The biggest trap shoot in the state of Pennsylvania and the largest state shooting event in the United States, will take place at the PSSA home shooting grounds near Elysburg, Northumberland County, from June 11-17, 2012.
It is expected several thousand shooters from all over the United States and several foreign countries will participate in at least one of the events during the nine-day shoot which includes the two-day Colonial Classic followed by the state shoot.
Chuck Fritzges, manager of the PSSA shoots, said that approximately 2000 shooters participated in this event last year, adding that, Weather permitting, we expect more shooters this year. The winter trap shooting the past year in the southern states showed very encouraging attendance figures in spite of high gasoline prices and ammunition prices. We hope this trend continues this summer. The first event held at Elysburg in May, the Keystone Classic, attracted more shooters than last year. We were fortunate to have the best weather I can remember for our three- day shoot: sunny skies, low humidity and very little wind.
He added that, the year 2011 was a very challenging one for PSSA. We had rain during the May event, high winds that destroyed our roof over the spectator viewing area two days before the state shoot in June, extremely hot temperatures for our July shoots and a flood that caused us to cancel, for the first time, the Westy Hogan Shoot scheduled for early September.
The shooting event at the PSSA gives shooters the opportunity to win over $80,000 dollars in prizes and added money.
While every day is a big day at the state shoot, the biggest day will probably be Friday, June 14 as shooters participate in the Krieghoff Handicap event with the top prize an $18,000 dollar Krieghoff K-80 shotgun. Last year 1,180 shooters competed in an effort to get into the finals for this event.
Spectators are always welcome. There is no admission or parking fee.
Vendors will be on hand during the nine-day extravaganza offering everything related to the shooting sports and related items. Additional information on this event and PSSA can be obtained at http://www.pssatrap.org/.