Even in winter, Coeur d'Alene Skeet and Trap is hitting the mark

HAYDEN — The ranges at Coeur d’Alene Skeet and Trap Club are a lively scene, even in the middle of winter.

Over the cracks and pops of shots being fired off, it’s not uncommon to hear the joyful cheers of someone who successfully brought down a clay bird — perhaps their first time ever doing so.

“You’ll see beginners out there shooting, and when they shoot that first bird, they’ll be hootin’ and hollerin’,” said Bill Alf, a longtime shooter and board member of the Club.

Established in 1946, Cd’A Skeet and Trap originated on the shores of Hayden Lake and moved to its current facility on West Miles Avenue in 1965.

The Club offers three shotgun sports: trap shooting, skeet shooting, and a more advanced variation called five stand. All involve shooting clay targets (also referred to as clay birds) that are flung into the air at high speeds by either fixed or oscillating machines, depending on the sport.

The Club is currently in the midst of its Winter League, one of its biggest competitions of the year that takes place over a period of 12 weeks.

This year, 50 teams made up of 308 shooters in total are competing in the Winter League, according to Club president Ed Wagner.

Winter weather is no deterrent to Winter League shooters.

“Especially with Winter League, we’ll have people out in the rain or snow shooting,” Alf said.

Wagner said the Club sees shooters as young as 11 and others in their late 80s out on the range.

“They just have to be able to hold a gun and be safe with it,” Wagner said.

Skeet and trap shooting is by no means exclusive to men — Michelle Thurman, an instructor at the Club, wants to encourage women to give it a shot.

“It’s super empowering,” Thurman said. “I love it.”

For many longtime members, the Club is not only a place to hone shooting skills but also a place of community.

“Part of it is the camaraderie and friendship,” said Tom Bosenko, who was taught by a longtime shooter himself when he first became involved with the Club.

“There’s people that are here every day that we’re open, shooting,” Wagner said.

As the Club’s membership continues to grow, longtime members are focused on youth engagement — both in the Winter League and beyond.

Currently, the Club hosts 16 high school teams in addition to the Hayden Longshots, an independent youth shooting group.

“They’re our future,” Wagner said.