For those looking to try a new sport or simply enjoy some outdoor fun, the Estevan Trap Club has been welcoming members of all ages to take aim and break clay targets.
Marilyn King, an organizer with the club, says she handles membership and paperwork while helping ensure everyone enjoys their time at the range. “Everyone comes down to have fun, whether they’re experienced shooters or trying it for the first time,” King says.
Trap shooting, a sport that simulates the flight of a bird fleeing a hunter, involves shooting clay targets hurled through the air at speeds of up to 42 miles per hour. The club offers singles, doubles, and handicap shooting, allowing participants to challenge themselves in a variety of ways. “It’s a sport that anyone from 12 to 90 years old can enjoy,” King adds.
The Estevan Trap Club also emphasizes encouraging new shooters, particularly through its junior program. Anyone under 22 can sign up for a free round of trap, up to 10 rounds over a 5 to 10-week period. Equipment, including 12- or 20-gauge shotguns, ear and eye protection, is available for those who don’t have their own. Group rates are also offered, making it easy to bring friends or coworkers for a session.
The club’s season typically runs from the end of April or the beginning of May until the weather turns too cold, usually wrapping up around October. Weekly attendance varies, with 30 to 40 members participating over the course of the week, and smaller groups of 5 to 12 showing up on individual nights depending on schedules.
In addition to regular shooting nights, the club hosts two registered events each year. The upcoming event on September 20-21 will feature 100 singles, handicap, and doubles competitions. Saturday evening will include the popular “Pump and Pump” under the lights, with prizes ranging from $150 to $250 and custom tailed gates coolers. The event also includes a special prize for first-time registered shooters, giving locals a chance to participate and win.
For those interested in joining, King recommends stopping by on a Tuesday or Thursday evening, checking the Estevan Trap Club Facebook page for updates, or sending an email or text to coordinate. Experienced shooters are always on hand to provide guidance and ensure newcomers feel comfortable.
“It’s all about having fun,” King emphasizes. “Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just curious, we welcome everyone to come out, learn, and enjoy the sport.”