Turning Clay- 2021 PBLA Clayshoot

Nothing better represents the Permian getting back to normal, and we’re hopeful of retaining and enjoying normal life, than our PBLA events back in full effect. Fall 2021 brings the 35th Eric Hanson Memorial Sporting Clayshoot along with multiple chances for cheek and shoulder bruising.

Curiosity as to why Landmen flock to the clay shoot, we requested information regarding the backstory of how the event began.

In 1985-1986, Eric Karl Hanson was the director of the first Skeet Shoot Committee and held the event out at the Riflery Range near the Midland International Airport.  In those days it was a one-half day event before growing to two half-days (Friday afternoon, Saturday morning) with a crawfish boil after the second half-day.

This 35th year celebrating the annual Clay Shoot and Eric’s efforts to get a Clay Shoot as part of our annual events shows how hard he worked for PBLA during his years of involvement.  Eric was President of the PBLA from1988-1989. He was also the President of the AAPL from 2000-2001, and played a key role in the formation and success of NAPE before becoming the AAPL Landman of the Year in 2007. Eric passed away too young in 2009 and the Clay Shoot was renamed in his honor.

The money raised by this event is used for the PBLA scholarships and has been very generous to local students interested in the Land business and related fields of study. In fact, our own Bianca Sparks, received a scholarship in pursuit of her MBA!

This year the Hanson Family very graciously donated the Eric Hanson Memorial Gun so that it can be raffled off for the good of the PBLA scholarships’ and charities’ funds.

Acquiring ammo is an undertaking all on its own, but if you do manage to secure your loot, we wish you a safe and successful clay shoot.

Photo and Information Credit: www.pbla.org