Students get trap shooting lessons

The Thompson Falls Trap Club and members of the Elks Lodge helped kids learn about trap shooting at an event April 28.

The event began at 11 a.m. and was open to all who were interested, from beginners to those who have previous experience. Don Manning, with the Elks, gave the introduction on the safety and protocol of the event, as well as educating the participants on the different types and styles of the firearms that were going to be used.

Manning then covered lessons including, handling and basic knowledge, pointed out the different parts of the shotgun and the three safety rules; always point the gun in a safe direction, always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot and always keep the gun unloaded until ready use. Manning went over the mechanics of how to stand while your shooting and how to raise the shotgun to the starting position as efficiently as possible. The five participants were then able to go outside to the range and try their hands at shooting clay pigeons thrown from the machine. Each participant had an instructor to monitor and coach them.