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Trap – Difference between American & International Versions

Trap shooting has been around for over 200 years and in its current form for the last century.  At one point it was the largest participant sport worldwide. American trap consists of 5 posts at 16 yards from the trap house where a clay bird slightly larger than a 4 inch Frisbee is launched.  That clay bird leaves the trap house within a randomly launched 45 degree arc or +/- 22.5 degrees from center, and travels approximately 50 yards from the house.  The object of the game is to break the clay bird with a shotgun (typically a 12 gauge) so that a visible piece comes off.  A full squad of 5 shooters, one at each station or post, takes turns shooting one shot until 5 birds are shot at each post, and then shooters rotate to the next post on the right.  The person on post 5 moves to post one, and the lead off shooter calls and shoots his clay bird.   At each post 5 shots are taken, and with 5 posts total, the number of clay birds is 25, equivalent to a box of shotgun shells.  There are also other options for trap shooting such as Doubles (2 birds simultaneously launched), and Handicap starting at 20 yards from the trap house for the novice, to 27 yards for the real experts.  Another version is called Wobble; the clay bird is launched with more extreme angles and elevations.  This was also the original form of International trap.

Today International or Bunker trap consists of 5 posts but 6 shooters.  There are 3 trap machines 15 meters from each post, one of which randomly launches the clay bird when called.  Only one clay bird is taken at each post then the shooter rotates to his right.  The difference from American trap is that the clay birds are launched at more acute angles and elevations, and 2 shots are allowed at each bird but the clay birds travel faster and further.  Since there are 15 trap machines total, enclosed in a large bunker and computer controlled, it is rather expensive installation compared to a single machine and trap house for American Trap. There are only a few dozen Bunker traps in the US, and our club is fortunate to have this.

As in any sport, competition among trap shooters is common, both friendly and formal shoots.  Some last only a day; some are leagues over a season.  We have a Spring League starting 7 April to 2 June for 16 yard singles, and discussing a Summer League for Wobble.  Cash prices and other gifts are planned.  There are also Registered Shoots run by the ATA (Amateur Trapshooting Assoc) where individual scores are logged nationally.  These shoots can be singles at 16 yards, Handicap at assigned yardage and Doubles, each event typically 100 birds shot in one day for a total of 300 birds. At one point 82.5 MILLION registered targets were shot a year.

It only takes a shotgun, box of target shot shells and a few dollars to start trap shooting.  The first time shooter typically scores a 13, the average is 21, but not uncommon to have a perfect 25 within a year.  Come on out Thursday nights or Saturdays to give trap a try.  But be warned – its addictive!!!