Trap shooting is practiced all over the world but is most popular in the United States[citation needed] (particularly the Midwest),[3][4] Canada and Europe.

Trap shooting has been a sport since the late 18th century when real birds were used; usually the now-extinct passenger pigeon,[citation needed] which was extremely abundant at the time.

Glass balls (Bogardus) and subsequently "clay" targets were introduced in the later 1800s,[7] gaining wide acceptance.

Semi-automatic shotguns are also popular for recreational shooting due to the lower perceived recoil and versatility because they can be used for singles, handicap, and doubles.

Shotguns used in trap shooting can differ from field and skeet guns in several ways and normally are designed with a higher "point of impact" as the targets are intended to be shot as they rise.

Most ranges and clubs require eye and ear protection due to the extremely loud environment and possible danger of using firearms.

Specialized shooting glasses typically have interchangeable colored lenses, are adjustable, and are designed for high-impact resistance.

For both types, an electrical signal, from the push of a button or a sound-activated device, causes the trap machine to throw its targets after the shooter calls for their bird(s).

Another type of manual, non-electrical thrower utilizes a spring-loaded mechanism that is cocked and subsequently released by hand or foot.

Maximum loads are generally only needed for longer "handicap" yardages or the second shot in double trap.

[9][7] The first recorded organized trap shooting in the United States is likely to have taken place at the Sportsman's Club of Cincinnati, Ohio in 1831.

[10][7] The glass ball targets were invented by Charles Portlock, of Boston, and were used by notable shooters such as Annie Oakley, Doc Carver, and Capt.

He attempted to attract the great Bogardus, but it wasn't until six years later that the two legends finally came together for a match, and the winner was the less-experienced Doc Carver.

[11][12] Three years later, in 1915 the American Amateur Trapshooting Association (AATA) was formed with John Philip Sousa as president.

This open action requirement alone tends to discourage the use of auto-loading shotguns, as it is time-consuming to unload if the second shell is not used.

Additionally, there are issues of reliability and the loss of the advantage which a more open choke of the over-under shotgun type can provide for the first shot.

Considerable effort is expended to ensure a perfect fit as the relatively high 100 km/h (62 mph) exit speed of the target allows no time for conscious compensation of a poor fit as it so often can occur in the slower 64 km/h (40 mph) exit speed target games of American trap and skeet.

The Pacific International Trap Association (PITA) is an independent governing body, and is active in the western US and British Columbia.

The ATA hosts the Grand American World Trap Shooting Championships, which is held every August.

After decades in Vandalia, Ohio, the "Grand" moved to the new World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta, Illinois.

It was billed as the world's largest shooting event until the USA High School Clay Target League's Minnesota State Championship held in Alexandria, MN reached over 5,000 participants in June, 2015.

The ATA sanctions registered trap shooting competitions at local clubs and facilities throughout North America, and it coordinates Zone competitions leading up to the Grand American each summer along with "Satellite Grands" throughout the U.S. State organizations hold state championship shoots each year, which are coordinated with and sanctioned by the ATA.

Although this version of trap is not sanctioned by the ATA, many shooters consider it to be both more challenging and engaging as well as a more realistic preparation for bird hunting.

[27] The USAHSCTL runs high-school trap shooting leagues in various states nationwide, the largest of which is Minnesota, where 12,000 students from nearly 450 schools compete.

The Minnesota State High School Clay Target League Championship is the largest trap shooting event in the world with over 8,000 student athletes participating in 2018.

With about 3000 participants, the program, focusing on academics, integrity, and marksmanship, seeks to provide a safe and positive experience with firearms for youth, elementary through college age.

AIM encourages good sportsmanship and personal responsibility through competition in order to make trap shooting a lifelong avocation.

AIM Shooters have the opportunity to compete at local and State/Provincial levels as well as at the Grand American World Trapshooting Championships.

The AIM Program offers the opportunity to compete in a unique sport that is heavily reliant on mental focus as well as enjoy the thrill and excitement of registered trap shooting.

Leading college trap teams[30] include those from Texas A & M, Purdue, Virginia Tech, and Lindenwood (MO).