If you’ve spent any time driving through the rolling fields of Scott County, you know the vibe changes once you hit the gravel roads near the Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club Prior Lake. It isn't just a shooting range. It isn't just a restaurant. Honestly, it’s basically a 600-acre slice of what Minnesota used to look like before the suburbs started creeping in every direction.
People show up here for different reasons. Maybe they want to break a few clays. Maybe they're here for a wedding that doesn't feel like a stuffy hotel ballroom. Most people, though, come because there’s a certain level of heritage here that’s getting harder to find. Founded way back in 1985 by Bill Mullin, the club has morphed from a private hunting preserve into a public-facing destination that still manages to feel like an exclusive secret.
It’s big. Like, really big.
The Sporting Clays Experience at Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club Prior Lake
Most folks know the place for the sporting clays. If you’ve never done it, think of it as "golf with a shotgun." You walk a trail, hit different stations, and try to pick off orange discs flying at weird angles. The Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club Prior Lake has multiple courses that they rotate and change up constantly. This is crucial. Nothing kills the fun faster than a predictable flight path.
The "Hunter’s Course" is usually where you start if you’re looking to shake off the rust before pheasant season. It mimics real-world bird behavior. Then there’s the "Tower," which is basically a nightmare for anyone who struggles with high-crossers. You’ll see guys in full Orvis gear standing next to a teenager in a camo hoodie. Nobody cares.
They have five-stand and trap too, but the sporting clays are the crown jewel. What’s interesting is how they’ve integrated the landscape. You aren't just standing in an open field; you’re in the woods, over water, and tucked into valleys. It feels immersive. You've gotta respect the logistics of keeping that many traps loaded and working across 600 acres.
Why the "Hunt" Part Still Matters
While a lot of modern clubs are moving toward "corporate entertainment" (and yeah, they do that here too), the hunting aspect is still the soul of the place. We're talking pheasant, chukar, and quail. Since it's a private licensed preserve, the season is way longer than the standard DNR dates.
You can hunt from September through April. Think about that for a second. When the rest of the state is locked in ice and the official seasons are long gone, you can still get your dog out into the brush.
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- Managed Fields: They keep the cover thick. It’s not just mowed grass; it’s actual hunting terrain.
- Dog Training: This is a huge draw. If you have a young Lab or a Pointer that needs bird exposure, this is where you go. They offer professional training, but even just having access to birds in a controlled environment is worth the membership for a lot of people.
- The Guides: You don't need your own dog. They have experienced guides who probably know the behavior of a pheasant better than they know their own kids.
Not Just For the Guys with Guns
There is a weird misconception that the Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club Prior Lake is a "boys club." It’s really not. If you walk into Triggers—that’s the on-site restaurant—on a Friday night, you’re just as likely to see a family celebrating a birthday as you are a group of hunters.
The food is surprisingly legit. It’s not "clubhouse" food. It’s more like "high-end lodge" food. We're talking wild game (obviously), heavy steaks, and some of the best walleye you’ll find in the South Metro. The atmosphere is all wood beams, taxidermy, and fireplace vibes. It’s cozy. It’s the kind of place where you want to order a bourbon and stay for three hours.
Events are a massive part of their business model now. They do weddings—a lot of them. The "Pavilion" and the "Hunt Lodge" offer different scales, but they both lean into that rustic, elegant aesthetic. It works because it doesn't feel manufactured. It’s a real working club, so the "rustic" part is authentic, not just some barn-wood siding from a big-box store.
Membership vs. Public Access
This is where people get confused. Is it private? Sorta. Is it public? Also sorta.
You don’t have to be a member to shoot clays or eat at the restaurant. You can just show up, pay the daily rate, and have a blast. However, being a member at the Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club Prior Lake definitely has its perks. Members get preferred rates on targets, birds, and room rentals. They also get access to some of the more "club-only" events and hunting areas.
If you’re shooting more than once a month, the math usually favors a membership. If you’re just a "once-a-year" visitor, the public rates are fair. They’ve done a good job of balancing the "exclusive" feel with "everyone is welcome."
The Horse Side of Things
The name isn't just for show. While the "Hunt" part gets most of the glory in the fall and winter, the "Horse" part is a foundational pillar. They have miles of trails.
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The boarding facilities are top-tier. It’s a specific kind of horse owner who boards here—someone who actually wants to ride on trails rather than just circle an indoor arena. The scenery is spectacular, especially in the late fall when the maples are turning.
Technical Details for the Serious Shooter
Let's get into the weeds for a second. If you're coming here to shoot, you need to know a few things.
The club hosts major registered shoots. We’re talking NSCA (National Sporting Clays Association) events that bring in shooters from all over the Midwest. The target presentations at these events are world-class. If you want to test your mettle, keep an eye on their calendar for the "Big 100" or various state-level qualifiers.
- Rental Gear: If you don't own a Beretta or a Benelli, they have rentals. They are well-maintained, which isn't always the case at public ranges.
- Ammo: They have a pro shop. Prices are "range prices," meaning you'll pay a bit more than at a big-box store, but they usually have a decent selection of target loads even when the rest of the world is seeing shortages.
- Instructors: This is probably the most underutilized resource at the club. They have instructors who can fix a flinch or a mounting issue in about twenty minutes.
The terrains vary from tight, wooded shots to wide-open prairie vistas. You need to bring different chokes if you’re serious. An Improved Cylinder is great for the woods, but you’ll want a Modified or even an Improved Modified for some of those long-range crossers on the back 40.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think it’s intimidating.
They think they’re going to show up and get judged by "pros" in tweed jackets. Honestly, that’s just not the case. The staff is incredibly patient. If you’ve never held a shotgun before, tell them. They’ll walk you through the safety protocols and get you on the right track.
There's also a misconception about the noise. People think it’s just a constant barrage of gunfire. While you’ll definitely hear the "pop-pop" of the stations, the 600 acres are laid out so well that it doesn't feel overwhelming. It’s localized.
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Another thing: the "Prior Lake" address is a bit of a misnomer for some. It’s actually located a bit south of the main city center, deeper into the rural part of the county. Don't expect to see the lake from the clubhouse; you’re in the woods and fields here.
Sustainability and Conservation
You can’t run a hunting club for 40 years without caring about the land. The Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club Prior Lake puts a lot of work into habitat management. This isn't just about the hunt; it's about the ecosystem. They manage the grasslands to ensure that the birds have cover and food. This benefits the local songbird populations and deer as well.
They also work closely with organizations like Pheasants Forever. It’s a symbiotic relationship. By providing a place for people to hunt, they generate the revenue and interest needed to keep these wild spaces from being turned into another strip mall or housing development.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning a trip out there, don't just wing it.
First, check the weather. It sounds obvious, but a windy day at the Horse and Hunt Club changes everything. Those clay targets catch the wind and do things you wouldn't believe. If it's your first time, aim for a weekday morning. It’s quiet, you won’t feel rushed, and the light coming through the trees is perfect.
Bring your own ear and eye protection. They have some you can buy or borrow, but you’ll be more comfortable in your own gear. Also, wear boots. Even if it hasn't rained, the dew on the long grass in the morning will soak your sneakers in five minutes.
If you're heading to Triggers for dinner, make a reservation. It gets packed, especially on nights when they have live music or special events.
Actionable Takeaways for Newcomers:
- Call Ahead: Always check if there’s a private event or a tournament taking over the courses.
- The Pro Shop is Your Friend: Ask the guys behind the counter what's shooting well that day. They hear everything from the shooters coming off the course.
- Safety First: The club is strict about safety. Keep your action open until you’re in the box. No exceptions.
- Try the Food: Even if you aren't a "hunter," the bison burgers and wild rice soup are worth the drive alone.
- Look into the "Intro to Wingshooting" classes: If you're new, this is the single best way to learn without feeling embarrassed.
The Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club Prior Lake is a bit of an anomaly in 2026. It’s a place that values tradition but understands that to survive, it has to be a place for everyone. Whether you’re there to train a dog, break a 25-straight on the trap range, or just eat a steak by the fire, it feels like a genuine escape. It’s one of those rare spots where the reality actually lives up to the reputation.
Stop by the pro shop first to sign the waivers and get your card. If you're going out on the sporting clays course, grab one of the golf carts—it's a long walk if you're carrying a heavy bag of shells. Head to the "East Course" if you want a bit more of a challenge, or stay on the "West Course" for a more relaxed afternoon. Grab a table on the patio after you're done; the view of the sunset over the fields is the best way to end the day.