Any resident of South Dakota, as well as military personnel and their families stationed in South Dakota, who are members in good standing of the National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA), are eligible for membership in the South Dakota Skeet Shooting Association (SDSSA). Eligible candidates who have shot a minimum of 50 registered targets, whether through Monthly Targets or in an NSSA-registered event, will be recognized as members of the SDSSA. 200 registered targets in previous season or 5,000 lifetime registered targets will be recognized as members of the SDSSA. Qualifying targets include NSSA registered tournament targets and monthly targets. Currently, there is no annual membership fee for individual members. However, a per-target fee may be assessed for NSSA-registered targets. 

The South Dakota Skeet Shooting Association (SDSSA) recognizes two categories of membership: Individual Members and Member Clubs. Member clubs can include gun clubs, individuals, and other organizations that maintain at least one skeet range and are in good standing with the National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA) are eligible for membership as a Member Club. Clubs that meet these criteria and have shot a minimum of 500 registered targets, either through a registered skeet shoot or Monthly Targets, will be considered members of the SDSSA. Currently, there is no annual membership fee for Member Clubs. However, a per-target fee may be assessed for NSSA-registered targets. 

A Complimentary Limited Membership (CLM) enables individuals to participate in registered tournaments for the current year without incurring the annual membership fee. To qualify for the CLM, applicants must not have been a member of the NSSA or NSCA within the past three years.

This membership provides all the benefits of full membership, with the exception of voting privileges. The Complimentary Limited Membership will expire at the end of the calendar year. To transition to a regular membership with the NSSA, please click here.

As a member of the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA), you are entitled to crossfire privileges with the National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA). This means NSCA members may participate in registered skeet shooting events without the requirement to pay NSSA membership fees. Similarly, NSSA members are eligible to participate in registered sporting clays events. 

As a member of the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA), you are entitled to crossfire privileges with the National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA). This means NSCA members may participate in registered skeet shooting events without the requirement to pay NSSA membership fees. Similarly, NSSA members are eligible to participate in registered sporting clays events. To obtain NSSA classification, a shooter must complete a minimum of 50 targets. Classification is determined based on the percentage of targets broken. Shooters are classified separately for each event they wish to participate in (e.g., 12-gauge, 20-gauge, 28-gauge, .410, or doubles). For reference, the current NSSA Classification table can be found under the "Information" link, followed by the "NSSA" sub-link on this website.

While an unclassified shooter may participate in a registered skeet shoot, their score during the event will determine their classification for that particular shoot. However, it is recommended that shooters obtain classification prior to competing. This can be achieved through participation in Monthly Targets.

Monthly Targets are registered targets taken in the absence of a registered skeet shoot. They offer non-classified shooters the opportunity to obtain classification prior to a registered event. Since shooters often perform better than their average, classifying using Monthly Targets before a competitive skeet shoot can provide strategic advantages.

Classified shooters may also use Monthly Targets to improve their classification standing. However, it is important to note that Monthly Targets should never be used with the intent of artificially lowering one's average in order to gain a competitive advantage by competing in a lower class.

Most NSSA clubs can accommodate Monthly Targets upon request. These targets are reported in sets of two consecutive rounds (50 targets). Shooters must declare their rounds as Monthly Targets before shooting. Monthly Targets must be scored by a qualified third party. Additionally, a fee of $1.00 per round will be assessed by the NSSA. The Gun Club may charge a separate rate for Monthly Targets.

Your score at the conclusion of each shoot impacts your average, which in turn may affect your classification for subsequent events. Your current classification is determined by a running average of your last five shoots for each gauge. If you are a newer shooter who has not yet participated in five shoots for a specific gauge, your running average will be based on all available shoots to date.

For the most accurate and up-to-date classification, the best source is your Home Page History on the NSSA website. However, please note that it is possible for a recent shoot to not yet be posted, particularly if it occurred within the last 30 days. Therefore, it is advisable to check your Home Page before each shoot to ensure all previous scores have been recorded. If any scores have not been posted, you will need to track your past scores and calculate your own average and classification for the upcoming event. Click here to view your Home Page Logon.