Aim high for a good cause

Many residents of Waukee already know how great their fire department is, but this weekend is a chance to see firsthand. The Waukee Fire Department strives to be involved with the Waukee community through family-friendly events like this weekend’s trap shoot, which benefits the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

The Waukee Firefighters Association Trap Shoot Benefiting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3.

“According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there have been 87 firefighter deaths in 2014, leaving these families not only without their loved ones but in need of specialized resources to rebuild their lives,” said Adam Hilgenberg of the Waukee Fire Department. “To assist these families, The Waukee Firefighters Association is having our First Annual Shoot for a Fallen Firefighter event.”

The Waukee Firefighter’s Association Trap Shoot on Saturday, Oct. 3 is your chance to get involved with your community as well as help raise money for a great cause.

“This is a fundraiser event with all the proceeds going to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation,” said Hilgenberg. “There are three guns we are going to raffle off for this event, which is open to participants and spectators.”

Two of the guns up for auction were donated by Get Some Guns in Clive: A M&P 9mm handgun and an American Rugar bolt-action rifle. The third is the Henry Golden Boy Firefighter Tribute Edition rifle, donated by Henry Rifles, which “commemorates not only the actual firefighter, but also the public trust that Americans place in all firefighters who answer a call of distress,” according to Henry’s website.

Trap shooting is a specific form of clay target shooting highlighting movement, action and split-second timing. It requires the accuracy and skill to repeatedly aim, fire and break the 4 ¼-inch discs, which are hurled through the air at speeds of about 40 mph, simulating the flight path of a bird fleeing a hunter.

The sport’s continual growth and expanding popularity is due to the fact that people of all ages, incomes and abilities can compete. Whether you’re a 9-year-old girl or a 90-year-old man, you can pick up this sport in no time and participate in events all your life. The sport is almost like playing golf with a shotgun. Instead of whacking a ball with a club, you shoot a flying clay target with a shotgun.

“This trap shoot will consist of 50 sporting clays and 50 trap,” said Hilgenberg. “In trap shooting, the targets are launched from a single ‘house’ or machine, generally away from the shooter. In skeet shooting, targets are launched from two ‘houses’ in somewhat sideways paths that intersect in front of the shooter.

“Sporting clays includes a more complex course, with many launch points.”

The typical gun for trap shooting is a 12-gauge shotgun with a full or improved/modified choke. Eye protection and hearing protection should be worn when shooting. Other equipment you may want to use would include either a shooting vest or shell bag. CV

Waukee Firefighters Association Trap Shoot
Benefiting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
Saturday, Oct. 3 at New Pioneer Gun Club (31454 312th Place, Waukee)
All-day event
Donations can be made here: http://www.waukee.org/fireevents