![]() ![]() Skeet is a more sociable game than trap, and conversation between shots is usually fine. Shooters get an immediate repeat shot (called an option) at the first target missed. The other four stations offer only a single target from each house. Stations 1, 2, 6, and 7 feature a pair of single shotsone from each housefollowed by a double. In a round of skeet, shooters get 25 shots apiece. Skeet targets fly at the same height and angle every time, passing over a crossing stake set 21 yards from the stations. The first seven stations are aligned in a semicircle from the high house to the low house, and the last station is in the center of the skeet field, midway between stations 1 and 7. There are two trap houses, a high and a low house, and eight stations on a skeet field. Skeet was invented as hunting practice by two grouse hunters in the 1920s. Youll quickly learn not only how to diagnose the miss but also how to correct it by keeping your head on the gun all the way through the shotbecause if you do stick your head up to watch the target break, youll surely miss. Trap shooting punishes head-lifting mercilessly, causing misses over the top. Heavy duck and goose loads generate a lot of recoil, and many hunters develop a subconscious lift of the head to get up off the stock and away from recoil. Trap also teaches fundamentals, including one a lot of waterfowlers have trouble with: keeping your head on the gun. If you stalk ducks in sloughs, this is the game for you. With its shallow, going-away angles, trap resembles jump-shooting more than it does any other kind of waterfowling. It probably means youre aiming, too, and trying to double-check to make sure youre on the target. Waiting too long, as many new trapshooters do, means youre shooting at a dropping target thats slowing its rotations, making it harder to break. Shoot just before or as the target peaks. Surprisingly, that makes the target seem to move slowernot fasterthan if you try to aim down the barrel and chase the blur of the target out of the trap house. Instead, see the bird first, read its angle, and then move the gun to it. Never try to guess where the bird is going. The whole sequence takes about three seconds. ![]() Think a positive thought, and call for the bird. ![]() Then get your eyes up off the gun and look into the distance above the trap house. Close your gun and mount it on the hold point. This isnt hunting, so dont rush to load and shoot. For example, most shooters will hold on or above the left corner of the trap house when they stand at station Your routine before the shot, as well as where you hold the gun and where you look for the target, need to be the same every time at a given station. A hunting vest or a nail apron will work in a pinch. Youll also need a bag or pouch to carry your live and empty shells. Be sure to bring 25 shells, plus a few extras. Using your duck gun with a modified, improved-modified, or full choke and an ounce or 1 1/8 ounces of size 7 1/2 or 8 shot will break any trap target. Shots at trap targets are long, around 35 or 40 yards. If you shoot an autoloader, youll absolutely need a shell catcher or a rubber band around the receiver to keep your empties from hitting the person to your right. You will, however, need to control your empty shells. Just be ready when its your turn to shoot and remain quiet until its time to say pull, and youll be fine. Theres a bit of truth to that, because the actions of others in the squad can affect everyones shooting rhythm, concentration, and score. Trapshooters have a reputation for being somewhat standoffish toward newcomers.
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