Persons attending the Tuesday and Thursday practice rounds at the Becker County Sportsmen's Club seem to be pleased with the liberalization of the rules.
Last fall, a questionnaire was circulated, asking participants what they found to be operational problems.
The response did not reveal any large discrepancies, but a number of changes were suggested. A committee reviewed the responses, and adjustments were made.
The rules on shooting ahead and make-up rules have been altered and are now more shooter-friendly. There was a compromise on lengthening the season: 100 extra targets are required, but they can be shot on any league night.
Ideally, an individual will shoot an "extra" round every four weeks, but a person can elect to do the four rounds more quickly, so long as they notify the trap committee and the results are appropriately recorded clubhouse scoreboard.
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Many other rules are unchanged. Practice is underway on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. The league will start Thursday, April 27.
Participation costs remain the same as last year.
Buck Cummings and the Richwood Store trap team are handling the trap committee duties this season. The group is very experienced and dedicated.
BCSC has received a grant-gift from the National Rifle Association, which will be used for youth shooting and training.
There is an alarming trend for veterans shooters, however, in that young people are not taking up the shooting sports (trap, skeet and hunting).
Young boys and girls sign up for hunter education at age 12, get their certificates and then go hunting in the fall. But they're not showing up at the claybird ranges.
BCSC has a fine, attractive program, with substantially reduced fees on rounds and shells for youth.
The club has even sponsored junior shooters at the annual Minnesota State Trap Shoot.
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Youth trap shooting is dwindling, but the invitation is open to anyone wanting to participate. The trap range is located about three miles east of Detroit Lakes on the south side of Highway 10.
