Been looking for a new trap club since I moved far away from Pine Belt, and came across this place online (http://www.mallardtrapclub.org/). Any current or former Mallard members here on NJGF?

 

I'd like to come out on a Wednesday evening or weekend to meet some folks and (try to) dust some clays! 

Current member here. I only make it down on the weekends, but most members there are friendly and and always happy to see new faces.

Current member here. I only make it down on the weekends, but most members there are friendly and and always happy to see new faces.

Thanks, Ian. Hope to see you one of these weekends soon. 

Current member here. I only make it down on the weekends, but most members there are friendly and and always happy to see new faces.

I was just looking at their pricing. $5 per round (25). Does that include the clays or do you bring your own. Also, how crowded does it get on days it's open to the public?

 

I mostly shoot Standard Pistol matches but I picked up a SxS recently and want to get into shotguns. This club is only 30 minutes from me.

 

 

Yes, the per round price includes targets. If you're thinking that's cheap, you're right. The club is not-for-profit member run. During public shooting hours, there will be one or two members who are on duty for that day. They will have set up the voice callers, be responsible for loading the machines and coordinating the sign-up and payment for each round. We almost always start shooting at the opening hour time and keep shooting until everyone is done. After that, the guys on duty will make the call whether to wait a while for anybody else that might show up or to close up. i.e. While we start on time, we may not be open if you come towards the end of the scheduled day.

 

The crowd really varies by whether there is a special event, how the weather is and if there are ATA shoot scheduled around the area. There are two trap houses available and the club tries to keep sign-up availability fair. That said, I'd come in expecting a wait until you figure out the flow of the crowd. Each round will average 15 to 20 minutes, so if you're first available squad is 4 rounds down the sheet, you might be waiting an hour or so. On a typical day, if you're there a half hour early, you can sign up and start getting your gear ready and be shooting on the first squad. Otherwise, there are plenty of seats to watch the shooters and talk with others. That's the best way to pick up tips to the game. It's a small club with a friendly social atmosphere and the experienced guys are happy to share some insight.

 

Basically, you will want to bring your shotgun, ammunition (#7.5 shot or smaller only), and eye and ear protection. A shell pouch is also handy to keep ammunition within easy reach. Twenty-five shells are tough to stuff in your pockets and setting the box of shells on the ground can be awkward.

 

On your first visit there, ask for the Range Officer on duty and let them know it's your first time there and/or your first time shooting trap. They can give you a run-down of the club and a quick tutorial on the rules of the game if you need it. They will also ask you to read the safety book and sign-off that you did (that's an annual ritual for all of us). 

 

 

Ian, thanks for all the info. I'll definitely be checking it out. It's close and the price is right. The membership dues are very reasonable as well. It certainly seems like something I'd enjoy and I'll most likely end up joining the club too. Now I'll have an excuse to buy more shotguns.

 

Thanks again.

 

Ian, yes, thanks for the information. Sounds like I'll finally have a good new trap home in Central Jersey similar to Pine Belt!