Trapshooting 101

In order to participate on the CP trapshooting team you must meet the following requirements:

Youth Competitive Trapshooting

The trapshooter stands 16 yards away from the center of the "trap house" and shoots at random targets that fly at various angles in front of him. Shooters are grouped into squads, usually made up of five individuals. The first position to the left is the squad captain. The captain leads the squad in prayer prior to the shoot, as well as, asks if the shooter and scorer are ready. There are five positions that each shooter shoots from for one round. This gives participants a different view of the target flying through the air. Each position is a constant 16 yards from the trap house, each one is spaced three feet apart forming a small arc.

Each shooter takes five shots from each of the five positions on the field (moving left to right), for a total of 25 targets. Each squad is scored as a team and everyone is scored individually.

Equipment Needed for Trapshooting

Firearms - The typical gun for trapshooting is a 12-gauge shotgun, with a full or improved/modified choke and a long (30-32 inch) ventilated rib barrel. Although many top trap shooters favor over/under shotguns, single barrel, pumps and auto-loading shotguns are also common. If you're going to shoot registered trap, you always shoot with a 12-gauge.

Ammunition - The shotshells used in trapshooting may vary slightly with a shooter's preference and wind conditions. The shells most people use for trapshooting are typically labeled "target loads" and use # 7-1/2 to 8-1/2 size shot. Lighter loads (with slightly less shot and powder) are also popular. If you're going out to shoot for fun, just ask your sporting goods or ammunition retailer for "target loads."

Other equipment - Safety glasses and hearing protection should definitely be worn when you're shooting. Some ranges make them mandatory. A shooting vest or a shell bag might be a wise investment. They're both convenient and functional for holding shells that can get bulky and providing a little extra padding for your shooting shoulder.

Cost of Season

  Practices — 22 @ $4.25
$93.50
  Ammo
520.00
  Shooter assessment by Gun Club
15.00
  Donation for food
35.00
  Conf. shoots
130.00
  State¬ÝShoot Fees pd by club
36.00
  Total
$793.50
(fees shown here do not include travel, lodging or food for the NE State shoot)

You will receive an invoice from the CP Trap team treasurer. Please notify Coach Vasko if there is a discrepancy in the amount invoiced.

Trapshooting Rules

Rules must be followed at all times.

  • You should have completed and returned the PARENTAL CONSENT TO DISCLOSURE OF ACADEMIC INFORMATION FORM.
  • You should ALWAYS point the gun down range.
  • You should only have one shell in your gun at a time.
  • Do not put your finger inside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.
  • If gun misfires do not open gun, call for an instructor.
  • You can not use release triggers.
  • NO ONE IS TO CHANGE GUNS, CHOKES OR AMUNATION WITHOUT COACHES APPROVAL .
  • If you trade guns make sure you know how to operate the gun you are going to be shooting.
  • Watch for snow and mud in your barrel.
  • You need a shell catcher.
  • You must pick up your empties.
  • You must help fill the trap house
  • You must clean the trap house.
  • Blue trash barrels are for paper & cardboard white trash barrels are for plastics.
  • We are all guests of Papillion Gun Club — treat the club with respect.
Please print a copy of the Eastern Cornhusker Trapshooting Conference RULES.