Shooters gather in Plains to compete

The Trap Club in Plains played host to the annual Tom Kunzer Memorial Shoot on Saturday and Sunday. Three events were held during the competition named after Tom Kunzer who passed away in 2009 in a car accident outside of Plains.

The events started at 9 a.m. both days and continued into the afternoon. Shooters competed in the 16 yard, handicap, and doubles events. In 16-yard, one participant fires one shot at one target. In the handicap event, shooters standing a minimum of 18 yards and a maximum of 27 yards from the trap shoot at single targets. In doubles, shooters fire two rounds at two targets launched simultaneously.

Approximately 70 shooters entered the competition that involves blasting clay disks or “pigeons” out of the sky with shotguns. Pigeons are launched from the trap house traveling at almost 50 miles per hour and can travel in multiple directions and altitudes.

Organizer of the event, Cookie Kunzer said the memorial shoot involved shooters firing at more than 600 pigeons over the course of the two-day event. Shooters competed for a variety of prizes handed out on Sunday.

Jack Downward of Bigfork made the trip to Plains to try his hand against the local talent. Armed with his Kolar shotgun, Downward said he has been trap shooting for almost six years. Kolar, a company out of Wisconsin, makes shotguns specifically designed for competitive trap shooting.

“The trick with trap shooting is maintaining concentration. You have to keep your focus. You have to keep the gun firmly in your shoulder. It’s a lot of fun,” said Downward.

Another competitor, George Miletich Sr, reiterated the necessity of concentration. Miletich said he has been trap shooting for about nine years after his son got him into the sport.

“It’s more of a mind game than anything. You have to stay focused and concentrate on your target. It’s a great atmosphere here. My boy got me into this as a way for us to do something together,” said Miletich.

Kunzer said the turnout was better than expected with 74 shooters showing up to compete. The event has been held for several years but was renamed to honor longtime Plains resident Tom Kunzer in 2010.

“It went very well. We were blessed with perfect weather and it was a success as always. We have a great group of volunteers that we could not do without. Everyone had a great time,” said Kunzer.

Kunzer said the next big trap shooting event will be held in August. That event is known as the Bruce Frye Memorial Trap Shoot named after another prominent member of the community.