepted Answer

Consistency is key. Mount your gun the same way every time: gun pocket in shoulder, cheek weld consistent, eyes on target. Practice mounting without shooting to build muscle memory. Every discipline benefits from a reliable, repeatable mount.

Question 43

How important is lead in clay shooting?

Accepted Answer

Very important. Lead is the distance ahead of the target where you aim. It varies by target speed, distance, and angle. Most beginners undershoot their lead. Practice different presentations and adjust based on your misses.

Question 44

Is clay shooting expensive?

Accepted Answer

Initial cost includes a shotgun ($500+), shells, and range fees. It's a sport, so ongoing costs are real, but you can enjoy it at any budget. TargetWise helps maximize your practice by showing exactly where to focus effort for fastest improvement.

Question 45

What should I do if the app is slow?

Accepted Answer

Try: refreshing the page, clearing your browser cache, checking your internet connection, or trying a different browser. If issues persist, contact support with details about what you were doing.

Question 46

Can I sync my account across devices?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Your account syncs automatically across all your devices. Log in on your phone, tablet, or computer and see the same data everywhere.

Question 47

What if I forget my password?

Accepted Answer

Click 'Forgot Password' on the login page and follow the email recovery link. You'll be able to reset it and get back in.

Question 48

Does TargetWise work offline?

Accepted Answer

Yes! As a Progressive Web App, TargetWise works offline for viewing your scores and data. Logging new scores and syncing happens when you regain connection.

Question 49

How do I contact support?

Accepted Answer

Use the support button in the app, or email us directly. We respond to all support requests within 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Scoring & Tracking

Chokes & Equipment

AI Coaching with Clay

Data & Privacy

Gear & Loadouts

Performance Analysis

Training & Practice

Shooting Basics

Technical Support

Still Have Questions?