SKEET TARGET SHOOTING
OVERVIEW OF SKEETING
Skeet Shooting today involves tens of thousands of people across North America and the world.There is American Skeet, International Skeet and English Skeet and each form of Skeet Shooting varies slightly from the other.The National Skeet Shooting Association is the governing body for American Skeet. Many thousand skeet shooters shoot "registered targets" that are sanctioned by The National Skeet Shooting Association each year.If you want to shoot better in the field, enjoy a day at the gun club, or compete with the top skeet shooters in the world for honor and glory, then skeet shooting is a great sport.The basic difference between skeet shooting and trapshooting is that in skeet, most of the targets are crossing targets and in trapshooting, all of the targets are outgoing targets.
PHOTOS
THE HISTORY OF SKEET SHOOTING
In 1920, in the town of Andover, Massachusetts, a small group of upland game hunters took to shooting clay targets as a means of practicing their wing shooting. As friendly rivalries started to develop amongst the group, a uniform series of shots were developed to keep the competition fair and even for all. It was from this crude beginning that the modern day version of skeet shooting developed into what is now an international sport practiced by hunters and non-hunters alike.Charles E. Davies, an Andover, Massachusetts businessman and avid grouse hunter, is recognized as the inventor of the skeet game as we know it.
What is American Skeet Shooting?
American skeet shooting is an exhilarating and challenging clay target shooting sport that has captured the hearts of shooting enthusiasts in the United States. Rooted in the age-old tradition of hunting, skeet shooting offers a dynamic and fast-paced experience, requiring precision, agility, and focus.
In this discipline, participants use a shotgun to shoot at clay targets, commonly known as "clay pigeons," which are launched into the air from two trap houses. The shooting range, or skeet field, is designed with a semi-circular layout featuring seven shooting stations, with one station located at each end and one in the center.
The targets are thrown from the two trap houses, which are positioned at different heights and angles, simulating various flight patterns of birds in different hunting scenarios. The sequence of target presentations at each station follows a specific pattern, challenging the shooter to adapt quickly to changing angles and elevations.
At each station, participants engage in a series of shots, totaling 25 targets per round. They take shots at both singles, where a single target is launched from one trap house, and doubles, where two targets are thrown simultaneously from each house. The doubles presentation is particularly demanding, as shooters must engage both targets in rapid succession.
The key to success in American skeet shooting lies in consistent gun mount, precise tracking of the targets, and smooth follow-through. Shooters need to anticipate the trajectory of the clay pigeons and react swiftly to hit them accurately, making the sport an exciting test of skill and reflexes.
Skeet shooting is known for its camaraderie and welcoming atmosphere, making it accessible to participants of all skill levels. Whether one is a seasoned shooter or a newcomer to the sport, skeet shooting offers an opportunity to develop marksmanship skills, build confidence, and forge lasting friendships with fellow enthusiasts.
Safety is paramount in American skeet shooting, with strict adherence to established safety protocols. Participants are required to handle their firearms responsibly and maintain a high level of awareness during shooting sessions.
Skeet shooting is not only a sport but also a cherished tradition that connects shooters with the legacy of hunting and the thrill of mastering the art of marksmanship. Competitions are held at local, national, and international levels, fostering a sense of friendly competition and celebrating the passion for this captivating shooting discipline.
Overall, American skeet shooting provides a dynamic and rewarding experience, combining the thrill of shooting with the joy of camaraderie, making it a beloved pastime for shooting enthusiasts across the country.