ATA Trap Range Specifications

The Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA) is an association that governs the amateur sport of trapshooting. It organizes and controls trapshooting competitions and tournaments throughout the United States and Canada. The organization's official rules cover the conduct of shooters, how a shoot should be conducted and the handicap system. Also covered in these rules are the specifications of an approved trap range.

Trap Machine

A trap machine is used to throw a target at an undefined angle for the shooter to shoot. A trap machine must be manufactured or modified so it does not throw targets in a predictable pattern, so the shooter does not know when the target will be thrown or in which direction it will be thrown. The main office of the ATA in a region must have a record on file stating all trap machines used to throw ATA-approved targets are in compliance with this rule.

Trap House

The purpose of a trap house is to protect the shooter, but not be taller than is necessary. Houses built after September 1, 2003, should be at least 7 feet, 6 inches long and wide, but not longer or wider than 9 feet, 6 inches. The height is to be measured from the number 3 shooting spot.

Flight and Angle

For singles shooting, the targets must not travel more than 51 yards or less than 49 yards, and must be between eight and 10 feet high. For a doubles match, the targets must be thrown at least 44 yards, but not more than 51 yards. Their height must be the same as in singles. The angle of the target in both singles and doubles must be within 17 degrees on either side of an imaginary line drawn from the middle shooting position, position 3, out from the trap house. A target falling within an additional 10 degrees must not be determined as illegal.