Scores have been high this year for the trap team, who have won all meets except for two.  Trap is a sport where the participants have only one attempt to hit up to 50 pigeons, with the goal of hitting as many as possible. They have five shooters in a row. They each have to shoot from different directions and switch positions after each round.  There are many types of trap shooting such as singles, doubles, and olympic trap. They all have different rules and different formats. Berlin Conservation Club normally does single clay pigeons. Mark Trampf is one of the many coaches that teach trap, and is also the one who takes care of grades and behavior checks. The coaches help the shooters make sure they have a  gun that fits the individual properly and teach them how to shoot. They also show them how to use techniques to improve their skills.

 “There are some basics that we work on with foot position stance, hold points (on the trap field), leading the targets, and follow through,” Trampf said.

When it comes to practicing, if they participate in the (CWYTL) Central Wisconsin Youth Trap League, which means the shooters can have an open shooting day on Tuesday from 5-9 p.m.  Some of the coaches are there for assistance and help if anything goes wrong. Junior Leah Lemberger has been on the trap team for two years. She has had previous trap shooting experience prior to joining the BHS school team.  Lemberger also wants to improve her shooting at more than the trap competitions. 

“My goal is to block anything out that might distract me, so it can help me in the future when hunting,” Lemberger said. 

Junior Aiden Meyer has been in this sport for about four years now and what he enjoys most is also having his friends around. He wants to make personal gains for the future and try to get 100 clay pigeons. He normally goes from the average 35 yard line and has gotten 49 out of 50. 

“I would have people consider joining next year because I really enjoy this sport,” Meyer said.  

Trampf has his own reasons for loving the sport.

 “I enjoy watching the young shooters grow and make improvements on their skills,” Trampf said.  

Most of the time trap matches last up to two to three hours, but when the shooters are with their friends it makes it more fun than anything.

“I enjoy shooting guns and being with my friends. One thing that is not enjoyable is how expensive it is. It’s very fun otherwise,” Lemberger said.