Match Director: Buddy Register
Phone: (386) 853-0553
Email: registerbr549@windstream.net
The clubhouse is at 18808 SW State Road 47, Fort White.
Description
A competitive shotgun sport where participants aim at clay targets launched away from them at varying, unpredictable angles.
The standard field features a single trap house positioned 16 yards (15 meters) in front of five shooting stations arranged in a semicircle.
A squad of up to five shooters rotates through these stations, firing 25 targets per round (five from each station).
Shooters call “pull” to release a target, which oscillates within a defined arc and speeds away at approximately 42 mph, requiring quick reaction and smooth gun movement.
Key variations include:
- Singles: The most common format, firing one target at a time.
- Doubles: Two targets are launched simultaneously, one to the left and one to the right.
- Handicap: Shooters move back from the trap house based on their score to level competition.
- International/Olympic Trap: A faster, more difficult version with higher speeds and variable target heights.
Required equipment
Shotgun
- Most commonly 12 gauge; 20, 28, and .410 gauge are also allowed (with some restrictions in competition)
- Over/under (O/U), semi-automatic, or single-barrel configurations
- Barrel length typically 30″–34″ for trap
- Proper fit (length of pull, comb height, cast) is critical
Ammunition
- 2¾” shells, 1⅛ oz max shot weight
- Shot size: #7½ or #8 (largest allowed)
- Lead shot is standard
- Bring one box of 25 per round (50 for doubles). We typically shoot 3-4 rounds.
Eye Protection (mandatory at most ranges)
- Impact-resistant shooting glasses
- Colored lenses (amber, ruby, orange) help track targets; interchangeable lenses for different lighting conditions
Ear Protection (mandatory at most ranges)
- Foam earplugs or electronic earmuffs
- Slim in-ear designs are preferred by many because they allow a proper cheek weld on the stock
Recommended / Optional Gear
Shell Pouch or Shooting Vest
- A belt-mounted or shoulder-strap pouch holds at least 25–50 cartridges
- A shooting vest adds recoil padding on the shoulder and multiple pockets for shells, empties, and tools.
| Item | Purpose |
| Choke tubes (Improved Modified or Full) | Tighter pattern for longer trap distances |
| Choke wrench | Quick tube changes between rounds |
| Shell catcher | Catches ejected hulls from semi-autos to avoid hitting neighbors |
| Cap or visor | Reduces sun glare and protects from ejecting shells |
| Gloves | Grip and hand protection, especially with checkered grips |
| Range bag | Carries gun, shells, and accessories |
| Comfortable shoes | You’ll stand for 30–45+ minutes per round |
Where and When
The matches are every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 9am and last until about 11am on the Trap Range or by appointment.
Ten Commandments for Trap
- Thou shalt not point a gun at another person!
- Thou shalt always treat any gun as loaded!
- Thou shalt not load gun & close bolt or breech unless on the firing line and ready to shoot!
- Thou shalt not use any shot larger than 7 1/2.
- Thou shalt not shoot out of turn unless okayed by squad leader.
- Thou shalt wear eye and ear protection at all times on a hot range or field!
- Thou shalt keep finger off trigger and out of guard until mounted and ready to call for bird.
- Thou shalt not use alcohol or drugs that can impair normal mental or physical functions.
- Thou shalt always point gun down range when closing bolt or breech.
- Thou shalt not do anything unsafe or unsportsmanlike.
Violation of any of the above commandments could result in reprimand. Multiple violations could result in disciplinary action.