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Behind the Line - Community

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Randall Copiskey

Expanding a Club Youth Gun Program the Right Way

We recently added six new shotguns to the LNSC Youth Program - not as a replacement, but as an expansion of our existing club gun inventory.

As our program has grown, so has the demand for safe, properly fitted entry-level equipment. This addition was about capacity, flexibility, and access, not upgrading for the sake of upgrading.


Here’s what we added:

12 Gauge (4 total):

• Winchester SXP Trap (Pump) -1 Full Size & 1 Compact

• Stevens 555 Trap (Break Action) (adjustable combs) - 1 Full Size & 1 Compact


Youth Trap Programs & Coaches
62 Views
Ryan Wood
Dec 20, 2025

We have 3 total 1 12 gauge tristar trinity and 1 20 gauge we also have a triastar raptor 20 gauge that has a youth and full size but stock. We received these through a NRA grant. We hoped they would get used more but most of our shooters only want to shoot what they brought. Most times when I hand them a different gun they perform better but seem to go back to there own gun quickly

Randall Copiskey

How We Build Toward the Quiet Eye in Our Program

We start developing the foundations of QE from day one, long before shooters even know the term.

1. Rookie Phase — Both Eyes Open

The first priority is getting athletes comfortable shooting with both eyes open. This sets the stage for everything that comes later:

  • Wider field of view

  • Faster target recognition

  • Better depth perception


High School Team Development
Youth Trap Programs & Coaches
140 Views
Jim Eberhardy
Dec 14, 2025

We have a good shooter who is cross eye dominant. Right dominate left shooter. It also changes. We tried switching to right hand shooter but it hasn’t been successful. We also tried taping right lens but hasn’t worked for her. I’m pretty sure a different coach could help in this case. Found 2 others like that on our team and we have a new shooter coming in left dominate right hand shooter. His dad insists he can switch. I’m fortunate to have a couple lefty’s to help. Toughest obstacle to overcome is getting enough time to help them one on one.

With above being said it can be challenging to get them settled down and coach quiet eye. I know it works!

Randall probably knows who the first athlete is.

Randall Copiskey

How We Manage Ammunition at Lake Noquebay - And How Are You Doing It?

One of the quietest but most important operational pieces in any youth trap program is ammunition management. Over the last five seasons at Lake Noquebay Sportsman’s Club, we’ve built a system that works well for our structure - three high school teams, roughly 75 athletes, and a shared resource pool.

I’m not saying our way is the way. It’s just a way. And I’m really curious how other big programs manage this same challenge.


Here’s how we currently handle ammo at LNSC:

  1. Storage & Access

    We keep team ammunition segregated from the club’s retail ammo. Only designated ammo managers and coaches have access. Athletes sign up for their round, then head to the back of the clubhouse where ammo is issued specifically for that round.

  2. Standardized Loads (With Transition Options)

Youth Trap Programs & Coaches
107 Views
Tim HeinTim Hein

20 ga vs 12ga issue

I have a young shooter who is convinced he must shoot a 20ga due to his size, I had him try the team gun a12ga which he shot just as good with no noticeable recoil issues and he shot it better, talked to him and his parents about the advantage of a 12ga pertaining to ammo (cost and felt recoil) and weight.

I believe his friend may have alot to do with his thinking(peer influence)

, I hear the friend on the sidelines telling him a 20ga is better for him because he is small.

Any ideas how to convince him to go to a 12ga.

117 Views
Tim Hein
Dec 07, 2025

Thank you, I will get him to the board. Thanks for giving me another tool for my toolbox.

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