Trap shooters compete in Coeur d'Alene

Over 50 trap shooters from Idaho, Washington and Colorado converged on the Coeur d’ Alene Skeet and Trap Club to compete in a sanctioned Amateur Trap Association competition April 28.

Competitors endured gusting winds and cool Idaho spring weather. The winds affected the flight of the clay targets making it more difficult for shooters to hit their mark. The events included single and double targets, as well as handicaps, according to a press release.

The handicap event is where shooters stand in shooting positions farther away from the targets making it more difficult and challenging to hit the fast-moving clay target. The clay targets fly at around 45 miles per hour. 

There were a variety of classifications for shooters of all experience levels from juniors to veterans and ladies. The seven junior class youths who participated represent the next generation of clay shooting sports enthusiasts. Some of them were from local high schools and were on their shooting teams, the release said.

Over 11,300 clay targets were thrown during the competition.

Ed Wagner club president said it was a great event to have back at the club. The last ATA shoot at the club was nearly 20 years ago. He was pleased to see so many shooters from near and far attend to compete and enjoy the event. 

Wagner said the event wouldn’t have been possible without the work of dedicated club volunteers. He said they arrived early to set up the fields, registered participants, loaded throwing machines throughout the day with clays and stayed late to put equipment away. 

Awards Winners – ATA April 28, 2024

1. Singles – Lady Shara Green

2. Singles – Junior Ian Alapai

3. Singles – Veteran Steve Mielke

4. Singles – Novice Russell Johnson III

5. Singles – Class A L. Graham

6. Singles – Class B Tim Farmin

7. Singles – Class C Luke Sevier

8. Singles – Class D Daniel Kruger

9. Handicap – Short Yard Keira Bohannon

Wagner encouraged folks to come out and enjoy clay-target shooting sports. The club has trap, skeet and five stand fields available. The club is open to the public for families, individuals, and groups of all experience levels to enjoy the sport.

Info: 208-772-2275 or www.cdaskeetandtrap.com.