A Mountain Clays features trap houses which launch eight different kinds of skeet.

 

Included is a springing teal which shoots straight in the air, the high and low crosser, “rabbit” and the “wobble,” which kicks out in a different direction every time.

 

“With that one, you get 20 looks with one trap,” said Jay Davis, co-owner/operator of the year and a half-old sporting facility located on Meadowbrook Road.

 

Davis, former longtime food and beverage director at Pete Dye Golf Club, said he is in definitely his element running A Mountain Clays, nestled in 90 acres of rural “God’s Country” just off Meadowbrook Road.

 

“I grew up as a hunter and loving the outdoors and I did hospitality for all those years at Pete Dye so it’s a perfect fit for me,” he said. “I’m still entertaining people and still that host – but dealing with clays and the outdoors, something that I love.”

 

The opportunity “fell in his lap” a couple of years ago when Pete Dye ownership shifted and Davis lost his job.

 

“David Alvarez called me and told me he was building this place for him and his son – as a private retreat,” Davis said. “He said he thought I could turn it into a nice little business if I was interested.”

 

Davis’s reply was direct and on target with Alvarez’s idea.

 

“I said, ‘Let’s make it happen,’” he said.

At one time during his employment at Pete Dye, there was talk of transforming the golf club into more of a sporting club, including trout fishing and skeet shooting, Davis said. So the wheels had already been in motion regarding logistics.

 

A Mountain Clays – the A standing for Alvarez – opened June 13, 2012 and has become a rural retreat for individuals and groups.

 

“I have a core of guys - Steve Stout, Kyle Johnson and Todd Trickett – who come out weekly and there’s a group of guys from Equitable Gas who are big supporters and the guys from Antero (Resources) have been here quite a few times,” Davis said.

 

A Mountain Clays has hosted social gatherings including bachelor parties, birthday parties and even a bridal shower – the latter not including skeet shooting activity.

 

“They just liked the facility. They brought the cupcakes and fruit and all. It was all about the setting – and what a great setting,” Davis said.

 

The facility itself is a wood/stone structure, the roomy living room – complete with fireplace – being the focal point. An attached kitchen, dining room, restroom facilities and lofted camo-themed bedrooms complete the rustic look. 

 

It’s not only locals who utilize the facility.

 

“We have a group from Charleston who comes up and another group from Marietta, Ohio who come up probably twice a month,” Davis said.

 

Visiting golfers to Pete Dye also frequent A Mountain Clays.

 

“Golfers from out of state are now incorporating crossover tournaments into their visit. They play a round of golf, come here and shoot 25 clays – turning it into a mini tournament, which is really special and unique,” Davis said. “They’re getting the best of both worlds. Pete Dye is an 18-hole world-class facility. Golfers then basically drive across the street and shoot at a first-class clay facility.”

 

To date, feedback received is very positive.

 

“So far, it’s a huge success. It’s very unique and a great place to do it,” he said. “We have something we can be proud of.”

 

The appeal certainly includes the setting.

 

“It’s like two miles from the interstate, but when you get out here, it’s like you’re in the middle of nowhere,” Davis said.

 

And, of course, the trap houses and the guns hold their own appeal.

 

“We have 12, 20 and 28-gauge shotguns we rent out,” Davis said.

 

Those guns are displayed and kept safely in an impressive, custom-built gun vault equipped with several security cameras.

 

Shooters are also welcome to bring their own guns for the skeet activity, which takes place on the front porch and typically includes a full round of 25 clays.

 

“What normally happens when I get five guys up here is one will start at No. 1 and one at No. 2 and No. 3, etc.,” Davis said. “Then he slides down and continues shooting. The far left station is shooting birds 1, 3, 5 and 7 and the second station, 2, 4, 6 and 8.”

 

If the shooter progresses to each station, the difficulty level continues to advance.

 

“We have three different levels and it gets harder as they go along,” Davis said.

 

Skeet shooting is primarily a men’s sport, but there have been a number of women try it out.

 

“It has surprised me how many women have come out, gotten involved and love doing this,” he said.

 

With very little advertising, A Mountain Clays is becoming a recreational destination.

 

“In a small town like this, word of mouth is the best advertising. We have a bachelor party and 20 guys come out and those 20 guys tell their friends. That’s how things have spread,” Davis said. “Every month, it keeps growing and growing.”

 

A Mountain Clays is open by appointment. For more information, visit A Mountain Clays’ Facebook page or call 304-641-1599.

 

Above photos by Natalie Aliff, Jeff Toquinto, Julie Perine and Ben Queen.