Ready, aim, FIRE!

Today, there are throwers that can hold upward of 700 clay targets. They are thrown, at random, anywhere within a 90-degree pattern from the trap house, which is located 16 yards in front of the first primary shooting station.

"One of the biggest changes in recent years is the voice release. It used to be there was a person who sat behind the shooters and would release a target on command. This wasn't always the best way because sometimes there was a delay from the time the shooter called for a bird and the time the individual pushed the button," said Epperson.

"Now it's instant. It's voice-activated. The second you yell 'pull,' the target is released. It's one of the reasons, I think, you're seeing better scores."

A round of trap consists of 25 targets (the number of shotgun shells in a box), starting from the 16-yard line or 16 yards behind the trap house. As shooters get better, they move farther away from the house. The greatest distance is 27 yards.

The shotguns used vary, depending on the shooter. Most shooters use field guns with interchangeable chokes.

Competitive shooters, like Epperson, have a special trap gun that shoots a tighter pattern to hit the targets at greater distances.

One of the biggest problems Epperson sees among new and inexperienced shooters is the tendency to cant, or hold the shotgun at an angle. Tilting the shotgun, he pointed out, causes the gun to shoot away from the target even though it appears it is aimed perfectly at the target.

"It's something that can be easily corrected and can make a big difference in a shooter's ability to hit the targets. By holding the shotgun at an angle, it changes the point of impact. You think you're aiming at the target, but you're not," he noted.

Past that, he noted, the secret to breaking more targets is practice, "and if you really want to progress, then it takes dedication."

The Lee Kay Center, located at 6000 W. 2100 South, offers 16 trap fields and four skeet fields. The center is open five days a week — Wednesday through Sunday. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours for league shoots. Epperson said there are also a number of competitive league shoots held at the center. There are also shotguns available for rent.

Epperson, Craig Necaise and Rex Outzen took over the shooting facility last month. Prior to reopening, the group completely renovated the 3,000-square-foot clubhouse, which now includes a pro shop and snack bar.

For information on shooting opportunities, call 972-2258.

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