Introduction to Shotgun League Shooting

Trap Field at Metro Gun Club

By Kevin Lunzer

Firearms/Hunting - Lead Sales Associate

When you purchase a new shotgun the next stop you make is often a local gun club for some target shooting on the trap or skeet fields. Many gun clubs are open to public shooting, offering sportsmen or women the ability to stay on their game and practice for the next hunting season.

Skeet Field at Metro Gun Club

Trap shooting has become so popular in recent years that many clubs have added Women’s Leagues and Youth Leagues. Youth trap shooting has also expanded to the High School level.  Currently there are over 200 high schools offering trap shooting at a varsity or club level.  In June 2014 Joe’s Sporting Goods signed up as a sponsor for the Minnesota State High School Trap Shooting Championship in Alexandria, Minnesota. This is a 5 day event with approximately 4,000 registered shooters and 10,000 total attendees. The High School Championship is split into shooting classes allowing students to shoot against others at the same competitive level. Many organizations support youth events with prizes, awards, and scholarships.

Sporting Clays in Hugo, MN

           After shooting a little and getting familiar with your new gun, you may consider getting a few friends together and signing up for a league.  Shotgun Leagues run throughout the year and can include various shooting disciplines. You can choose to shoot trap, skeet, 5-stand, sporting clays or a combination of these and other types of shooting.  The gear needed to get started is minimal.  In addition to your shotgun you will need eye and ear protection which is required at shooting ranges.  While it is not a necessity a good vest or pouch to carry ammunition is also a great accessory to have.  League shooting is a great way for all levels of shooters to stay active and improve their accuracy.  Leagues run 10 to 20 weeks in length and participants normally shoot an average of 1 round per week. The first few weeks of shooting are used to establish the shooter’s “handicap.” The handicap levels the field for all shooters and in some cases; you will outscore the better shooters on your team as your shooting improves. Depending on the size of your league the club may split into 2 divisions. The teams with the best overall scores will be placed in an “A” division and the remaining teams will be in a “B” division. This is just another way to keep it competitive and give everyone the best opportunity to have fun shooting with others.

Browning Eye & Ear Protection

Starting a team is a simple process; all it takes is one person to captain the team and a few other willing participants. Ask a few friends or coworkers if they’d like to join the team and select when and where you’d like to shoot.  Many local shooting ranges including Metro Gun Club in Blaine, MN offer a variety of leagues to choose from.  If you would like more information on league shooting, contact your local gun club or stop by the gun counter here at Joe’s. We will be happy to direct you to any of the public clubs and help get you started.