Travis Eustace had been participating in the sport for about 10 years before his sons got involved as well.

He said the gun sport was inclusive and very welcoming.

"It does promote confidence," he said.

"At the end of the day, you are competing against yourself."

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The family is competing at Tasmanian Clay Target Association's premier event at the Tasmanian Gun Club at Evandale this Australia Day long weekend.

Kate Eustace only took up the sport two months ago because she was a bit sick of sitting around and waiting for everyone else at events.

"I just thought 'I'd like to give it a go'," she said.

"It's very much a mind game, more than the physical part."

Mrs Eustace said a tip for anyone looking to get into the sport was to work on tuning everything out once you took to the range.

Thirteen-year-old Tyler Eustace competed at the national championships last year in Queensland and is hoping to regain his spot on the Tasmanian junior team.

At the national event last year, he finished second in two C-grade events and said one of his favourite parts of clay shooting was the sport's comradery.

"Everyone can join in," he said.

"I don't know many sports where mum and dad could join in and come and try with you."

Tyler said the family practiced together every Wednesday night at Mersey Clay Target Club.

The Evandale event brings fierce competition as competitors displayed not only their accuracy and technique but also self discipline and concentration.

TCTA president Fiona Atkins said it was the association's premier event and about 200 local and interstate competitors would compete for six state title events.

She said it acted as local selection for the Tasmania state teams to be chosen to compete in the national championships to be held at Wagga Wagga in March.

Bass Liberal MHR Bridget Archer officially opened the state carnival at 9am on Saturday.

The carnival will finish on Monday.