High School Trap Shooting: The Fast-Growing Sport That’s Captivating Students Across the U.S.

Trap shooting, a fast-growing high school sport, is gaining popularity across the U.S., as reported in New York Upstate.com by Steve Featherstone, who covers the outdoors for The Post-Standard, syracuse.com, and NYUP.com. In trap shooting, athletes fire at clay targets launched from a trap house, requiring sharp reflexes, focus, and hand-eye coordination. The sport, which is adaptive and inclusive, allows students of all skill levels to participate together, with no varsity or junior varsity teams. Marcellus Senior High School in NY which joined the USA High School Clay Target League in 2018, now has 22 students participating in the Spring 2025 season.

The popularity of trap shooting has expanded across the country, with over 54,000 students in 38 states currently involved. Trap shooting provides a unique outlet for students who may not participate in traditional stick-and-ball sports. The sport’s inclusive nature, focus on safety, and emphasis on fun has led to its growth, especially in rural areas where hunting and conservation are common interests. Although not officially recognized by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, the sport continues to thrive with support from local sportsman’s clubs and families.

The USA Clay Target League, a nonprofit organization, has been a major factor in the sport’s rise. The League is the leading independent provider of clay target shooting sports for secondary and postsecondary schools. Its priorities are safety, fun, and marksmanship, with a strong focus on responsible firearm handling and storage. The League’s vision is to reach 100,000 student athletes nationwide by the end of 2025. The impact of participating in the League is profound, helping students develop life skills, teamwork, and a deeper connection to outdoor activities.

Trap shooting’s rise addresses a broader issue identified in 2000, when a drop in shooting range memberships in Minnesota raised concerns about the future of shooting sports. The Minnesota DNR found that the average age of gun club members was 57, prompting efforts to attract younger shooters. Jim Sable, Youth Program Director at the Plymouth Gun Club, pioneered the idea of bringing trap shooting to schools. His efforts grew from just six students in 2001 to the formation of the Minnesota State High School Clay Target League in 2008. The League quickly gained traction, growing rapidly and eventually spreading to other states, culminating in the formation of the USA High School Clay Target League in 2012. This expansion has made trap shooting the fastest-growing high school extracurricular activity in the nation.

With 99% retention rates among participants, trap shooting fosters camaraderie and confidence among students. Many students, like Ben Krause from Marcellus, find it to be a perfect fit for their school, offering a rewarding team experience. For first-time shooters, coaches provide individualized support, building skills and confidence in an environment where everyone’s score counts. The league’s accessibility and low-barrier entry (loaner shotguns and required safety courses) make it an appealing option for many.

Trap shooting is growing, not just for its competition, but for its potential to teach students valuable life skills like focus, safety, and teamwork, while also preserving an important part of American culture through responsible gun use. The League’s impact is also felt economically, as clay target athletes and their families spend significantly on firearms and ammunition, and clubs that partner with local school teams have seen a resurgence in membership.

Don’t miss the action in the YouTube video below to see how this exciting sport is captivating students across the country which captures students from Marcellus Senior High School in upstate New York practicing at the Otisco Lake Rod & Gun Club, showcasing the sport’s appeal in action.