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Bunker Trap

What is Bunker Trap

Olympic trap, also known as “International Trap” and “Bunker” has been a part of the Olympics since 1900. Squads of five shooters fire in rotation in rounds of 25 targets. Each shooter is presented with the same set of targets during the round, but in random order so the target’s flight cannot be anticipated. Targets emerge upon the shooter’s call from an underground bunker containing 15 throwing machines. One or two shots may be fired at each target. Men fire a 125 target qualifying round over two days, while women fire a 75 target course in one day. The top six shooters from the qualifying round proceed to the medals final round, firing an additional 25 target round with the final score added to the qualifying score to determine the medallists.

An International Trap field is quite a bit different than the American trap field. As described above, there is a trap bunker which has 3 machines in front of each of 5 shooting stations (International Trap is sometimes refered to as “Bunker” Trap). There is a sixth station that is used as a holding station as a full “squad” consists of 6 shooters. Shooters fire from approximately 16 yards from the traps. Shooters will see 2 R-to-L targets, 2 L-to-R targets, and one center target from each station thrown in a random order. After each shot shooters rotate stations from L to R. The 110mm targets are thrown much faster and farther than their American (108mm) counterparts ( 72 yards@ 65mph compared to 50 yards@40mph). Also, since there are 2 shots allowed at each target, Over/Under type shotguns seem to be preferred so that different chokes may be used for each shot. International Trap loads are normally restricted to 24.5grams (~7/8oz) of shot.Olympic Trap requires an underground structure that houses 15 non-oscillating trap machines. There are three machines at each of five stations that throw a right, center and left target from each station. These targets may be thrown at various heights with left and right angles that can be as much as 45 degrees from center. Targets are also required to travel approximately 76 meters (83 yards). The shooter is allowed two shots to hit the target.