Only 10 percent is equipment. The other 90 percent of trap shooting is learning and employing sound techniques.
You need a shotgun that fits you and you are comfortable with. But you have to have a solid regimen when using that shotgun from the trap shooting line.
It's disastrous if you pick up bad habits along the way. A flinch is really bad. I've had that problem, and so have other shooters. You think about the noise and recoil, and react prior to pulling the trigger. The result is often a "lost" target.
Several years ago, I invested $100 and took two days of lessons from a professional, Frank Hoppe of Lincoln, Neb. First thing he noticed when I had live ammunition in the shotgun was flinch.
Second, I had a bad habit of moving the shotgun before the target emerged. That was corrected by holding the shotgun higher.
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A third problem was pointing the shotgun too wide of the trap house on posts one and five. A fourth problem was keeping both eyes open with using a shotgun. I still split time between having one or both eyes open.
Hoppe stressed gun fit and point of impact. We shot a few patterns and it was evident that my shotgun was printing its charge too low. Adjusting the sight picture helped, but the results were still erratic. A change in the stock drop was a needed adjustment.
I finally settled on having 70 percent of the pattern above the point of aim, which I understand is what a majority of shooters who enjoy some measure of success have with their shotguns.
Considering the years of shooting, I have been exposed to all of the basics of trap shooting. Years ago, I was placed in Class B by the ATA. That is a 93 percent average, but my scores have diminished since then.
Nowadays, I just shoot for fun in the weekly league, as well as hunting, and let the younger enthusiasts compete in the ATA.
The Becker County Sportsmen's Club trap league season officially begins Thursday, April 27. Practice nights are Tuesday, beginning at 6:30 p.m., although you can also do it Thursday.
