Base hosts trap and skeet tournament

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anania Tekurio
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The 28th Force Support Squadron Outdoor Recreation staff hosted a trap and skeet shootout at its outdoor range May 2, continuing an event that traces its roots to World War II.

Historically, trap and skeet shooting has been used to train pilots and air combat crews on the fundamentals of leading and shooting down moving targets.

"Trap and skeet is part of Air Force tradition," said Senior Airman Matthew Kranitz, 28th Maintenance Squadron circuit card repair technician who participated in the shootout. "It's not just about friendly competition, but also developing timing and precise aim."

With advances in technology, today's trap and skeet has evolved from a training tool to more of a recreational activity.

"Shooting trap is a nice stress release for me," said Master Sgt. Charles Stepp, 28th Communications Squadron operations flight chief. "It's fun competition and it's really nice to have a range here on base."

In keeping with tradition and healthy competition, the Outdoor Rec staff plan to create a trap and skeet league for interested participants.

"We're setting up a seven-week long trap and skeet league," said Dave Routh, 28th FSS Outdoor Recreation facility aid. "Each team will consist of three people who will be required to shoot two rounds per person each week."

Routh added that the league will be adhering to a variation of the five-stand sporting clays theme which is a mixture of trap and skeet in the same round.

The league is open to beginners up to and including advanced shooters. Shotguns are available for use, but participants must provide their own ammunition.

For more information, call the 28th FSS Outdoor Recreation office at (605) 385-2997.