Trap Shooting

Whether you are a duck, pheasant, or goose hunter, you want to be able to shoot accurately while your target is flying in the air. Clay pigeon shooting, also known as trap shooting, allows hunters to practice in order to be good.

Trap shooting was developed in England during the 18th century. The first targets were live pigeons and glass balls with feathers in them. The sport was passed on to the United States during the 19th century. After a while, the trap shooters were running out of live pigeons. They then decided to use a different object to shoot at. They came up with the idea of platter-shaped clay pigeons in 1870.

Through the years trap shooting became more and more popular. Tournaments were scheduled so people could compete with each other. The first US National Tournament took place in New Orleans in 1885. Trap shooting has become a sport for all ages. You can now buy your own targets (clay pigeons) and traps (devices to spin the clay pigeon in the air) in stores near you.

Clay pigeon organizations and clubs are becoming more and more popular. An example can be the BTLCCC. The BTLCCC is a private clay pigeon shooting club established in 1989. It is based out of Marsh Farm, Essex. The main purpose of the club is to encourage families and youth to get involved in trap shooting . They are also affiliated with the CPSA, at Clay Pigeon Shooting Association.

Trap shooting is not just a male sport. I interviewed Deb Cleverdon, a National Sporting Clays Association Level II Instructor, and asked her what she thought about trap shooting. Here was her answer. "As personal experience in shooting clay pigeons, I shoot because it is challenging, cheaper than a bird lease, it is a year round sport, and you don't have to clean anything. I personally know women who love to shoot clay birds because they do not care to hunt live game. I also shoot because it is relaxing and takes the stress out of the day away. Some might find that sentence contradictory, but it is not. If I can focus on a piece of clay flying through the air, I have forgotten the about the stress created during the day. I have also found that shooting trap, skeet, sporting clays, and five stand are very social games. People, whether they are top shooters or not, can interact and have fun. I have been heavily involved in teaching and coaching women to shoot a shotgun. Once they see how much fun it is, it is very easy for them to see how much fun they can have. These women also see that they do not have to be athletic nor young to be competent shooters." Debbie is just one example of the many women who enjoy trapshooting.

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