Warren Watson, co-author of Shotgunning in the Automatic Mind, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2020. His contributions to the sport of shotgunning are immense, far beyond what can be conveyed in a book. At the same time, Warren’s commitment to sharing his knowledge through Shotgunning in the Automatic Mind resulted in a fine legacy of teaching, based on his coaching process. Those who worked with Warren had the opportunity to be trained by one of the very best coaches in the United States.
Warren grew up in Southern Illinois on the Mississippi Flyway, where shotgunning for waterfowl and bobwhite quail was a way of life. He was an athlete in high school and college. After military service, he bought and developed an insurance business in Denver. He later sold the agency to pursue his true calling as a professional shotgun coach.
Warren taught students of shotgunning at all levels — including beginners, experienced shooters, Olympic shooters, as well as other instructors. Prior to coaching full time, Warren also shot competitively at tournaments throughout the country, winning the title of Colorado State Champion of Sporting Clays. Warren’s teaching of shotgunning was second-to-none, with a training process that emphasized understanding of every aspect of the sport, planning, and practice.
Warren’s subtle coaching style and gift for communicating his shotgunning knowledge inspired the confidence of his students, 65 of whom rose to Master Class Sporting Clays level.
Warren’s co-author, Mike Wilfley, reflected on Warren as a friend, teacher, and collaborator on the book, “Warren Watson was a unique individual of the very best kind. He was solid in everything he pursued and inspired trust and confidence of all those around him. He took great pleasure and pride in guiding people toward a fuller experience of shotgunning.”
