​Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born and raised in East Van and now live in North Van, I'm a former commercial photographer, now, a photo based artist.

How did you get into trapshooting?

One of my brothers who lives in Wisconsin is an avid Sporting Clays shooter and got me interested in giving it a try. Before we had a chance to get together we were in lockdown with COVID and so our plans got put on hold. I heard about the first Winter League and thought I would jump in and give it a try and the hook was set, I really love this sport!

What club do you belong to?

The first two years I was a member at VGC which I really like but this year I am a member at Pitt Meadows with other members of my squad. We have shot at all the clubs with the Winter and Summer leagues and they are all really accommodating and welcoming!

What shotgun do you use?

The question should be "Which shotgun do you use?" I have fallen into the rabbit hole and really love finding well "loved" trap guns and trying them out for awhile, learning the history of the make and model and then passing them on to another shooter or putting them in the safe. I've probably had a dozen or more in the last three years but I am currently shooting a 1974 Remington 3200 that was bought at Reliable Guns in 1974 by Doug Hall and that I am shooting fairly well 50 years later. Love it!

Did you shoot competitively before trying the LMFV league?

I had never fired a shotgun before the LMFV league but when I was around 13 I shot 3 position rimfire at the old Capilano Rod & Gun club at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver.

How did you hear about the LMFV league?

I saw a poster at Italian Sporting Goods, thought, "now or never", bought a 1950's Model 12 that they had on the rack for $350, some shells and emailed LMFV to sign up.

Did you participate in the LMFV clinic? If yes, what was your experience with the clinic?

Yes, I did the very first clinic. I was horrible, everyone was so nice and encouraging though and I think out of about 60 rounds I fired I hit maybe 2 clays but I was hooked.

What was your experience during your first LMFV league shoot?

It was good, I was really nervous but everyone knew that we were newbies and were very supportive. I think that I shot a 12 and a 13 but I just made it a personal goal to figure out how to do this. SO MANY people have helped me out with tips, encouragement and heckling!

What do you like about the LMFV league?

I really like the 150 Bird format for the shoots and it is really great to shoot at 5 different clubs.

I'm still squadding with Jordan Crowe and Patrick Gray that I met at the clinic, so some new good friends and lots of casual friends that are always a pleasure to see.

What are your accomplishments in trapshooting thus far?

Mostly personal goals, like a first 25, then multiple 25's and I'm soooo close to my first 50. Once I fluked a D class singles win but mainly because hardly anyone showed up. Recently I squeaked into C class and I turned 65 so I'm now a Vet :)

What advice would you give to those who are new to trapshooting?

Come and join the league, there are lots of people who can help you get going in the right direction. Also, your local gun store can help you with gun fit and the proper kit to go shooting.

​Join us this weekend at Ridgedale Rod & Gun Club for the final shoot of the 2023 LMFV Summer League!
 
With the fifth and final shoot for the summer session this Sunday, there’s still time to register your third shoot to qualify for ranking and prizes.
 
Be sure to stick around after the final squad for prize and purse announcements.
 
And don’t worry – if you missed the opportunity to join us for the Summer League, the Lower Mainland Fraser Valley Winter League starts October 21 back at Ridgedale Rod & Gun Club; visit our site for the upcoming Winter League schedule: https://www.lmfvleague.com/
 
We’ll see you Sunday!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a 58 years old bridge builder. I grew up in Richmond and now live in Cloverdale. 

How did you get into trapshooting?

I didn’t grow up shooting but several years ago a good friend got me into shooting clays in the bush while we were working out of town. I was hooked. Got my PAL and bought a shotgun. 

What club do you belong to?

After a few years, I decided to take clay shooting more seriously and joined the Langley Rod and Gun Club.

What shotgun do you use?

I enjoyed shooting trap but I didn’t seem to be progressing very far. I figured it was time to upgrade my gun and got a used Browning XT with a precision fit stock.

Did you shoot competitively before trying the LMFV league?

The LMFV Winter League was my first competition.

How did you hear about the LMFV league?

I was chatting at Langley and the subject of winter league and competitive trap came up. I decided to give it a try. 

Did you participate in the LMFV clinic? If yes, what was your experience with the clinic?

No, I did not.
​
What was your experience during your first LMFV league shoot?

I have to admit I found it intimidating and didn’t shoot that well to start, but with perseverance and encouragement from other league members, I started to see my scores go up. I ended up winning 5th place unclassified on that first season.

What do you like about the LMFV league?

I like the camaraderie that the league offers. Others seem genuinely happy when you shoot well even when you shoot a better score than them.

What are your accomplishments in trapshooting thus far?

I’ve won a few more buckles but the ones that mean the most are those first 2 buckles. Recently in Summer League, I shot a 148/150 and my fist 50 straight handicap. Quite the feeling. 

What advice would you give to those who are new to trapshooting?

My advice to new shooters is to not worry about your scores. With practice, the scores will come up. Take a deep breath, empty your head and enjoy yourself.