A Couple’s Long Shot Pays Off
For most of their 31-year marriage, Mooresville residents Kelly and Tracey Dickson have been shooting sporting clays. They compete in National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) tournaments and taught their two children to shoot sporting clays, which involves shooting flying clay targets launched from automatic machines.
“We enjoy shooting sporting clays because it’s an activity we can do together and as a family,” Kelly says. “Each experience on the course makes weekends and traveling fun, and it’s something we started together—and will continue to do forever.”
Although the Dicksons had busy careers, clay shooting was an important pastime for the couple. Kelly served as a marketing executive for Fortune 500 companies and local businesses, while Tracey worked in NASCAR with Hendrick Motorsports, Robby Gordon, and Wood Brothers Racing.
From Hobby to Business
After earning their instructor certificates through the NSCA, the couple opened Sporting Clay Xperiences, based in Mooresville, in 2019. Kelly teaches clinics to women and children, and she and Tracey took clients to sporting clubs around the world. Clients constantly asked, “When are you going to open your own sporting club?”
In late December 2024, the Dicksons purchased 285 acres in North Wilkesboro to establish a sporting club with 5-Stand, archery, fly-fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and sporting clays. Hidden Brook Sporting Club opened in May 2025. Now Kelly and Tracey bring Sporting Clay Xperiences’ clients to Hidden Brook.
“We’re trying to utilize all of the acres we can, but keep it as natural and undisturbed as possible,” Kelly says. “At the same time, we’re trying to develop elevated amenities that support all of the activities we offer.”
Guest Experience
Hidden Brook welcomes individuals and groups at the clubhouse. Reservations are recommended for groups of six or more. The sporting club is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday. Mondays and Tuesdays are reserved for corporate events and private bookings. Guests can rent equipment—from ammunition to guns and golf carts—at Hidden Brook. First-time shooters learn how to hold a gun and review safety protocols. Archers, bike riders, and anglers bring their own gear.
“For new guests, Tracey or I will go down to the first station and walk them through how the machinery works,” Kelly explains. “We’re here to help make this sport more popular. We want everyone to have a good time and be successful.”
Throughout the year, Hidden Brook hosts events including a chili cook-off, a Low Country boil, and a pig pickin’. The sporting club celebrates its one-year anniversary with music and food from May 6–10. A two-day workshop, Firearm Education, Self Defense & Sporting Clays for Women Weekend, is scheduled for May 16 and 17.
Guests are invited to bring a cooler and a picnic lunch to enjoy on the patio overlooking the Brushy Mountains before or after a hike or round of sporting clays.
“The whole premise of Hidden Brook is to come and enjoy the outdoors and create a social environment where people want to stay and meet others,” Kelly says.
Original article published by lncurrents.com
