While trap and skeet shooting originated as bird hunting simulations, they have now become popular shooting sports played all over the world (including the Olympics). While both sports use shotguns to hit moving clay targets, they are pretty different from one another. Today, at Wild Hare Shooting Gear, we’ll break down trap shooting vs skeet shooting for the new shooters out there.
What is the Difference Between Trap Shooting and Skeet Shooting?
Trap Shooting: One Target
Back in the 1800s, trap shooting was a way for hunters to sharpen their bird hunting skills. While it originally used live birds as targets, artificial targets were introduced in the late 1800s.
The objective of trap shooting: hit a clay disc (also known as a clay pigeon or a clay bird) after it’s been launched by a “house” or “bunker.” While you’ll be able to tell where the target starts from, you won’t necessarily know the angle it’ll fly. This element of surprise makes trap shooting quite a challenge!
Over the course of the event, shooters move around a semicircle, shooting five shots from five different positions. This culminates in 25 total shots in each round.
Skeet Shooting: Two Targets Crossing
During the 1920s, on the heels of trap shooting, skeet shooting was developed. Bird hunters had observed that trap shooting didn’t accurately match how birds actually move -- they wanted more unpredictability from their targets.
The objective of skeet shooting: shoot at two clay targets as they cross each other. In skeet shooting, you’ll aim to hit targets shot from two separate machines set at different heights (known as the high house and the low house.) At their height, the targets are approximately 15 feet in the air.
Over the course of the event, shooters go to seven different positions and each fire 25 rounds total.
American vs International Skeet Shooting
Skeet shooting can be broken down further into two main categories: American and International.
International skeet shooting has a delay of zero to three seconds after the shooter calls for the target.
American skeet shooting has no delay after the shooter calls for the target. It also uses a slow speed for targets.
The Olympics follow International Skeet Shooting Rules.
Trap Shooting vs Sporting Clays
While sporting clays is one of the most popular shooting sports today, it wasn’t actually developed until the 1980s. Sporting clays take place on a course with 10-15 stations. Each station is unique - one could have a single target launcher while another could have multiple. Sporting clays are especially useful if you’re looking to hone your reflexes and shooting skills.
Wild Hare Has Your Shooting Gear
All three sports are challenging and rewarding in their own way. Whichever you decide to try (or if you decide to try all three), Wild Hare has the gear you need to enjoy this traditional sport. Check out our gun cases, shooting vests, and array of accessories.
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