Chasing the 1% 
In trap shooting, the difference between an average score and a winning score often comes down to the smallest margins. That’s why so many shooters talk about chasing the 1% improvement – those subtle changes that, over time, add up to big gains on the score sheet.
At the LMFV League, you’ll see shooters constantly looking for ways to sharpen their edge. It’s not always about a complete overhaul of gear or technique. More often, it’s about finding small improvements in the details.
The Gear Factor

• Shotgun Shells – Choosing consistent, high-quality shells tailored to your style and gun can make a noticeable difference in recoil management and target breaks. Even switching to a slightly different load can give you more confidence on the line.
  
• Shotgun Fit & Upgrades – A gun that fits your body and shooting style is essential. From adjusting the stock to fine-tuning the choke, small modifications can create better sight pictures and smoother swings.
  
• Shooting Glasses – Light conditions change constantly. Having the right lenses for contrast and visibility can turn tough targets into hittable ones. Sometimes that extra target you see clearly is the one that keeps you in the game.
  

Beyond the EquipmentOf course, chasing the 1% isn’t only about gear. It’s also about:

• Pre-shot routines that create consistency.
  
• Mental focus that keeps distractions out of the way.
  
• Physical conditioning that helps maintain form over long rounds.
  

Why It MattersOne extra bird per round can be the difference between moving up in the standings or falling behind. In a competitive league like LMFV, the shooters who chase those small improvements are the ones who keep climbing week after week.
So next time you’re on the trap line, ask yourself: Where’s my 1%?
— LMFV League Team

 Trap Shooting Basics 101

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Trap Shooting
2. Safety Guidelines
3. Equipment Essentials
4. Shooting Fundamentals
5. Practice Drills
6. Competition Preparation
7. Troubleshooting Common Issues
8. Conclusion

1. Introduction to Trap Shooting
Trap shooting is a popular shotgun sport where participants aim to shoot clay targets launched from a single point at varying angles. This manual is designed to help shooters of all skill levels improve their technique and confidence in the sport.

2. Safety Guidelines

• Always treat firearms as if they are loaded.
• Wear eye and ear protection at all times on the shooting range.
• Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
• Only load your shotgun when you are ready to shoot.
• Be aware of your surroundings and other shooters.

3. Equipment Essentials
Shotgun

• Recommended: Break action, pump-action, or semi-automatic.
• Gauge: 12 is most common.

Ammunition

• Use target loads (7.5 or 8 shot).
• Velocity: 1150 to 1200 fps is recommended.

Accessories

• Eye and ear protection
• Shooting vest or shell pouch
• A good-quality shotgun case

4. Shooting Fundamentals

Stance

• Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
• Position your non-dominant foot slightly forward.

Grip

• Hold the shotgun firmly but not too tight.
• Place your dominant hand on the trigger and your non-dominant hand on the fore-end.

Mounting the Shotgun

• Bring the shotgun to your shoulder smoothly.
• Ensure your cheek makes contact with the stock for proper alignment.

Aim and Follow-Through

• Focus on the target, not the shotgun.
• After firing, maintain your stance and follow through with your swing.

5. Practice Drills
Drill 1: Target Tracking

• Stand at the shooting station and practice tracking a moving target without shooting.
• Focus on the smoothness of your movement.

Drill 2: Quick Shots

• Set up a timer.
• Practice shooting at targets with a limited time to improve your reaction speed.

Drill 3: Scoring

• Keep track of your hits and misses to identify areas for improvement.

6. Competition Preparation
Mental Preparation

• Visualize successful shots before stepping up to the line.
• Stay calm and focused.

Physical Preparation

• Ensure you are well-rested and hydrated.
• Stretch before shooting to avoid stiffness.

Equipment Check

• Inspect your shotgun and ammunition before the event.
• Bring extra shells and tools for any last-minute adjustments.

7. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Misfires

• Check if the safety is on.
• Ensure the ammunition is in good condition.

Inconsistent Shots

• Review your stance and grip.
• Practice more to develop muscle memory.

Target Visibility

• Adjust your shooting position for better visibility of the target path.

8. Conclusion 
​Improving in trap shooting takes time, practice, and dedication. Use this manual as a guide to develop your skills, stay safe, and enjoy the sport. Remember, the most important part is to have fun and connect with fellow shooters!

Are you ready to elevate your trap shooting skills and connect with fellow enthusiasts? The Lower Mainland Fraser Valley Trap Shooting League (LMFV) is here to provide you with an exciting platform for competition, camaraderie, and continuous improvement in the world of trap shooting.

What is the LMFV League?
The LMFV League is a dedicated trap shooting league based in the Lower Mainland Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the trap field, our league welcomes shooters of all skill levels.

Our Mission
At LMFV, our mission is to promote the sport of trap shooting through organized events, educational resources, and a supportive community. We believe in the importance of safety, sportsmanship, and skill development, ensuring that every participant has the opportunity to learn and grow.

Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars! We have a series of exciting events lined up:

• Monthly Tournaments: Join us for our monthly tournaments held at various locations. Compete against fellow league members and showcase your skills.
• Workshops and Clinics: Interested in improving your technique? Our workshops led by experienced shooters are designed to help you refine your skills and boost your confidence.
  
  

Join Us!
Are you ready to take your trap shooting to the next level? Joining the LMFV League is easy! Visit our website www.lmfvleague.com and join our newsletter mailing list to stay up-to date, view our event calendar, and learn more about our community. Follow us on social media for updates, tips, and highlights from our events.


Conclusion
​The LMFV League is more than just a trap shooting league; it’s a community where passion meets precision. Whether you’re here to compete or to connect with others who share your interests, we look forward to welcoming you to our events. Let’s break them all together!

​Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Jordan Crowe, I'm 29 years old. Born and raised in BC. My profession currently is a tower crane operator and loving it. I am a firearm enthusiast and love my history.
 
How did you get into trapshooting?

I've been shooting since I was about 14 years old, my uncle took me to Mission Rod & Gun Club for the first time and since then I've been shooting long rifles. We used to shoot trap on and off and mainly participated in the ALS shoot and did the New Year's shoots but never fully committed to this passion of mine till my first winter league in 2021.
 
What club do you belong to?

I'm a member of the Pitt Meadows Rod & Gun Club because I love the atmosphere and the people.
 
What shotgun do you use?

I used to shoot my Winchester Model 101, but recently I've been using my Beretta UGB25 Xcel and my Browning Trap Max.
 
Did you shoot competitively before trying the LMFV league?

No, I never shot competitively before this.
 
Did you participate in the LMFV clinic? If yes, what was your experience with the clinic?

Yes I did, the clinic was very helpful and that is also where I met Victor who I still squad with to this day.
 
What was your experience during your first LMFV league shoot?

I thought it was fantastic and I was hooked immediately.
 
What do you like about the LMFV league?

I love the community it brings, the fellowship and the competitiveness it brings out in me.
 
What are your accomplishments in trapshooting thus far?

In the second Winter League I participated in I placed fourth in unclassified and Team Club Champion. Following that, in my LMFV Summer League I won D Class runner up.
I've also never missed one event in the LMFV League.
 
What advice would you give to those who are new to trapshooting?
​
My best advice is to go out there and just have fun, don't think about awards and trophies. Those will come in time. The best thing to do is to learn from seasoned shooters and soak up their knowledge.

​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.