Trap Shooting for Beginners | Rules, Tips, & Techniques

[@thepizzalife1207]

The first time I shot on a line at my club I had my semi-12g in hand. They asked me a few questions, watched me handle my firearm and allowed me on the line, as i took my position on third station I waited for my turn, called "pull" and fired at my first clay......Missed, followed with my SECOND shot and felt proud when I dusted it. The immediate hollering from the range master followed by some laughing after the confused silence from the rest of the line absolutely froze me in place. After the much deserved ribbing and a crash course on etiquette, I fell in love with the sport.

[@thebigguy5538]

If you’re new to trap, there are always loads of friendly people that will help you out. The best part about trap are the people.

[@Lovemypigeons]

There’s also a bunch of old culls at trap clubs , talk to 5 trap shooters and you’ll walk away with 7 different opinions on how to shoot trap. Hell it’s the same folks who will debate what’s the best choke. Once the mechanics are learned it’s 90% mental 10 % mechanics, that is what makes a great shooter. They don’t shake there head, throw the hulls, they put it past them and take the next target. They also worry about there game no one else’s.

[@nickherron3599]

Hahahaha. Totally! Warm and fuzzy for sure!

[@kevinc3673]

100% ! My buddy and I went to a trap club yesterday for the first time ever. Everyone there was chill and helpful. I was intimidated when we first got there, but everyone was inviting and helpful!

[@bobhill3941]

Yes it is, they want you to succeed and are more then willing to help❤

[@SallyPurskate]

You're so right about that. I went for the first time today and I cannot tell you how many people were willing to show me! all very helpful so good to know

[@tomcook158]

One point you didn't cover (which confused me when I first started shooting trap): The shooter who starts on station 1 (squad leader) is always the first shooter. So when you rotate, the shooter who was originally on station 5, now on station 1, doesn't shoot first. The squad leader on station 2 does. Rotate again, squad leader now on station 3 starts, and so on through all 5 stations.

[@SillyRichard]

I went shooting for the first time. Squad leader remain the same throughout the run.

[@LukieCharzard-zv2jd]

The leader does shoot first after they rotate!

[@ameershah1048]

Good infarmation i confeus shoot time iloock bird shoot tim gun Lead mising the target hw to you sagation to me thnks

[@w.murray9380]

​@@ameershah1048 Huh?

[@Peter-976]

​@SillyRichard that's exactly what he explained above.

[@bradleynixon3839]

Man, I just finished my first year coaching a trap team. Same team I shot on when I was in High School! I will be starting every season showing this video to my shooters. Best introductory video I have seen. Thank you!

[@patrickbink4617]

This teaching video was fantastic. I must have picked up at least a dozen pointers that I did not know about. Keep it up, Steve - this is great!

[@hakimthumb]

A great tutorial. Simple and broader than most would attempt. Very well done Sir.

[@markbucher7609]

Great video Steve. I'm a former skeet shooter, never really shot trap. My new range has no skeet fields so I'm looking to learn and broaden my horizons!

[@SeattleGiantsBB]

Great video Steve! This spring I’m going to start my grandkids, 15 & 16 boy & girl, trapshooting. I will have them watch your video a couple of times before heading out to the club. Thanks👍

[@Dzb852]

I grew up with guns but never did trap shooting competition before. I’m a member of my local sportsman club. Have my own trap shooting machine. Been practicing on that before doing the competition. Lots of fun shooting.

[@TheJohnnyCombat]

A great video for beginners to watch. Clear and informative with an enthusiastic manner, this fella could teach you a lot. Thanks, Steve, keep up the good work. JC.

[@JohnBartonniceguyjohn]

Great instruction and the instructor is so professional. Loved this overview.

[@thebigguy5538]

Great video, Steve!! I love trap; It’s an easy game to learn, but a difficult one to master!!

[@scarbourgeoisie]

The fact that there is a highway in the background just blows my mind.

[@jamesclark4]

Yeah im new to shotguns didn't think all the bbs wouod drop off so hard that this would be safe

[@ForceM1782]

As a Trap shooter from Europe myself, i was a bit confused at first as well. My Club has a forested ravine we are shooting into as a background. But it’s quite honestly 100% safe at that distance (As long as you thoroughly check all the ammo and it’s only birdshot!). And it seems if you are located in the Great Plains like you seem to be, you’ll be hard pressed to find any location that’s not flat and open, unlike in most places where i live! I still think there is no chance you would get this authorized in Europe!

[@wyatt-n_dakota]

Yea my trap club has a rail yard where you shoot at

[@BeetleBuns]

birdshot won't hold enough energy to travel that far, max it can even go is probably less than 300 yards

[@ForceM1782]

@@BeetleBuns Absolutely, but try tell that to smooth brained European bureaucrats.

[@andjp7382]

Great video! At my club, we are working on putting a HS team together and this would be a great video for the first time kids to watch! If you make a series out of this that could help coaches all across the country.

[@joshfulk366]

Coaching a HS Trap Team is very rewarding. I know first hand. This one is one I'd definitely share with new shooters it takes a bunch of videos I already would send shooters and put it into 1. Good luck on hs team we just finished our 2nd season of hs trap

[@dustoff499]

Tried it today, first time, had a blast.

[@anthonydeveno2928]

That was a great video Steve I'm lucky that the group of guys I shoot trap with are willing to help a new Comer learn how to shoot trap. I personally find trap very relaxing and it really helps with my focus at work or other tasks.

[@BrokenBarBox]

I’ve subscribed for a while and this is the best video you’ve put out. Thank you so much for the lesson!

[@Michael-u8b3l]

I've never shot Trap, having recently moved to a town with a Trap Club, thinking about giving it a go. As a kid in the 60's my first paying job was as a Trap Boy. Of course pre-dating auto loading machines. Sat on an unopened box of clays in the hot concrete bunker with stacks of boxes around me and the machine oscillating back and forth. Everything was great and enjoyed the job. But during winter it got cold, you couldn't wear gloves and load the machine. That and drinking and shooting was a thing in the old days. Those old guys would get sloshed on hot totties and head to the line. The guys running the switch wouldn't take their thumb off the button and it double fire. Those were scary, you didn't want to load a clay until you let a brief moment to be sure it set or it'd nail your fingers. Fun times. I miss the 60s and 70s. Anyway good video Steve

[@ehderguyyashootadeerorno2313]

Great info. I just got back into trap after only shooting twice in the last 20 years. Very good season, averaged 23 out of 25 for league. Always great to see young shooters to keep the sport alive. If you are new, you do not need a fancy shotgun. Spend your money on lots of shells first. I've seen guys with old crappy shotguns shoot very well, and I've seen guys with super fancy shotguns not shoot well. Love the videos and especially the shotgun review ones. Ya der eh from the northwoods of Wisconsin.

[@walterdl2904]

One club where I shoot in western Massachusetts (Westfield Sportsmen's Club) has a machine on the trap field that can be placed in wobble mode. It adds a vertical dimension to the game. We don't use it in wobble often but I personally like it to better train me hunting live birds. It may also be good for 5 stand and sporting clays. What do you think?

[@aquapuncture3477]

Excellent advice! The tips about footing/stance helped me a lot. Thanks!

[@HolyRomanEmpire13]

I have shot trap every year for my school for the last 2 years and the best I've got is 23/25. I use my yildiz lineage.

[@roymayeda1677]

Keep it up! If you can shoot 23, you can shoot 24 or 25. 👍

[@HolyRomanEmpire13]

I started to develop a rhythm, but the best I have gotten this season is still 23/25

[@juniorsamples1108]

Steve, are you going to be at the Minnesota State Trap Shoot? If so, would you be competing in Saturdays Singles Championship and/or Sundays Handicap Championship?

[@BenjaminIMeszaros]

As someone who is interested in starting this sport, I’ve felt super intimidated about knowing what proper etiquette is. Ever something as simple as “can I walk into this place with my firearm and, if so, how do I do that appropriately?” is overwhelming. This was super helpful. Thank you!

[@gibbo3783]

Great video for me a 1st time beginner. Thank you!

[@MudLakeRanch]

My favorite video of yours so far. Trying to start a Trap League at my kids High School… and of course if you speak up, they want ya to coach. I’ve shot Trap (once) ever.

[@roymayeda1677]

You don't necessarily need to be a great shooter to help out. My son outshoots me all the time, but I'm still able to look at what he does and help him out. Just getting the kids the chance to try is huge. Biggest thing is safety. Unfortunately a lot of clubs run really loose "because they're just shotguns". Even if certain habits are usually considered okay in trap (barrel on foot is one I hate) it trains sloppy habits for other disciplines. Good luck!

[@TommyboyGTP]

What about the different loads available as far as shot size, weight of the payload, and velocity? When I see a box of shells labeled "handicap" is that for shooting on the back line? I'd like to see a more in depth explanation of the different target loads available and which ones to use for certain types of target shooting. Thanks for another great video!

[@PNWOutdoorsman509]

A common trap load for shooting singles travels at 1145 feet per second. If you look at the specs for a Handicap load, the feet per second may be up to 1350 feet per second. Basically, it’s a “hotter” round that travels faster because you are shooting from farther away. The goal is to allow you to use the same leads as you do with singles. Ideally you won’t have to change how you shoot, the load will compensate.

[@TommyboyGTP]

makes sense, thanks @@PNWOutdoorsman509

[@Nierlock]

This is Great! Can you do a vid on 5-stand?

[@michaelodonnell1861]

Another great video! I’ve been shooting trap for 2 years now and love it. I want to try skeet this summer. Would love to see you do a video on skeet for beginners. Keep up the good work!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@abengtebaran5346]

Extremely clear comments and regulations positions and focused points on the objeck 😳👍

[@kalliekleitsch3445]

Much appreciated! Havent ever shot trap but wanting to get better at bird shooting so all points are great.

[@sway696]

Was watching the guys at the club the other day and I'm definitely interested. Looks like a blast! Pun intended 💥🤣 thanks for the basic tutorial, not all of us know but would definitely like to try.

[@mrsmartypants_1]

Never knew the origin of the word “trap”. Makes sense. Thanks dude.

[@roystephenson5607]

Thanks for all your content! Just curious, how far is the highway behind your trap field?

[@BRENDANTHERED]

No kidding! I'm surprised they have a range so close to the road, especially shooting at / towards the highway.

[@treyveston7965]

Bird shot in the sizes typically used for trap shooting (7.5 and 8) only travels a maximum of 250 yards. The highway in the video looks like it is at least 500 yards away, so double the safe range. I was concerned as well, since I am a pistol and rifle shooter, primarily. I had no idea that bird shot had such a short trajectory (hence why I'm watching this video before my first trap shoot).

[@ASWAT-fd2bj]

@@BRENDANTHERED It's not possibly gonna hit the highway, not a chance. Those little bbs loose energy SUPER fast.

[@BRENDANTHERED]

@ASWAT-fd2bj That may be, but regardless, I'm more concerned about the comfort of the other people in the area, who don't know as much about firearms. Many states and all of Canada recognize this, and also plenty of other countries I'm sure. It's about having respect for the people who don't know as much... IMO.

[@ASWAT-fd2bj]

@@BRENDANTHERED That does make sense, however I doubt the people on the highway are uncomfortable. They can likely hardly hear the guns while inside their cars on the highway, and I imagine the shooters would be hard to see.

[@DomiNate_1]

Great video! Please do videos for Skeet, 5-Stand, and Sporting Clays as well! I just join a club in MN as well and Im looking to get into ALL THE SHOTGUN STUFFS! I just dont know where to begin... looks like its going to be TRAP! Also... shooting towards the road and powerlines not a problem? sorry, genuinely don't know. Do pellets run out of steam pretty quick?

[@roymayeda1677]

Yes, the small sizes used for target slow down and drop very quickly. Limited to no larger than 7-1/2 shot.

[@RascalMcGovens]

Thoughts on a red dot on a skeet or pheasant gun?

[@HuntingSanity]

Can we get videos like this for Sporting Clays, Five Stand, etc, please??

[@crossbowhunter9118]

A tip I was told a box of shotgun ammo is 5 across in every box so you go with 1 row at each round or you can count 5 shells and also. For me was shown and I was told to focus and try to read the words on the clay everyone is different. I am able to hit more once someone told me to do that

[@RoadCaptainEntertain]

1st time I shot trap an engineer I worked with took me to the Galveston Gun Club. 1st round I did 24 out of 25 & the shotgunners were asking how I learned to shoot as I was breaking them at longer ranges than they were. I explained I am a bird hunter. A few years later the Gulf Coast Hunting Retriever Assoc. (I also train Labs for field trials) held a competition at Greenwood Gun Club where I took 2nd place in quite an intense competition. I found Trap rather easy after decades of hunting Doves, Ducks & Geese.

[@dhprojects3296]

me when i lie

[@farside7225]

All of your video's are so helpful & informative. Thank you!

[@bobhill3941]

How do you shoot the second clay so fast? Do you swich to the second barrel as you swing or do you have double triggers? Thanks

[@megang9563]

Great video! Hoping to join a club and give this a try. Been small game hunting for a few years and want to keep honing skills and shooting year round.

[@thetraveler5798]

Thank you for the tutorial. So one competes against other or individual against others by way of score It's new to me but I think is fascinating to meet new people. Similar to bowling maybe ? 😎🤙

[@weissrw1]

This was really good. If you haven't already, please, do it for skeet! Thanks!

[@toyotrustPR]

Great video thanks. Just got my first trap gun, a BT99 I got used for a good deal.

[@markhartwig511]

Steve, Thanks for this awesome introduction to shooting trap. Your tips are already improving my game. I am looking for looking for blue tooth hearing protection. Could you let me know a few on the market to consider? All price ranges considered.

[@TargetFocusedLife]

I have been using Axil Xcor's this year and have really liked them. Good for the money and they are cordless. You can check them out here targetfocused.link/axilbuds Our Code is “tfldiscount”

[@jezreeltimbol9918]

Hi! What do you think about using 28 inch barrel of cynergy O/U for trap shooting? I know people prefer 30 inch over 28 inch but I’m not a big guy at all. It makes me wonder if that would work well with trap and clay shooting.

[@MiguelGarcia-ut3fn]

Awesome sport, is it allowed the use of a regular pump action shotgun ?…sounds like a great way to hone loading/racking skills

[@chriswalneck594]

Great video! Thanks for demonstrating the basics of Trap!

[@justgawkin2418]

Hey Steve, have you done a review on the gun you were using? If not, could you? Looks interesting.

[@gdwilliams92]

I think it’s this one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXXFZ6d4hJefgtU

[@gdwilliams92]

If you don’t feel safe clicking the link I posted. It’s the browning bt-99 video.

[@Dman-jp9in]

Thanks for tutorials ! Looking forward to more

[@stephenmorgan8510]

Do you have a recommendation on what choke to use for standard trap?

[@blakebutler4650]

Excellent Video!! Thanks for sharing.

[@aaron2446]

Please do skeet, I'm decent at trap but I need work on skeet

[@neibol100]

What cartridge and what measure of shock do you recommend to use in this case?

[@michaelgrey5105]

I've been involved with 4-H for several years. The methods you provide in this video is what I've been teaching. Great video. What about advance level? Thank you

[@ForestToFarm]

Good job. Thanks for your time. Terry

[@bernd9891]

How do you like the Browning 725 trap you used in this Video? Thinking about geting me one. Greetings from Austria

[@jasongray9817]

Always a great video my friend debating about buying a 26 inch 12gaige for trap any suggestions?

[@lancewilcox3944]

I just started shooting trap and I'm looking at the yildiz can you get the 700$ one and review it.thanks for all you videos

[@HolladayAviation]

Curious when teaching kids, do they start with moving targets right away or do you start them with stationary targets? The range near us does not offer stationary targets.

[@roymayeda1677]

Our group sometimes introduced new shooters by locking the oscillator on the trap so it throws straightaways from post 3 constantly. They get the idea of tracking a moving target without having the added challenge of not knowing the target's direction

[@davidshepherd4410]

Brilliant video, this man knows how to shoot and convey the game to novices will watch him closely

[@gregfitzgerald8462]

I have been shooting shotguns for many years in the field and just recently purchased my first over and under. My experience is with pump/auto shotguns which have single barrels. The one question I have is about the aim point. Is there enough difference in the two barrels that it would be necessary to adjust the aim point depending on which barrel is going to fire? I primarily hunt upland birds.

[@roymayeda1677]

You don't have enough range with the pellets for the barrel regulation to need any pointing adjustment.

[@michaelsanders9147]

So I just went to the rifle range today with some friends and they had skeet and trap and I had no idea how it worked. I've watched some videos, but still have a couple questions. 1. I just got a home defense shotgun (a dp-12). Can I shoot with that or will I get yelled at? 2. What shells do you use as far as length and load? What is typical and what is off limits? Will they allow you to use buck shot or slugs (this would seem to be very difficult and doesn't make sense, but is it allowed)?

[@jamesbriseno4705]

Nice simple & informative video - thanks….

[@revo.lution1749]

Thank you I've learned a great deal with your video

[@StrongpointOutfitters]

Great video for new shooters

[@technician799]

Do you have a skeet video for beginners? I just bought a O/U and looking to get into the sport and learn as much as I can

[@TargetFocusedLife]

We don't...yet. It is on the list for this year.

[@powersandthepeoplefan1728]

hey starting trap for the first time this year, besides the tips in this vid, and pointers?

[@TheConfederate1863]

What choke do you use shooting trap ? Great vid btw!

[@duke1386]

Can you please do a review on the Remington V3 PRO waterfowl!!!!!

[@TheMurds65]

What Choke do you recommend for trap?

[@Redlegwar]

What model is that browning? Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@TargetFocusedLife]

BT-99

[@henrysara7716]

Great Video thank you. I need to pay a visit to my local club asap.

[@michaelblankenstein]

What's the best choke to use for trap on a 12 gage?

[@paulk6077]

I am horrible at walk up birds that are flying directly away or arcing away a little left or right. Plus shooting a benelli that I have to float tge bird. Please do a video using your SBE3 shooting away birds. Thanks.

[@loganm246]

Hey Steve, what gun is that your shooting in this video?

[@gdwilliams92]

I’m pretty sure it’s the browning by-99. He has a review on it.

[@loganm246]

@@gdwilliams92 ok thank you

[@brianmccullough3458]

Going to a company event in September for this, glad most of the guys have done it before and are going to help me and the other first timers!! Looks like fun! Hell, even if you don't hit anything you are shooting a shot gun! 😂

[@ilikejelloyay208]

You mentioned break actions and semi-autos; are pumps forbidden?

[@TargetFocusedLife]

Not at all. Pump shotguns are just fine, but break action shotguns are ideal.

[@mefirst5427]

Trap is fun game, but competitive at international level is very difficult and requires talent. ISSF and Olympics they throw the clay at much faster speeds.

[@elizabethbalbin8091]

what a great video ! thank you !!

[@brianrobbins3499]

Been shooting trap for about 40 years and still look forward to going every week. Weather permitting

[@findyourinnertube124]

Never gone trap shooting and no idea what to expect. Great tutorial.

[@TommyboyGTP]

What do you think of wobble trap?

[@In_con_ceivable]

Great video Steve…by the way, what shells are typically used for trap and/or skeet..? Very puzzling to me as I haven’t shot either before.

[@gdwilliams92]

There are all different kinds of target loads. I think the shot weight is limited to 1 1/8 ounce in the US. Across the pond they limit it at 1 ounce. For 12 gauge that is. I don’t know from experience, just from other videos I’ve been watching recently.

[@In_con_ceivable]

@@gdwilliams92 yeah I’ve only shot slugs at the range but hoping to get out for either trap or skeet.

[@ashwinrajpurohit1090]

Excellent explanation 👍Thxs

[@gracenmurphy1572]

Maybe a tutorial on skeet or sporting clays

[@chrisboon4526]

Great video, thank you!

[@dadoturkovic]

What gun are you usig? Brand and model

[@ChrisGordan]

Can we anticipate a similar video for the game of skeet? (Great vid, thx)

[@chrismarshall4486]

My dad never let us have our shotguns shouldered. Because we were doing it as practice for hunts and he said you’re never going to have the gun at your shoulder when a bird comes up. So I still shoot trap without it to my shoulder.

[@rickh9306]

International Trap is shot with the recoil pad by your hip. It is more difficult than regular or American Trap.

[@danielg530]

Interesting range with a highway as a backdrop....

[@BRENDANTHERED]

...and powerlines!

[@roymayeda1677]

All way out of pellet range. In western MN and other plains areas, you can see for miles.

[@cmcdonough55]

12 Gauge #8 or #9 Shot won't be reaching the road.

[@danielragostini]

muito obrigado pelas dicas

[@richbattaglia5350]

Thank you!

[@davemcloughlin251]

Hi Steve, great intro to trap shooting. Quick question mate, what gun are you using in your demo?

[@rickpresley63]

Browning judging by the logo on the receiver.

[@RockyS007]

Thanks bro this helps a lot

[@bobbriante2385]

My favorite sport!

[@AT-kt4wy]

*WHAT IS THE SHOOTING SEQUENCE AT EACH POST? FIVE SINGLES OR ARE THERE DOUBLES?*

[@gambledg]

What model of gun is that? A Browning?

[@timkenney7986]

Well done, Steve!