All shoots at Bostic are worth attending. Friendly, well organized , and take time to enjoy the rocking chairs on the porch.

 

We’ll be going.

 

I have only been shooting Trap for 10 months, and my 16 trap average is 21 per round, or 84...
Should I even try to attend, or should I focus on local matches to improve my score and experience, and then participate next year? I have just received my ATA number, but I have not been classified yet. Thanks

 

If you can reasonably go, do it.
There's no practice like shooting a couple of hundred rounds a day in competition.
Bostic is a great place to shoot, just book a hotel now if you will need one.

 

Bostic is a nice facility. I’m a big believer in getting reps in. Also, there will be vendors that don’t show up to the SC and NC State shoots. If it’s not a big drive for you, why not?

 

1hr and 45 minutes depending on traffic on 85... I could commute.. lol
How do I view the schedule? I assume I have to be there every day through the weekend?
Or does Singles go first as an example and end in two days, then the next discipline... I have to take off so... thanks everyone for your input!

 

Go for it. Just relax, take it one target at a time and learn. Everyone out there started new at some point. Enjoy yourself and visit the vendors.

 

The people in NC are great, friendly and welcoming. Don't get caught up in the "not good enough to shoot" at a tournament. The only way you get better at shooting at ATA events is by shooting ATA events. Classify as "targets only" and have fun!

 

The people at Bostic. Put an amazing amount of effort into all shoots. I do enjoy the shooting there. A shout out to the VFW Men and Women who do the scoring and loading houses good people!

 

Just go. You will not be disappointed.

Scott Hanes

 

It’s on my schedule again for the third year in a row, hopefully we actually make it this year, last year we cancelled because of the hurricane, and the year before I had a triple bypass……fingers crossed 🤣

 

I haven't been out to Bostic. It's roughly a 5 hour ride from where I live, south of Myrtle Beach, SC. I need to get my act together and just plan a trip. If you do the "wait 'til I'm good enough" thing, you're never going anywhere. Jump in and join the fun. The people at every trap club I've ever been to will help you through the process if you ask. Read the program carefully, at the link provided by @Winston.Smith

BTW, this section of the program caught my eye:

THERE WILL BE UP TO A MAX OF 17 BANKS CONSISTING OF 1 TRAP PER BANK
Banks will be rotated each day. There will be a drawing made by the management at the club house around
4:00 PM for bank assignments for each event for the following day. These bank assignments will be posted
the night before at the club house and around the trap line. If you sign up after the bank assignments have
been posted, you must take a position on the first available squad. There will be no exception to this rule.

I could see you having the "oh, **** moment", when you realize you don't know where your squad will be shooting, or how many squads went to the line!

When you are squadding ASK how many banks they're using that day. The "up to a max of 17 Banks" is as clear as mud, and will affect WHEN you'll be shooting greatly.

Make sure you're EARLY for everything. Nobody is waiting on you or paging you, etc. I generally budget ~20 minutes per box of shells that every squad ahead of me is going to shoot, at any given house.

Hope this helps... but just relax, have fun and in a few shoots you'll be the one helping others.

 

So does this mean that if I just shoot Singles, I can go on Tuesday and Wednesday?
And how do I sign up? On the ATA web site or on Monday/Tuesday at the event? Thanks

Dixie Grand American SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Tuesday, October 7 Event
# 1 - Tyler Honnold Singles Event
# 2 - Michael Pobiega Handicap Event
# 3 - Tyler Honnold Doubles
Wednesday, October 8 Event
# 4 - Singles Class Championship Event
# 5 - Carolina Doubles Event
# 6 - Foothills Doubles
Thursday, October 9 Event
# 7 - The Blue Ridge Handicap Event
# 8 - Doubles Class Championship
Friday, October 10 Event
# 9 - Caesar Guerini Preliminary Handicap Event
# 10 - Doubles Championship
Saturday, October 11 Event # 11 - Browning Singles Championship
Sunday, October 12 Event # 12 - Winchester Ammunition Handicap Championship

 

So does this mean that if I just shoot Singles, I can go on Tuesday and Wednesday?
And how do I sign up? On the ATA web site or on Monday/Tuesday at the event? Thanks

Yes, you can shoot just Tuesday/Wednesday if that's your preference. Theses are all the singles events - extracted right from the program:
Tuesday, October 7
Event # 1 - Tyler Honnold Singles
Wednesday, October 8
Event # 4 - Singles Class Championship
Saturday, October 11
Event # 11 - Browning Singles Championship

To sign up for events is very easy. You can do it one of (2) ways: at the event or through an online pre squad site. EVERYTHING I'm posting is on the "Welcome" page of the published program... and they WILL follow it. The onus is on you to read up on ANY event you want to shoot at.

For walk-on/pickup squads at the event:

The handicap, squadding, and cashier tables will open at 1:30 PM starting Monday, October 6. The Practice
traps will open at 12:00 PM the same day. Cashier, squadding, and handicap tables will close at 5:00 PM.

The cashier, squadding, and classification windows will open each tournament day at 7:30 AM and close
promptly at 4:00 PM. Closing time on Sunday, October 12 will be at 11:00 AM.

Now, here's the part they didn't tell ya:
Be there EARLY!
Physically; wherever they are doing classification/squadding/cashiering... if there are multiple tables or windows... classification is ALWAYS first. You need your plastic membership card and a paper copy of your average card. The "porch pros" and many others will say you can use an app for the average card, they won't ask for it, blah, blah, blah. The ATA rule says you'll be in possession of an up to date paper average card. Period. Again, the onus is on you to have your documents in order. Period.

Next you'll go to get on a squad. Move to the squadding table or window. This time, you only need your plastic card. They walk you through the process. They'll have you fill a hole on an empty squad, as opposed to starting another squad. NOW is the time to ask about the number of banks they'll be using today, and any other relevant changes for the day.

Now the painful part... paying for all this fun. Move to the cashier table or window. It's cash or check. I don't know of anyplace that takes plastic or apps... yet. That day may be coming, but it's not today. Again, have your act together, nobody wants to be stuck behind you in line while you fool around.

Next up from the program book:
Pre-squadding services are being offered this year. See page 52 for details.

Now, here's the part they didn't tell ya:
Since you are obviously computer savvy enough to be posting here, creating your own avatar, etc read Page 52 of the program and follow the bouncing ball, if you want to do this.

More questions? Keep posting and I'll keep answering... cuz I'm sure I'm helping more people than just you.

 

Go shoot !!

 

Big shoots for your first time can be overwhelming for some. Rip the Band-Aid off and just do it. You live too close not to do it. If you are unsure, keep asking questions here and/or call the club at Bostic. Even if you decide to not shoot, just go and shoot a few practice rounds, see the vendors and meet some great people. My first trips to a state shoot and then the Grand American 40+ years ago was the real hook to keep me coming back.

 

Zuma1,

To print your ATA (Amateur Trapshooting Association) Average Card, you'll first need to confirm your email address and set security questions on the ShootATA website. After that, you can access your online account, and the Average Card should be available for printing there.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. Access your account: Go to the ShootATA website and log in using your credentials.
   
   
2. Navigate to the Average Card: Once logged in, locate the section for shooter information or member details. The Average Card option should be available there.
   
   
3. Print the card: Follow the instructions on the website to print your Average Card.
   

If you are having trouble with your password, you can find instructions on the ShootATA website. If you have recently joined and are waiting for your ATA number, it can take 24 hours for the number to be generated and the card printed. You can also check your ATA number and membership status by searching your name under the shooter information tab on the website.

 

Got it. TY

 

Zuma1,

Keep in mind you are two hours from Bostic, if you PreSquad, Marty Hill will classify you ahead of time. For those that choose not to PreSquad, if you will send him an e-mail at mhill76@aol.com with name, ATA number and category (if any) he will go ahead and classify you and you can go straight to the squadding table in the clubhouse.

If you do PreSquad pay attention to Page 7 of the program: (12) Pre-squadding services are being offered this year. See page 52 for details. Host shall honor all pre-squad positions for all events each day until 30 minutes prior to the start of the first event of the day. Meaning if you PreSquad and have not cashiered you may lose your squad and position and have to squad all over again.

The NC crew will take good care of you, have no worries. http://www.nctrap.com/ is you source of information for NC shooting.

 

@postmastertim Thank you very much for the information. I will go online and check it out.

 

https://www.trapshooters.com/threads/first-shoot-what-do-you-wish-you-knew.932957/#replies

Check out this older thread. When you get down to my Post #29, I go over how to understand the whole Bank System. THIS WILL NOT WORK AT BOSTIC, NC because of how they rotate starting banks! (Aren't ya glad ya asked?) While I'm thinking about it, hey @Harv Shell is it worth pinning that Post #29 somewhere for posterity?

If you can add, count, or know your times tables, you can do this. It's not PFM (Pure ****ing Magic). It doesn't need to be a fancy azz spreadsheet. Scrawl a grid on the back of your greasy lunch bag... the number of columns you make is the number Banks they're using for the shoot. The rows are call "Flights". Just remember, ONLY Flight 1 will take the line at the same time, at the start of an event. After that, as squads finish, next squad down the column is shooting. That's why you need to be early to your assigned Bank. For the sake of argument, say the squad ahead of you scratches for the event... you're up... NOW.

So, this is how you can have a visual representation of where your squad falls in the grand scheme of things at most ATA shoots. It helps in planning where and when things will occur.

Whew.

 

@Ken C. , thank you

I will work on this over the weekend and let you know if I have any questions. Thank you all for your support.

 

If you do go up and shoot. And you're wandering around. Look for a red jeep Gladiator with red umbrella. You will see a guy shaped alike a keg with legs and a goat tee. There are a bunch of good people in that area. Who will always be helpful!!

 

I've shot it several times, including the hurricane year. Great people, great targets. Do NOT take lightly the advice that you get there early each day....as in at least 45 minutes before the start time. You will have no idea where you'll be shooting (see the big board) or when you'll go out (dependent on number of traps used vs number of squads). One year I thought for sure I was gonna be second squad out...wrong. Caught up with them on trap 2.
Paul

 

OK, ready to sign up on the site for pre-squad, Friday 8/15.

 

What motels are recommended and which ones do you need to stay away from, thanks.

 

You can also look at places in Shelby which is not that far away from Bostic. A little cheaper.

 

Up

 

Places to stay.

 

Thank you Ron.

 

Hampton is around $150, per nt, pricey. That's the best there, then you have Holiday inn, at least for 4.0 ratings.. Only because I am researching too.
Thank you @Ron Burdick

 

Only because I am researching too.

You should know. If you don't have the required Minimum Number of Targets needed to shoot there singles event. You will have to shoot in the penalty classification!!!! So you should check into this carefully. The number of singles targets needed, will be shoot program. The penalty class will be posted in the program as well.

If you just shoot Targets Only, you not be shooting in the penalty class. However you are unable to win any money, or trophy's doing this. It might save you a bit of coin shooting in the Targets Only Class as well??? So its worth looking into. I just though you might want to know this, before you drive 4 hours per day to shoot this event. Since driving 2 hours each way, is my limit on how far I'll travel without getting a room. Shooting all day and driving 4 hours can be a real issue as we age. Don't drive home in the dark, after shooting all day. Trust me on this free advice.

Now if you can shoot the required number of ATA single targets, before the Dixie starts at your local shooting clubs, between now and the start of the Dixie. You will be able to shoot the singles event in the proper class for your scores after joining the ATA. So you could win Money, and Trophy's as well. Good Luck to Ya, and don't forget to break em all jeff

 

@Ken C. and anyone else, thanks:

If I pre-squad online-sosclays, do I still need to register on Monday? And go to cash tables before each shoot for sign-on/pay?

Recap:
Before the shoot: Classification, Go to Squadding, Go to Cashier(Cash), in that order.
Do I need to order a program book? "Read page 52 for pre-squadding information."
Are you talking about the PDF for the event or the rules program? The PDF has an ad on page 56. TY

 

@Ken C. and anyone else, thanks:

If I pre-squad online-sosclays, do I still need to register on Monday? And go to cash tables before each shoot for sign-on/pay?

Recap:
Before the shoot: Classification, Go to Squadding, Go to Cashier(Cash), in that order.
Do I need to order a program book? "Read page 52 for pre-squadding information."
Are you talking about the PDF for the event or the rules program? The PDF has an ad on page 56. TY

If you presquad, then go straight to the cashiers window the day prior or the day of shoot before the presquad spots are released.

Many will presquad for the week, but pay daily the day before. Your preference.

Program is online. https://shootata.com/portals/0/pdf/2025DixieWeb.pdf

The page 52 thing in the program is an ad for Sosclays, all the information is on page 7, item #12. Basically you have 30 minutes before the start of the days first event to cashier or you could forfeit your presquadded post.