The Lifelong Thrill of Trap & Skeet
The Lifelong Thrill of Trap & Skeet
I first started shooting trap with family and friends when I was about 10 to 12 years old. My family was pretty patient, allowed me to “cheat” and shoulder my 12 gauge before yelling “pull”. When I powdered a clay, we celebrated together. When I was in high school, 20 years ago, the opportunity to join a league was non-existent. I must admit, I admire and am envious of the high school and college opportunities today.
High School Trap Opportunities
Iowa high school trapshooting is a part of the Iowa State High School Clay Target League and the Iowa Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP). These programs offer various forms of trap and skeet shooting to young shooters. According to the DNR’s most recent material, there are 146 SCTP organizations in 2022.
The league’s priorities emphasize safety, fun, and of course, marksmanship. The league’s season opens in September, however season typically starts in March with team and student athlete registration, followed by practice weeks, competition weeks, and ends with tournaments. This past year, thousands of Iowans across the state participated in the Scholastic Clay Target Program. Arguably, the highlight of high school trap shooting is the Iowa Trap Shooting State Tournament. This year, it will be held in Ackley, IA on June 1, 2024. More than 3,000 athletes from 4th grade through high school will compete. If you find a league that starts in the fall, you can truly make this a year-round sporting opportunity.
Opportunities Beyond High School
After graduating high school, there are opportunities across Iowa for graduates to shoot at the collegiate level. According to the DNR in 2022, there were over 20 collegiate teams in Iowa. If a student wants to take their passion for trap and skeet beyond the high school competitions, they can purse a college with a trap team. Some young hunters may want to carry their skills beyond the range and into the field in hunting situations.
Shooting trap and skeet can greatly benefit hunters of any age. This is particularly helpful for pheasant, quail, and dove hunters. Regularly shooting clays before season improves shooting skills. Both trap and skeet shooting involve tracking and aiming at moving targets, which closely simulates the action of shooting at birds in flight. Practicing these disciplines helps hunters improve their hand-eye coordination, timing, and accuracy, essential skills for successful upland bird hunting. Upland bird hunting often requires quick reflexes to react to the sudden flight of birds. Trap and skeet shooting help hunters develop rapid target acquisition and response, which translates directly to more effective shooting in the field.
Additionally, trap and skeet shooting offer a variety of target presentations, including crossing shots, incoming targets, and outgoing targets. This diversity helps hunters become accustomed to shooting at birds from different angles and trajectories, preparing them for the unpredictable flight patterns encountered in upland bird hunting. Proper shooting technique is fundamental for consistent accuracy. Shooting at moving clays allows hunters to refine their stance, gun mount, swing, and follow-through under controlled conditions. Mastering these fundamentals translates directly to improved performance in the field, and it’s better to make a bad shot on a clay pigeon, rather than a bad shot in the field.
By participating in trap or skeet shooting, especially at a young age, hunters can hone in on their shooting skills. This allows hunters to identify weaknesses in their shooting skills, such as poor lead, inconsistent gun mount, or flinching. Recognizing these areas for improvement enables hunters to focus their efforts on specific aspects of their shooting technique, leading to overall better performance in bird hunting scenarios.
In summary, the youth of our state are blessed to have opportunities to participate in trap and skeet shooting. There are some great programs such as Iowa State High School Clay Target League and the Iowa Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and college programs. Don’t forget to check out any local trap shooting ranges and leagues. Every hunter should make time to practice with trap and skeet. They serve as valuable training tools for upland bird hunters, helping refine shooting skills, build confidence, and develop the necessary techniques for a safe and successful bird hunt.
by Jake Dean
June 2024
