What Is American Trap?
American Trap is a shotgun shooting sport that simulates the flight of upland game birds, especially pheasants flushing away from the shooter. Targets—bright orange clay discs—are launched from a single trap house located 16 yards in front of the shooters. The machine inside the house oscillates left to right, throwing clays at random angles away from the firing line.
The shooter doesn’t know which way the clay will fly, so success comes from quick target acquisition, smooth gun movement, and consistent follow-through.
The Basics of the Game
Field Setup: A trap field has five shooting stations arranged in a semicircle behind the trap house. Each round of singles trap consists of 25 targets, with five shots taken at each station.
Targets: Clays are thrown at speeds averaging 40+ mph, with angles varying up to 17 degrees left or right.
Shotguns & Ammo: Most shooters use 12-gauge shotguns, often over/unders, semi-autos, or pump actions. Shells are typically loaded with 1 to 1 1/8 ounces of shot, #7½ or #8 being the most common sizes.
Scoring: One point for each broken target. A perfect round is 25/25.
Variations of American Trap
Singles Trap – The standard event, shooting one target per station.
Doubles Trap – Two targets are released simultaneously, testing reaction time and smooth gun handling.
Handicap Trap – Shooters stand farther back (up to 27 yards), making the angles and speed even more challenging.
Why Try American Trap?
Accessibility: Many local gun clubs offer trap fields, making it easy for newcomers to give it a try.
Skill Building: Trap sharpens focus, timing, and consistency—skills that carry over into upland hunting and other clay sports.
Community: Trap leagues and events often foster a supportive, friendly environment where new shooters are welcome.
Tips for Beginners
Mount Matters: Work on a smooth, repeatable gun mount so you’re ready the moment a target flies.
Eyes First: Pick up the target with your eyes before moving the gun.
Stay Relaxed: Tension slows your swing. Think smooth and steady.
Practice in Rounds: Shooting full 25-target rounds helps build consistency and confidence.
Final Thoughts
American Trap is more than just breaking orange clays—it’s a sport rooted in tradition that challenges both beginners and seasoned shooters alike. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your hunting skills, enjoy friendly competition, or just spend a fun afternoon outdoors, trap offers an inviting entry point into the world of clay target shooting.
So grab your shotgun, step up to the line, call “pull,” and see how many clays you can smash out of the sky.
