Master Your Shot with Expert Instruction
At Michigan Shooting Centers, teaching people how to shoot isn’t just something we offer — it’s what we do best. Our greatest strength lies in helping individuals of all experience levels become safer, more confident, and more skilled behind the gun. Whether you’re stepping onto the range for the very first time or refining the finer points of your game, our team of professional instructors brings passion, patience, and decades of expertise to every lesson.
We offer a wide range of instructional options — from private and semi-private lessons to group clinics — all designed to meet you where you are and help you grow. Our founder, Pat Lieske, has been coaching shooters for more than 30 years, and his hand-selected team of instructors shares his dedication to developing shooters of every age and ability. No matter your goals, we’ll give you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to reach them — and make sure you have a great time along the way.
We Can Help You:
✔ Learn firearm safety
✔ Improve your target shooting
✔ Increase your sporting clays score
✔ Develop skills in personal protection
✔ Master the fundamentals of skeet and trap
✔ Become a better wingshooter
Below, you’ll find detailed bios of our recommended instructors, each bringing their own unique expertise and teaching style. Ready to get started? Contact an instructor today and begin your journey toward becoming a more skilled and confident shooter!
Meet Our Instructors
Shooting lessons are available by appointment with advance notice. To schedule a session, you may contact any of our instructors directly using the directory below. For your convenience, our full-time club professional, James Chambers, offers online booking — simply click here to reserve a lesson with him.
James Chambers
Club Shooting Pro, Full Time Shooting InstructorJames Chambers discovered his passion for the outdoors early, beginning his shooting journey at age 12 while pheasant hunting with his family at Hunter’s Creek Club. A 1986 graduate of Lawrence Technological University, James went on to build a successful career in the wedding floral and event industry for more than three decades. In 2011, he founded his own specialty lighting company and grew it into a premier provider in the region. After passing leadership to his daughter in 2023, he continues to support the business through consulting.
James’ enthusiasm for the shooting sports began with skeet, joining Michigan Shooting Centers in 2008 and quickly advancing his skills in the game. His interests have since expanded to include sporting clays, trap, and pistol shooting.
Drawing from years of experience, James is a dedicated instructor and coach, holding multiple certifications:
- NSSA – National Skeet Shooting Association Level I Instructor
- NSCA – National Sporting Clays Association Level I Instructor
- USCCA – United States Concealed Carry Association Certified Instructor
- SCTP – Scholastic Clay Target Program Coach
- NRA – Range Safety Officer
James brings passion, professionalism, and a commitment to helping others grow in the shooting sports.
Schedule A Lesson with James:Click Here
Lesson Rate:$100 per Hour for Shotgun | $75.00 per Hour for Pistol
Email James:Click Here
Location(s):Island Lake (Brighton) or Bald Mountain (Lake Orion)
Patrick Lieske
Founder, Chief InstructorPat Lieske grew up in Davison, Michigan, where his passion for hunting and fishing led him to clay target shooting as a teenager. After competing in skeet throughout high school, he put shooting on hold to earn an accounting degree from the University of Michigan. In 1989, a client invitation to a local sporting clays range reignited his passion and led him to become a full-time instructor.
For over 30 years, Pat has instructed professionally across most states and more than 10 countries, earning a reputation for his calm, systematic coaching style that makes learning easy. He is also widely regarded as one of the smoothest low-gun shooters in the country.
In 2002, Pat expanded his influence in the industry by founding Michigan Shooting Centers. He acquired Island Lake Shooting Range in 2001, followed by Bald Mountain Shooting Range in 2009.
As a highly decorated professional shooter, his achievements could fill several pages but his most memorable include:
- 2014 NSCA National Sporting Clays Champion
- 2012 World Sporting Clays Championship Runner-Up
- Michigan Sporting Clays Hall of Fame Inductee (2013)
- National Sporting Clays Association Hall of Fame Inductee (2014)
Beyond competition, Pat, his wife Karen, and their sons Drew and Gage remain deeply involved in Michigan Shooting Centers, ensuring its continued success. With decades of experience and a commitment to teaching, Pat Lieske is one of the most respected figures in the shooting sports industry today.
Email Pat:Click Here
Lesson Rate:$200 / Hour
Location(s):Island Lake (Brighton) or Bald Mountain (Lake Orion)
Drew Lieske
Vice President, Shotgun InstructorRaised in a family with deep roots in the shooting sports world, Drew Lieske began competing at the age of 12, quickly making a name for himself in the sport. By 15, he became the youngest Michigander to achieve NSCA Master Class, and at 21, he made history as the youngest individual to win the Michigan State Championship. His impressive career includes eight NSCA All-American team selections and two appearances on the NSCA U.S. Team.
Beyond his achievements on the range, Drew excelled academically. Graduating valedictorian of Davison High School in 2014, he earned a full-ride academic and athletic scholarship to Hillsdale College, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2018 with a double major in Finance and Mathematics. As a standout member of the Hillsdale College Shotgun Sports Team, he remains the only athlete in the program’s history to be named an ACUI All-American for all four years. Under his leadership, the team secured four consecutive Division III National Championships (2015-2018). In 2017, he dominated the Collegiate National Championship, defeating a field of 900 competitors by a record-setting 12 targets and earning an individual national title.
Drew is widely recognized not only for his skill but also for his approachable and personable coaching style. His 5-star reviews stand as a testament to his exceptional communication skills and unique ability to relate to students from various backgrounds and interests. Whether coaching beginners or advanced competitors, Drew’s ability to break down complex techniques and create a supportive learning environment has made him one of the most sought-after instructors in the state.
Off the range, Drew values time with his wife, Allie, their sons, Brady and Reid, and their two golden retrievers. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys traveling, hiking, hunting, golfing, and boating. His dedication extends beyond competition, serving eight years on the Michigan Sporting Clays Association board and actively engaging in community outreach through Kensington Church in Lake Orion.
Drew’s passion for shooting sports, leadership, and mentorship continues to shape the industry, making him a respected figure both on and off the field.
Don Hughes
Shotgun InstructorDon Hughes joined the Island Lake team in 2003. He started shooting trap and skeet in 1968 and has been actively been shooting sporting clays since 1990. He shoots competitively and earned his way into Master Class at the National Championships in 2007 – now shooting a Caesar Guerini Invictus Ascent. Don has assisted in the coaching of an SCTP team from 2004 thru 2007 where they won medals in their divisions in the Michigan State Championships as well as at Nationals.
Since becoming a NSCA Certified level one instructor, Don has given hundreds of hours of instruction to students from beginners to AA Class shooters. He has also conducted numerous “Introduction to Clay Target Shooting Clinics” as well as an Introduction to F.I.T.A.S.C clinics.
Email Don:Click Here
Lesson Rate:$75 / Hour
Location(s):Island Lake (Brighton) and Bald Mountain (Lake Orion)
Ali Zahoui
Shotgun InstructorAli is a Master Class sporting clays competitor and National Sporting Clays Association Certified Level 1 Instructor with a passion for precision, consistency, and high-level performance. Combining competitive experience with technical coaching knowledge, I focus on helping shooters refine their skills and elevate their confidence on the course. I also have a strong appreciation for FITASC, where discipline, timing, and refined technique are essential. Michigan Shooting Centers serves as my home club for both training and competition. Follow my journey, training insights, and life in the clay target sports world on Instagram at @az_klay_80.
Email Ali:Click Here
Lesson Rate::$75 / Hour
Location(s)::Island Lake (Brighton) and Bald Mountain (Lake Orion)
Edward Plocek
Shotgun InstructorEd Plocek has a couple decades of shooting experience with a Level 1 NSCA Shooting Instructors Certificate (taught by Gary Greenway) and ten plus years of instruction at Island Lake Shooting (under the watchful eye of Pat Lieske) and you will find Ed’s developed his no non-sense instructional style that is not only enjoyable but highly effective for all levels of shooters. Ed’s philosophy is “to aid any shooter, you must first watch them shoot thereby identifying strengths and weaknesses allowing formulation of a plan which will quickly and effectively be of benefit”.
Ed’s instructions do not end with the lesson but continue on with “homework” in the form “specifically selected exercises” that target the shooters weaknesses, this coupled with the suggestion of practice, practice and more practice. You’ll find a lesson with Ed to be both enjoyable and beneficial.
Peter Berishaj
Pistol InstructorPjeter (Pete) Berishaj owns Black Mountain Defense which offers private training by appointment for individuals and groups interested in handgun and rifle shooting. The goal of Black Mountain Defense is to offer top-tier instruction with real-life application, in the hopes that it will never need to be used.
His training is focused on fundamentals, safety and the reality of violence. At the end of the day, going home safely is the goal.
In addition to private training, Peter offers concealed pistol license (CPL) classes, basic handgun, and competition shooting courses.
Brad Belcher
RIFLE & PISTOL INSTRUCTORBrad brings decades of practical and professional firearm experience to his instruction, working confidently with both beginners and seasoned shooters. His training approach emphasizes safety, comfort, and consistent accuracy. Brad also offers expert support with scope mounting, bore sighting, and confirming zero with the load of your choice.
Specializing in self-defense and tactical handgun instruction—both pistol and revolver—Brad is an NRA Certified Range Safety Officer and a USCCA-certified CPL Instructor. All handgun training (outside of CPL classes) is delivered one-on-one on a private shooting range, with the option for immediate family members to participate.
Before joining the Michigan Shooting Centers team in 2018, Brad served over 30 years as a Detroit Police Officer. An avid hunter and fisherman, he brings real-world experience, professionalism, and a calm, approachable teaching style to every lesson.
Email:bradbelcher80@gmail.com
Phone:(313) 319-2688
Lesson Rate::$75 / Hour
Location(s)::Island Lake (Brighton)
If you are an instructor interested in teaching at a Michigan Shooting Centers location, please contact Tyler Carlson for more information. All instructors must hold a valid teaching certification and provide proof of liability insurance, listing Michigan Shooting Centers as an additional insured. Instructors are not permitted to offer paid instruction on our premises unless they have been approved by management and have a signed instructor agreement on file.