Trap

RECREATIONAL SPORT

Trap Shooting is an excellent place to start if you are new to the shotgun sports!

Trap shooting is a sport for all levels of shooters, kids and adults. A round of trap is 25 targets. Five targets at each of five stations.

Trapshooting 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 clay targets which are hurled through the air at a speed of 42mph, simulating the flight path of a bird fleeing a hunter.

The shooter is required to shoot at a target after he/she calls “pull.” It does not matter in scoring if the shooter hits only a small piece of the target or whether he/she 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.

REGISTERED SPORT

Registered trap shooting is a competition that is regulated by the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA). Gun clubs hold shoots in accordance with ATA rules, but they must apply and register for each shoot. All participants of these shoots must be ATA members. The shooters scores are recorded in the ATA office where all records are kept and yearly averages computed. The records are used for handicapping and classifying shooters.

In registered trapshooting, the rules specify that targets must be thrown no less than 48 yards no more than 52 yards and should be between 8 and 12 feet high and 10 yards from the trap. Shooters stand a minimum of 16 yards from the trap houses.