Trapshooting (American) is a specific form of clay target shooting. Trapshooting is a game of movement, action and split-second timing. It requires the accuracy and skill to repeatedly aim, fire and break the 4 1/4 inch disc which are hurled through the air at a speed of 42mph, simulating the flight path of a bird fleeing a hunter.
Trapshooting’s continual growth and expanding popularity is due to the fact that people of all ages, incomes and abilities can compete. Nine year old boys shoot alongside 90 year old men. Many 70-year olds have been in the sport 55 years and some began just two years ago. Trapshooting’s participants include millionaires and hourly wage earners, inventors and businessmen, former sports figures in other fields, professional men, farmers, truck drivers, musicians, actors, students and housewives.
The shooter is required to shoot at a target after he calls “pull.” It does not matter in scoring if the shooter hits only a small piece of the target or whether he shatters the target. The target is considered a “dead” or “lost” bird. If the target is hit it is “dead.” It is the shooters responsibility to check his own score.
Information courtesy of Amateur Trap Shooting Association
New Shooters
Every new shooter at the club must go through a range safety orientation. This takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on the shooters prior experience. Everyone must take this orientation – even if they won a gold medal in trap at the Olympics. Each shooter will be backed up by a range safety officer or the range master for at least one complete round. Beginners will receive closer scrutiny. Senior club members including ex range masters also both supervise and mentor.