If you’re driving down toward Prior Lake and you see a massive gate with a silhouette of a pointer and a flushing pheasant, you’ve found the Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club. Most people around the Twin Cities just call it Horse and Hunt. For decades, it’s carried this reputation of being a "good old boys" cigar-smoke-and-whiskey kind of place. Honestly? That's not really the whole story anymore.
It's big. Over 600 acres big.
When you first pull in, the scale of the property hits you. It’s a mix of dense woods, open prairies, and carefully managed hunting fields. It feels like a piece of the Dakotas dropped right into the middle of Scott County. But if you think you need a $10,000 shotgun and a pedigree hunting dog to show up, you’re wrong.
The Reality of Shooting at Horse and Hunt MN
Most people come here for the sporting clays. If you’ve never done it, think of it as "golf with a shotgun." You walk a trail, stop at different stations, and try to hit clay targets that mimic the flight patterns of birds. It's addicting.
The courses at Horse and Hunt MN are legitimately world-class. They have several different setups, but the "Hunter’s Course" is where most amateurs find themselves. It’s approachable. You aren’t going to get embarrassed if you miss a few. Then you have the more technical courses where the targets move at speeds and angles that make you question your depth perception.
One thing that surprises people is the accessibility. You don't have to be a member to shoot sporting clays. You can literally just show up, pay your fee, and head out. They’ve got rental guns—usually reliable Berettas or Benellis—so you don't even need to own equipment to try it out.
It's Not Just About the Birds
The "Horse" part of the name is often overlooked.
For a long time, the club was a massive hub for equestrian events. While the focus has shifted heavily toward the shooting sports and the social club aspect in recent years, the infrastructure is still there. They host events that pull in people from all over the Midwest.
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The real heartbeat of the place, though, is the Lodge.
The Trigger Grill is surprisingly good. Like, actually good. You’d expect standard "clubhouse" food—dry burgers and frozen fries. Instead, you get wild game appetizers, solid steaks, and a bar that feels like a Northwoods cabin without the three-hour drive up I-35. It’s one of those spots where you’ll see a guy in a tailored suit sitting next to a guy in muddy briar pants, and nobody thinks twice about it.
Membership vs. Public Access
This is where people get confused. Is it private? Sorta.
The Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club operates on a tiered system. Members get the perks—cheaper rounds, priority booking for hunting fields, and access to "The Tents" (their massive outdoor event space). If you’re a serious wingshooter who wants to work a dog on pheasant or chukar from September through April, membership is basically a requirement. The fields are groomed. The birds are healthy.
But for the casual person who just wants to shoot a round of clays on a Sunday or have a beer by the fire, you're a guest. And that's fine.
Why the Hunting Fields Matter
In Minnesota, public land hunting is getting tougher. Pressure is high. Birds are sparse in some areas. Horse and Hunt MN solves that by being a "controlled" environment.
They release birds. Let’s be real about that. It’s a game farm. For some purists, that’s a dealbreaker. They want the "wild" experience. But for a guy who has a young dog that needs to learn how to scent a pheasant, or a busy professional who only has three hours on a Tuesday morning to get some field time, this place is a godsend.
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They have professional guides. If you don't have a dog, they’ll provide one. Watching a well-trained Lab or Shorthair work these fields is a masterclass in biology. The guides at Horse and Hunt aren't just there to point you toward birds; they’re instructors. They help you understand wind direction, cover types, and safety protocols that you won’t learn in a classroom.
The Events and the "Vibe"
If you've heard of the "Game Fair," you know it usually happens in Ramsey at Armstrong Ranch. But Horse and Hunt has its own gravity. They host some of the biggest charity shoots in the state.
Corporate retreats are a massive part of their business now. It turns out that taking a sales team out to shoot clay pigeons is way more effective for bonding than a trust fall in a hotel conference room.
The vibe is "rustic luxury." It’s clean, it’s well-maintained, but it’s still a place where you're going to get some dirt on your boots. The staff is local. They know their stuff. If you walk into the pro shop and ask a technical question about choke tubes or shot sizes, you’re going to get a real answer, not a sales pitch.
Addressing the Barriers to Entry
Let’s talk about the "intimidation factor" because it’s real.
Walking into a gun club for the first time can feel like walking into a high-stakes poker game where you don't know the rules. Horse and Hunt MN has worked hard to kill that feeling. They have "Introduction to Wingshooting" clinics. They have youth programs.
Safety is the absolute priority. If you act like a jerk or handle a firearm unsafely, you’ll be asked to leave. Period. This strict adherence to safety actually makes it more welcoming for beginners because you know there’s a structure in place.
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The cost is another thing. It’s not cheap. A round of 100 clays, plus shells, plus a cart rental will run you a decent chunk of change. It’s comparable to a round of golf at a nice public course like The Wilds nearby. It’s an investment in a hobby.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Don't just wing it.
- Check the Calendar: They host massive events and weddings. If there’s a 300-person charity shoot happening, you aren't getting on the course. Call ahead.
- Eye and Ear Protection: You can’t step onto a range without it. They sell it there, but bring your own if you want to be comfortable.
- The Gear: You don't need camo. Seriously. Most people wear jeans and a vest or a light jacket. Just dress for the weather. It’s an outdoor sport. If it’s raining, you’re getting wet.
- The Dogs: If you bring your own dog, make sure your vaccinations are up to date and you have your paperwork. They are strict about the health of animals on the property.
The Long-Term Outlook for the Club
The Twin Cities are expanding. Prior Lake isn't the "country" anymore; it's the suburbs. This puts places like Horse and Hunt in a weird spot.
So far, they’ve managed to preserve that rural feel. They’ve become a sanctuary for people who want to keep the hunting and shooting tradition alive without driving four hours to the middle of nowhere. As long as they keep the balance between being a "high-end club" and an "accessible park," they’ll stay a staple of the Minnesota outdoors scene.
Practical Steps for Your First Visit
If you’re ready to check out Horse and Hunt MN, don’t overthink it.
Start by booking a table at the Trigger Grill for a Saturday lunch. Get the food, see the Lodge, and watch the shooters come in and out. It’ll give you a feel for the culture without any pressure.
If you want to shoot, call the pro shop and ask for a "Trapper." This is a staff member who goes out with you, operates the clay throwers, and can give you pointers. It’s the best way to ensure your first experience isn't frustrating.
Finally, check their "Events" page on the website. They often have open-house style days or specific "Try it" events for women and youth. These are low-cost, high-value ways to see if the lifestyle fits you.
The Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club isn't a museum of the past; it’s a living, breathing part of the state's outdoor heritage. Whether you’re there for the horses, the hounds, or just a really good burger, it’s worth the trip down Highway 13.