Trap Shooting Trophies

I think the biggest complaint regarding trophies is its worth. After spending many hundreds of dollars at any particular tournament you (I) expect something of value.(should I win). A bitchin buckle with a gold or silver coin is super nice but a cool knife or leather case is cool too, especially if it commemorates the shoot. Nothing from china please!

This June the NSCA California championship is at LA Clays in So. Cal.. They are awarding very cool looking polished "cow bells" as trophies. Now.... I'm not sure about you , but I could always use some more cow bell.JT

ric3677 said:

Having been on the trophy committee for many years you finally figure out that no matter what you give, there will always be someone that will complain.
Every single person likes something else. Too many clubs give the same thing year after year. How many can you use?
Rick in MT

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Unfortunately, some complaints are valid. How many grown men or women can use an imitation cabbage patch doll???

spitter said:

your.limited only by your imagination...

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and budget

Years ago when we ran trophy shoots we had a plethora of trophies for winners to choose from. One of the favorites was Prime Beef Steaks--T-Bones, Ribeyes etc. Our shooters were mostly in RV's so consumable prizes suited them well.

Clock. I won one in 1981 that is still running today. It reminds me of days gone by and also tells the time.

I bought trophies for ATA shoots/Grand for several years in the past and the only single thing that is common to all is that you won’t please everyone. LOL
Something unique might come from a local craftsman? Be aware of the interests in your area
Missouri used to hold a Diamond Shoot once a year. The local jewelry store sold the club diamond jewelry at cost and even donated a piece or two in exchange for advertising.
Good luck, you have a challenging and thankless job, but somebody has to do it. Good luck

MidMichTrap said:

So shooting for free seems pretty awful to you huh? If you come to Central Michigan I’ve got a whole tote full of glass vases and shiny silver plates that you can have and not have to spend a dime shooting for them.
I try to make my return on investment something with utility…

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I've never thought about trapshooting or shotting a tournament as an investment. To me it's a pastime or hobby. I am in no way saying that there is anything wrong with your belief, I'm just saying that not everybody feels the same way as you do. I just shot at a satellite grand last week and championed in a handicap event. I gained a yard and a piece of paper that paid for another event. Personally, I would've rather had a trinket to look back on some day to remember the day. I had a conversation with a buddy once that I never want to reach the point where I don't value a trophy. I feel that the people that have won so many trophies that they don't want another one should consider shooting for targets only. they could still check the scores at the end of the day and say that they beat everyone and leave the trophy for some other person that wanted a memento from the day.

money or shells

Get one of these and have it laser etched? Rivers Edge Thermos or Stansport Thermos

A list of companies I have posted on my site.
Trophies - Awards

Thinking about these for our club.

Wadknocker

There's an engravable version on the bottom.

LHS

What is the demographic of the people who will be at the shoot? Young, old, urban, rural, etc? Geography is also a concern. Uniqueness in a trophy may go too far if it doesn't have an interest of the group or a tie to the region. If I were in eastern Wisconsin, Cheese shaped/inspired trophies would be fun. Las Vegas having an assortment of old casino poker chips on a plaque would work. A potato shaped trophy in Idaho. Many of these have been done, but wouldn't you show off something like those to friends and family?

If I wanted money I could just quit trap shooting I like something to remover a good day belt buckle or leather is my preference

Plus one to money or shells but I lean towards money. A few hundred dollars in trophies can easily be added back to classes. Shoots with added money will always have a better turnout than those with fancy trophies in my experience.

Comment about trophies from longtime trapshooter's widow - I just wish trap clubs had not engraved directly on the silver, pewter, leather, and glass awards, plates, mugs, belt buckles, pouches, etc. If they had used a nameplate instead of direct engraving then the reward can be reused by youth clubs or others. When they are engraved directly on the trophy with the date / year and event then the item is nice looking but almost worthless. Sadly I have many items that ks-okie (John) won and was proud of that have no future. I can keep a few key ones but not all of them.

W.R. Case pocket knives. Contact Jessup and Associates as they are the exclusive distributors for Case. Other USA knives would work.