Inspired by the leadership of volunteer Coach Rich Wilcox and his tireless volunteer associates (John Christensen, Tony Santucci, Paul Calleri, Mark Adrian and many others), the West Falls Conservation Society was the first local conservation club to step forward and present the idea of high school trap team competition to the East Aurora High School management team.

Over time, the story of essential safety and proper gear, instilling confidence in our youth, structured practices, and all of this made a difference, and the program was given the green light. That was many years ago, and the result has allowed so many youths to learn about firearm safety, develop self-confidence, and share in the winning concept of team participation

Coach Wilcox from West Falls Conservation Society proudly announced the conclusion of the fall 2025 season, with the East Aurora High School trap team emerging as the first-place Champions of Conference 3 in the New York State High School Clay Target League.

“The team, comprised of seasoned athletes, returning players and newcomers, demonstrated exceptional teamwork,” Wilcox said. “This season’s championship is a tribute to their dedication and hard work. Congratulations to all.”

Shooting for East Aurora High School, Douglas Crewson, left, and Dana Carlson, right, scored well during fall competition in the New York State High School Clay Target League. Photo courtesy of John Christensen

After five weeks of competition, the East Aurora High School Trap Team finished with 1,108.50 points. Second place was Waterloo High School with 723.00 points, then North Collins Junior High with 704.00, Johnsburg Central with 680.50, Forestville High with 589.00, Stillwater Central with 586.50 and Worcester Central with 123.50 points. There are 13 conferences, each comprising teams from across New York state, based on team size.

Safety for the youth trap shooters tops the list of preparation for the kids. Most youth start with a 12-gauge or 20-gauge shotgun, depending on their size and comfort level. Proper fit is at the top of the list. A shotgun that fits is crucial (length of pull, comb height and recoil pad adjustments all matter). Many coaches recommend adjustable stocks for growing athletes. Standard target loads are commonly 12-gauge, 7½ or 8 shot, which results in low recoil. Eye protection includes shatterproof shooting glasses, often with amber, clear, or smoke lenses, depending on lighting conditions and ear protection. Foam earplugs or electronic earmuffs that allow communication but protect hearing. A shooting vest or shell pouch provides recoil padding on the shoulder and easy storage for shells and empties. Add proper clothing and footwear for comfort, and then develop their shooting skills at flying clay targets.

Training and skill development include constant attuning to the concept of safety first. All new shooters complete a certified firearms safety course (through the New York State Hunter Education program). Teams emphasize muzzle discipline, action open until on the line for the next target, and clear communication. Then comes basic gun handling, mounting the gun properly to the shoulder, learning a consistent cheek weld (eye alignment with rib/sight), smooth trigger-pull and follow-through. One of the most important things is stance and footwork. A stable, slightly forward stance, with weight balanced toward the front foot and the foot position adjusted for different trap station angles, is a good start.

With the clay birds flying fast from the trap house, the young high school athletes focus on target acquisition and tracking. They learn to keep their eyes on the target window, swing smoothly with the target, and practice lead and follow-through. Wilcox’s training talks emphasize these skills, as well as the mental aspects of trap shooting. Success in this sport is as much about patience, focus, and the ability to bounce back from a missed bird as it is about physical skill. Coaches often stress consistency and routine — same stance, same mount, same breathing. And it works.

Throughout the season, the youngsters have delivered exceptional performances. Last week, Dana Carlson set a new personal best, hitting 23 of 25 targets after only a few months of training with the trap team. Erik Galuski and Sienna Christensen both shot 25 of 25 and also hit 49 of 50 for their two consecutive rounds in week five. Both veteran shooters have hit 25s several times in their high school trap careers. This year, five of the nine East Aurora High School trap team shooters have become a part of the “25 club.” That’s a perfect score in trap shooting, like bowling a 300. These individual achievements are a testament to each member’s hard work and dedication to the team.

Having certified volunteer coaches and mentors makes all the difference. Across New York state, many high school teams work closely with local gun clubs. Team members learn sportsmanship, responsibility, and confidence, which is why the sport is so effective for kids who may not thrive in traditional athletics.

“All students were able to practice this season at no cost to them due to generous private donations and a team fundraiser,” Wilcox said.

Since 2019, the EAHS Trap Team has not finished lower than second place.

ııı

With the recent rains, water flow in the Lake Erie tributaries is finally up, and anglers reported good steelhead action last weekend. Steelhead commonly hit natural baits like egg sacs or worms, flies including egg imitations, black stoneflies, nymphs, streamer and bugger patterns, and lures like minnow-type stickbaits, in-line spinners and spoons. See the NYSDEC website under “Steelhead Fishing in Lake Erie Tributaries” for solid details.

On Lake Erie, the season is winding down as rougher conditions limit access. Previously, anglers were reporting decent to good yellow perch catches between Sturgeon Point and Cattaraugus Creek in 45-60 feet of water. Small shiners fished at the bottom is the typical tactic. Lake trout are congregating around rocky structures in 15-25 feet of water from the Pennsylvania line to Dunkirk. Try targeting rocky reefs, humps, and drop-offs by casting medium- to large-sized spoons, or by jigging with 3-5-inch tube jigs, paddle tails and swim baits. Lakers tend to stack up over these rocky areas and can show as a cluster of fish on your graph.

Gotta love the Western New York outdoors.

CALENDAR

Nov. 8-9: NYS Western Zone waterfowl hunting, military days, see syllabus for bag limits/rules.

Nov. 10: West Falls Conservation Society, monthly meeting, 55 Bridge St., West Falls. 8 p.m. start.

Nov. 11: NYS Free Fishing Day, no license needed to fish for residents and nonresidents (In honor of Veterans Day).

Nov. 11: Children in the Stream, Youth Fly Fishing program, free, Costello Room, Rockefeller Art Center, SUNY Fredonia, 7-8:30 p.m., 12 years old and older, info: 716-410-7003 (Alberto Rey).

Nov. 14: Final Day of Southern Zone early archery season, and final day of NYS woodcock season.

Nov. 15: NYS Southern Zone regular (firearms) Southern Zone big-game hunting season opens, through Dec. 7.