Etiquette

Summary

Podcast Summary: Trap Talk From The Back Fence – Episode: Etiquette

Title: Etiquette
Hosts: Trap Talk Zach & Ricky
Release Date: November 29, 2024

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Introduction

In the “Etiquette” episode of Trap Talk From The Back Fence, hosts Zach Denini and Richard Marshall Jr. delve deep into the essential do's and don'ts of trapshooting. Aimed at both seasoned shooters and newcomers, this episode emphasizes the importance of proper conduct on the shooting line to enhance the experience for everyone involved.

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1. Arrival and Preparedness

Key Points:

• Timeliness: Arriving early to the shooting line is crucial.
• Preparation: Observing targets and adjusting mentally before shooting.

Discussion: Zach and Ricky stress the significance of being punctual. Zach shares a personal anecdote about accidentally missing a squad due to a mix-up in group texts, highlighting the necessity of clear communication and promptness.

Notable Quote:

• Zach Denini [04:24]: “The first thing I know a lot of people have questions about in regards to etiquette is like, and this is just. I want your opinion, Rick. There's no right or wrong answer. You know, how long do you think people should get to the line before it's time to shoot?”

• Richard Marshall Jr. [05:11]: “I've always said try to be there squad before to watch targets and such.”

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2. Introducing Yourself to New Squads

Key Points:

• Networking: Introducing oneself to unfamiliar squad members.
• Building Rapport: Establishing a friendly environment without distracting others.

Discussion: Zach emphasizes the importance of introducing oneself to new shooters on the squad. This fosters a sense of community and ensures smooth interactions during the competition.

Notable Quote:

• Zach Denini [09:46]: “I'd walk up and say, hey, are you on Squad 27? And my name is Zach Nini. And I think if you're coming on a new squad and you're not, you don't know these people. Introduce yourself.”

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3. Managing Noise and Conversations Behind the Line

Key Points:

• Noise Levels: Keeping conversations quiet to maintain focus.
• Respecting Fellow Shooters: Addressing loud behavior politely.

Discussion: The hosts discuss the challenges of noise management, especially with earplugs in. They advise shooters to be mindful of their volume and handle disturbances respectfully.

Notable Quotes:

• Richard Marshall Jr. [11:07]: “I tend to talk loud any. Anyways, but yeah, I've been at fault for it. Just try to be aware...”

• Zach Denini [12:09]: “If someone is shooting and they look back and they say, hey, guys, you know, we're trying to focus here, it's a little loud...”

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4. Adjusting Targets Based on Performance

Key Points:

• Legality: Only adjusting targets if they are set illegally.
• Consistency: Maintaining uniform target settings for fairness.
• Communication: Consulting with squad leaders before making adjustments.

Discussion: Zach and Ricky debate the ethics of adjusting target heights based on one’s shooting performance. They agree that unless targets are set illegally, shooters should adapt their techniques rather than altering the setup.

Notable Quotes:

• Richard Marshall Jr. [48:27]: “You know, my opinion on target setting... if the targets are set illegal, they should be reset.”

• Zach Denini [50:14]: “I personally prefer if... if you like, with where I'm at on the house. If, you know, I got a nine foot set, I'm gonna break that for me.”

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5. Handling Emotions During Poor Performance

Key Points:

• Emotional Control: Managing frustration without affecting others.
• Short Timeframes: Allowing only brief moments to process emotions.
• Positive Reinforcement: Encouraging a supportive environment.

Discussion: The hosts explore how shooters often grapple with emotions when their performance dips. They advocate for quick emotional resets and avoiding taking out frustrations on squad members or equipment.

Notable Quotes:

• Zach Denini [42:13]: “How do you feel about emotions when you're shooting bad? And like, people that take it out on the people around them.”

• Richard Marshall Jr. [43:06]: “...have a bad round, you can have, you know, two minutes, five minutes, that's it.”

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6. Proper Score Management and Rule Adherence

Key Points:

• Accuracy: Ensuring scores are correctly recorded in real-time.
• Respecting Rules: Adhering strictly to the official rulebook.
• Educating New Shooters: Mentoring newcomers on proper scorekeeping.

Discussion: Zach and Ricky discuss the importance of accurate score management and the necessity of knowing the rulebook thoroughly. They highlight instances where improper score adjustments led to confusion and conflict.

Notable Quotes:

• Richard Marshall Jr. [31:05]: “I think everybody should watch the targets. Now, do you have to be hard focused on everything? No, but be aware of the target.”

• Zach Denini [32:08]: “Boom. Get it done. Get it out of the way before the next guy even mounts the gun so that you don't.”

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7. Interaction with Pullers and Scorekeepers

Key Points:

• Respect: Treating pullers and scorekeepers with courtesy.
• Patience: Allowing them time to perform their duties without pressure.
• Communication: Addressing any issues calmly and respectfully.

Discussion: The hosts emphasize maintaining a respectful relationship with pullers and scorekeepers, recognizing their pivotal role in the competition. They caution against intimidation and advocate for positive interactions.

Notable Quotes:

• Richard Marshall Jr. [33:07]: “...sometimes you can intimidate them. And I don't believe in doing that.”

• Zach Denini [34:03]: “Treat these people like human beings, even if they're not of the right mind and they're not doing. Listen, I mean, they're there to help.”

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8. Etiquette Around Discussing Scores Between Rounds

Key Points:

• Timing: Avoiding score discussions between boxes to prevent distractions.
• Context: Understanding when it is appropriate to talk about scores.
• Supportive Conversations: Encouraging positive interactions post-round.

Discussion: Zach and Ricky discuss the pitfalls of discussing scores between rounds, which can lead to unnecessary pressure and distractions. They recommend reserving score-related conversations for after the competition.

Notable Quotes:

• Zach Denini [28:38]: “Don’t be asking about scores until after the event's done. Don’t be asking about scores between boxes.”

• Richard Marshall Jr. [23:01]: “And I've had people come up and talk in between rounds... And I've answered them. And then usually... I've pulled that person aside and just said, hey, ask after the hundreds over or the 200's over.”

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9. Community and Support within Trapshooting

Key Points:

• Mentorship: Helping fellow shooters improve and stay motivated.
• Positive Reinforcement: Celebrating each other's successes and supporting through failures.
• Building Community: Strengthening the trapshooting community through respectful interactions.

Discussion: The episode underscores the importance of fostering a supportive community in trapshooting. Zach and Ricky share experiences where positive reinforcement and mentorship have helped shooters overcome challenges and improve their performance.

Notable Quotes:

• Richard Marshall Jr. [35:53]: “...have fun. If you're having a bad run...”

• Zach Denini [45:36]: “Have fun. If you're having a bad run...”

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10. Adherence to Official Rules and Fair Play

Key Points:

• Fairness: Ensuring that all shooters adhere to the same set of rules.
• Integrity: Maintaining honesty in scorekeeping and target setting.
• Community Standards: Upholding the values that make trapshooting a respected sport.

Discussion: The hosts reiterate the necessity of abiding by official rules to maintain fairness in competitions. They share stories where adherence to rules upheld the integrity of the sport, even when challenges arose.

Notable Quotes:

• Zach Denini [54:33]: “...you can change your process. And, and, I've been able to use a clapper. Yeah, I changed that now. So we don't, we don't do it.”

• Richard Marshall Jr. [55:03]: “...listen, you know, my dad slapped me in the chest with the rule book and said, you're doing this, you better know the rules.”

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Conclusion

The “Etiquette” episode of Trap Talk From The Back Fence serves as an invaluable guide for trapshooters aiming to enhance both their personal performance and the collective experience of their shooting community. By emphasizing timeliness, respectful communication, adherence to rules, and emotional control, Zach and Ricky provide listeners with actionable insights to foster a positive and competitive atmosphere in trapshooting.

Final Notable Quote:

• Zach Denini [57:07]: “...we covered a lot of good stuff today, Rick. I mean, this is a fun episode. You know, I always have fun when it's just me and you kind of kicking our opinions. Shooting, shooting, shooting it together.”

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Recommendations for Listeners:

• Be Punctual: Arrive early to observe and prepare.
• Introduce Yourself: Build rapport with new squad members.
• Manage Noise: Keep conversations quiet to maintain focus.
• Understand Rules: Familiarize yourself with the official rulebook.
• Control Emotions: Handle frustrations privately and constructively.
• Respect Roles: Treat pullers and scorekeepers with courtesy.
• Support Community: Encourage and mentor fellow shooters.

By integrating these etiquette practices, trapshooters can contribute to a more enjoyable and fair competitive environment.

Transcript

[Zach Denini]

Welcome back to another episode of Trap Talk brought to you by Craigoff.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

The best gun in the industry, folks. Winners shoot Craig offs and winning.

[Zach Denini]

I mean, I can't disagree with that statement. I think Ricky's shot his really well. I mean, if you look at the all American team and you look at, you know, the captains, you look at a lot of the placements, there's a lot of shooting, shooting Craig offs and, and having a lot of success with them and get yourself one, give me a call. They're still a little hard to get sometimes, right? Depending on what it is. I mean. Yeah, depending on which one you collecting dust on the shelves, right, Rick?

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Yep.

[Zach Denini]

So today we had an episode talking a little bit about, you know, some trap etiquette and some do's and don'ts. I mean, what were your highlights in your mind, Ricky? What do you, what do you like, dislike?

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

What do you listen, I think everything is good. You know, we talked a little bit about rule stuff, you know, target setting, just, you know, noise, talking to people. It'll be a good episode, folks. Listen to it.

[Zach Denini]

Yeah.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

You know, you might learn something and if, listen, if you got a question about it, let us know, hit us up on the line. Not on the line, maybe off the line.

[Zach Denini]

Off the line, off the line. But send us an email, send us a message, Facebook, like share. With that being said, let's get back to the show. Welcome to season two of Trap Talk.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Brought to you by Craig Off.

[Zach Denini]

Welcome back to another episode of Trap Talk. I'm your host, Zach Denini. I'm here with my co host Richard Marshall Jr. It is currently November 6th. It's a, it's a good day. It's a good day. Ricky, what do you think it is.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Good day to wear red.

[Zach Denini]

Yeah. You know, here we are getting ready to go to the. The spring grand or not the spring ground. The autumn grand. I'm sor.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

A little early. Autumn Grand.

[Zach Denini]

Autumn grand. I keep thinking spring because we're going to Tucson, but Autumn grand and last night was a late night. We were. I know I was watching my TV till like 12 o' clock in the morning and I was wondering if we were going to see that, that 3am blue spike of odors, you know.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Yeah, yeah, the midnight spike.

[Zach Denini]

You know, you come out of the woodwork but, but you know, it's, it's, it's all good.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Yeah. And it's. I think I was up till about 2 o' clock and listened everything and yeah, I think it's gonna be good. Big good Four years. Hopefully people can, you know, groceries will go down, gas prices will go down. Hopefully everything will go down.

[Zach Denini]

I think, you know, it's, you know, we got the. You got the make trap great again shirt, the Randy Fress and the, the, you know, that's right special and engineering. Everybody's aligned. So we're, you know, try to make the country great, make trap great, make everything great, and just all work a little bit harder at making things the way we want them. So, you know, back to the show off of our little soapbox. But, you know, today. Today we kind of thought about, you know, some cool things to talk about. We've talked about, you know, eye positions, we've talked about hold points. We've talked about.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Everything.

[Zach Denini]

I mean, we're getting ready to come into our 100th episode here with Koea here in a minute. And, you know, we're excited about. We're excited about just having you guys listen to us all the time and sending these questions and love the show and, you know, meet us at shoots and do these live events with John and. And we just thought, okay, what. What's another topic that we could focus on? And, you know, between the three of us, we kind of came up with just talking a little bit more about, you know, trap etiquette. I. I think we had, you know, a couple, like, how to how to shoot trap episodes, and they all got over 10,000 views on YouTube. So whenever we do these how to's or these question an ear type, they always get like 10,000 views. So let's give this a shot and see how it goes. So, Rick, is there anything I'm missing before we get started?

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

No.

[Zach Denini]

Yeah, you're ready.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Except for you. You should have a trap talk hat on. But it's okay.

[Zach Denini]

You know what? I love my Remington hat. It's done me well so far. So, you know, the first thing I know a lot of people have questions about in regards to etiquette is like, and this is just. I want your opinion, Rick. There's no right or wrong answer. You know, how long do you think people should get to the line before it's time to shoot? I mean, is there. Is there a right or wrong answer as far as adequate with your squad? I mean, I know you've seen me rolling in a little hot, you know, maybe two or three posts deep, and then, you know, I show up. But what. What's.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Oh, that's normal for our squad.

[Zach Denini]

That's so like, if someone was. If someone was. If you were training someone that Wasn't us. You know, how. How would you. What do you think is the right answer for. For arriving and being prepared.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

You know, I've always said try to be there squad before to watch targets and such. And. And, you know, since we started this podcast, we both have been kind of, you know, pulled in 87, 000 different directions, so don't do as I do, do as I say type of deal, you know, because, like, we're talking about, you know, showing up for the squad. I will confess, at Vegas, I was. I did miss the first trap of the second hundred of the singles. We were doing laundry, Jodan and I, and Tyler and Justin called, said, hey, two posts were up, and I said, we won't make it.

[Zach Denini]

So what was hilarious about that, by the way, I want the listeners to know is they forgot which group text message squad text message they were on. So I get a. I get a text on my phone. I'm not there. I'm obviously at home. I'm working. And I get a text up in 10 shots, and I'm in Missouri. And I immediately text back, hey, guys, not gonna make it. I'll see you at the making trap. And then Ricky responds the same thing, and I'm like, oh. I said that was meant for Ricky. And that just made my day. Because, you know, normally, you know, we have. We kind of have an unwritten rule. If it's your. If you're a squad and these are your buddies, you know, you get one. You get one. One late time. I mean, if I. If I'm late once in the week, you know, that's forgiven. But if I'm late twice, that's. Usually you're off to the practice trap, so.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

That's right. So I told him. I said, yeah, and Bullard, at first, I guess Bullard was like. Just. Is like, no. He text and said, let's shoot. So because Tyler was shooting with.

[Zach Denini]

If you say let's shoot, that really means, like, I'm not coming. Like, I will not make this. Yeah, there's no. There's no way. Because I've seen you be on the other end of the complex when we're, like, getting ready to walk on the line, and you freaking run that buggy all the way down. I see that. That. That AAA 27 license plate on that truck just coming in really hot, you know, running over golf carts and. And whatnot.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

But it ain't that bad. But, yeah, it's. You know, you should get there. I always recommend is to be there a squad or two before, if you can. You know, that's if they're shooting 25. You know, in Vegas, we shot 50 a trap, and they were loading in between. And honestly, we thought we had enough time because they would load well on the second hundred. They didn't load in between the 50s. They let each squad shoot 25. And then it was so Justin's.

[Zach Denini]

Like, it wasn't even his fault. That's just how rich. Yeah, no, no, it was my fault. It was a change of the system. Otherwise, he had been there on time.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

You know whose fault it was? Hey, you know whose fault it was? The tournament director.

[Zach Denini]

Yeah.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

You know who the tournament director was? Slinker.

[Zach Denini]

It was probably. It was probably my fault because if I'd have been there, I'd have held the shoot up and. And you'd have been on time. So, I mean. Or I'd have had to do your.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Yeah, no, it.

[Zach Denini]

It.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Listen, it all worked out. Of course, Tyler missed his squad, too, with John and Dave Mansell and Leticia, and we. We just went and finished and shot the makeup trap together. And. And the lady at the makeup said, are you guys not shooting together? Oh, no, we're different squads. But it worked.

[Zach Denini]

You're funny.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

So. So I literally get there, you know, 25 to 50 targets early, watch the target, see what they're doing, you know, if they're high or a little low, you know, a little wide, whatever it is. And then you can adjust yourself accordingly. Yeah, get your, you know, your mental game in check and get it ready.

[Zach Denini]

The only thing I would add a caveat to that. And we're blessed because we shoot with the same group of guys pretty much everywhere we go, so that's wonderful. But, like, when I was coming up, one got there about a box or two early. That was kind of my thing. But two, I really wanted to introduce myself to everyone on the squad before we got started. So, you know, I'd walk up and say, hey, are you on Squad 27? And my name is Zach Nini. And I think if you're coming on a new squad and you're not, you don't know these people. Introduce yourself. I mean, that's part of that. That etiquette, right? Like, if you're on time, get to know who. Who you're shooting with, you know, and. And you don't have to spend 20 minutes talking to them and, you know, losing your concentration. But at the bare minimum, hey, this is my name, you know, nice to shoot with you today. Good luck. Something along those. Well, that. That Goes. That goes a long way.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

And here's the nice thing too, with the SOS app that everybody can get now is you can get on there. And as you can see, okay, you look like there's our squad. And it'll say if they're paid or not paid. Okay? And if they're paid, it'll show up on there. You know, me, Bullard, Wyatt, you and, and Justin. So once, like it says not paid right now. So if you've got the app. Well, here's the deal. You got the app and you just jumped on a random squad. You can look and see, okay, who am I shooting with? Oh, okay. Oh, they paid. Or hey, yeah, it's just four fillers on there and no one's paid. You're pretty much shooting by yourself or you're shooting two, three. So, you know.

[Zach Denini]

Yeah, yeah. I mean, you guys do that to me every once in a while. Just say, yeah, I'll leave Zach out there by himself and he's just one man. One man.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

No, that's you. That's what you did to us for Vegas.

[Zach Denini]

We're moving on. Moving on. So, so the next thing we want to discuss, and this is another one of those that we got to be careful with because, like, it's a do as I say, not as I do. But, But Ricky, you know, how do you feel about like making noise or talking loudly behind the line? I mean, because, you know, I, I, I think we've all done it.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

I say this if it's a 27 yard squad or long yardage. What? You know, be aware of your surroundings. You know, sometimes, as we all know, we all have earplugs in, so we tend to talk a little louder. I tend to talk loud any. Anyways, but yeah, I, I've been at fault for it. Just try to be aware and if, you know, sometimes the pullers will turn around and say, hey, guys. You mean. Oh, no. Problem is what I hate is when you turn around and tell someone, you're like, hey, guys, you know, could you quiet down? And, and they're like, no, okay, yeah, yeah.

[Zach Denini]

I think, I think that's the, that's the, the caveat, right? Like if, if someone is shooting and they look back and they say, hey, guys, you know, we're trying to focus here. It's a little loud. Something along that lines. Then of course, and I'm, I'm generally going to go into straight remission, as Rich Bullard would say, and just kind of, you know, just, hey, I'm sorry. And you Know, I know I'm loud. I know I got mirplugs in.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

You point to. You'll point to Justin or Rich. Be like, guys, you're being loud.

[Zach Denini]

You can say, hey, Bullard, shut up. You know, what the hell are you doing?

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

But.

[Zach Denini]

But at the end of the day, I think that's going to happen. It's how you handle it. So on both. On both ends of that, if you're talking loud and somebody says something, have some respect and back off. And if you're on the line and you're telling people behind you to be quiet, don't bark an obscenity at them. Just say, hey, guys. Yeah, because I've seen that happen where. Where guys just lose their mind and just, you know, verbally abuse the people behind them when they're on the line. And, like, I think there's a fine line there. It's like, I know you're upset. You might have missed a target, but at the end of the day, I think you're responsible for if you miss a target or not, regardless of what noise happens. Car alarm.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Yeah.

[Zach Denini]

You're.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

You're pulling the trigger. You can't blame anybody else.

[Zach Denini]

Yeah. You can't. You know, so. So, you know, I think. Watch where you're speaking. And another thing that gets me in trouble sometimes is even when you're really far behind them, if you've got wind that's blowing their direction, it carries that. Oh, it carries that noise. So that noise, you know, and. And that, for me, has gotten me in trouble sometimes when you're in Kansas and you're standing, you in trouble. Yeah, exactly. Me and. And it carries all the way to the line, so just be mindful. All right, folks, we got to take a quick second and give a huge shout out to our title sponsor, Craig Off. Me and Ricky both shoot them. We both love them.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Yeah. Best gun in the industry. I shoot them, I sell them. Nothing better. Folks, get yourself a Craig Off. Your scores will increase.

[Zach Denini]

Yeah, I mean, Ricky's got hundreds and hundreds of hundreds with his. I mean, I've got a few hundreds, but. But I'm always working to get a little bit better, and they definitely help me, that's for sure. So on top of that, we also got to thank winning I'm we shirt today. Love this shirt. If you're down at the grand, pick one up.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Yeah, Winning. Like I said, Zach, hundreds and hundreds and hundreds with my winning stock. You know, get a hold of Bobby, Luke, Bill, get an appointment set up. They will make you a better Shooter with that winning stock.

[Zach Denini]

Of course. Yeah, the Grand's the great place to do it. Give them a call, get on their book. It's worth your time.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Just remember, winners shoot winnings.

[Zach Denini]

With that being said, let's get back to the show. Now, this is one that we've dealt with a little bit on our squad, and I think some do, some don't. But, you know, I guess it comes back to. It's. It's our fault at the end of the day if we miss. But. But how do you feel about handling situations when someone's moving on the line or mounting their gun early or, you know, kind of in that zone? I mean, when you get the Rich Bullard tap going on, I mean, what's.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Or the.

[Zach Denini]

Also known as the Shadow, by the way. I don't know if you heard the Shadow. I don't know.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Rich the Shadow Bullard.

[Zach Denini]

I don't know if you heard that name.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Was. Was that name given to him by Don Bud?

[Zach Denini]

It was, it was. So. So. Oh, I gotta go off on a tangent. Don Bud was a little cranky. One day we were in Kansas, okay, and shooting with us, and he's our post three, and you know, he's like a one man rain delay because you got about, you got, you got, you got about, you know, it takes maybe 25 seconds to go from, you know, post four back to post to post three. And then it's about 25 seconds for him to shoot, and then it's, you know, another, you know, four shots and then it starts all again. But, you know, one day, you know, none of us were shooting at our best in the singles in Kansas. And, you know, it was later in the afternoon and, you know, I think Rich is on two and Don's on three. And, you know, maybe he's on three to four or whatever, but the sun is just low enough that, you know, as, you know, as tall as Bullard is, it's casting a shadow out in front of. Of dawn. And you know, Bullard, he's got some happy feet, sometimes moves around.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

He. Yeah, he sticks the gun under his.

[Zach Denini]

Arm a little bit. But apparently, apparently Don's looking at the shadow and he's like, hey, your shadow's distracting me. And I'm like, so we nicknamed Rich. So we nicknamed Rich the Shadow for the rest of the week. But honestly, I pulled Don aside and I said, hey, you might need to up the vitamin dosage like you're. You're getting. You know, the Geritol might be a little low. We're gonna have to, you know, get your focus back, because, you know, if the shadow's bothering you, then you're probably not looking in the right spot. So, I mean, oh, my God.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

That is. That is going to go down.

[Zach Denini]

Why?

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

You miss his shadow? Come on, Don.

[Zach Denini]

It's okay.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

We're.

[Zach Denini]

We're gonna have dawn on the show. We're going to talk about the shadow incident. We're gonna hear about.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Oh, yeah, but.

[Zach Denini]

But I mean, really, it might be.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Listen, folks, it might need to be a censored show because.

[Zach Denini]

Don, Michael, we'll put that episode on only fans.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

You know? Yeah. It's so. And. And Rich. Rich does move. I got on him. You know, he wears them bright shoes every once in a while. And one day, we were shooting it at the Heartland grand, and. And all of a sudden, I see his toe. He's like, do. Do.

[Zach Denini]

And I'm like, yeah, what.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

What the hell are you doing? And he's like, what? And he's like, oh, I guess I didn't realize that, you know, but, yeah, it. Listen, I've shot with a lot of people. You know, I've. I've had some people raise their guns up as I'm moving to targets. I've done it. You know, I just always stop and say, hey, could you. Could you not do that? And if they say, oh, hey, sorry, or. And I've had some people in the past, years ago say, no, I can do what I want. Okay? So what I do in that situation is I just don't shoot, and that's fine.

[Zach Denini]

I think that's the secret, really. I think the solution is don't shoot with the people if you can't get along with them on that end of it. Because at the end of the day, like, I close my gun when I close my gun Shadow, I close my gun when I close my gun. And I. I do. My goal is to not try to move that gun from my close position until I hear the bang. Once I hear bang, then I start going, right. I hear bang.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

What'd you used to do?

[Zach Denini]

Oh, I used to move a lot more, but. But I've got better. Hey. Improvement, right?

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Well, I was. Why is that? I said, zach, is it my shot and yours? Do you remember that in Florida?

[Zach Denini]

I said something smart, Alaki, and I said, all right, but I didn't even know I was doing it, because when you're. When you're doing what you.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Listen, folks, listen.

[Zach Denini]

Know what you're doing when you're in the zone.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Listen. Our. Our wonderful Title sponsor, Craig off. They need 25 to 30 rounds. You need an annual. Done. Not Zach. He needs them about every seven to ten. Why? Because he was like.

[Zach Denini]

Three to five closes per rotation around. I'm like, okay, close, close, close. Bam. And it was just a, it was, you know, it's groups, but it's kind of like, you know, Pat Lamont or anyone else if they have their thing and their process is their process, but you can change your process. And, and, and I've been able to use a clapper. Yeah, I changed that now. So we don't, we don't do it. But, but I was unaware that it was bothering anyone. So I think the moral of the story is talk with your friends, but do it in a friendly tone. Don't bark at them. And, and at the end of the day, if you got to wear blinders, wear blinders. And don't let, don't let it bother you because, you know, that's. If you're missing.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

The biggest thing is making sure. Yeah, well, making sure you're right in your pre shot routine. You know, just try not to be distractive and listen if it happens and someone, you know, comments on it. Just you, hey, I'm sorry. You know, and be aware of kind of what's going on.

[Zach Denini]

Yeah, but I do think at some point, like in some situations, I'm not saying stand your ground, but I've seen some people make comments and, and I'm like, absolutely. I mean, absolutely.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Just because I yelled at you one.

[Zach Denini]

Time, you know, Rick, Ricky's over here having a bad day, shooting a 99 and doubles career. Worst day. And you know, and, and now, and now when the wind hits my collar, he's like, hey, hold that caller down. And I'm like, hey, you know, this is, that's a little too far, Ricky. Like, I'm gonna, I'm gonna wear my collared shirts. I don't like teachers, so it is what it is. But, you know, I'm just joking, folks. But at the end of the day, I mean, if someone's coming to you and you know, you're not like doing a bad job, I would just say, hey, you know, I, I'm trying my best here. I didn't know it was bothering you, but maybe we absolutely should re.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Squat. No problem.

[Zach Denini]

Maybe we should resquad.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Well, listen it. And it happens, stuff like that. And someone's, hey, no problem. And then after the round, maybe just say, hey, what was I doing? You know, that's the best way to handle it versus Going off on a tangent and. And making enemies. Because, listen, at the end of the day, we're all there to enjoy trap shooting, to have fun and win if we can.

[Zach Denini]

Correct. You know, if we're having fun and I'm not there to deliberately try to mess up someone's score by what I'm doing. And I really don't think anyone is. I just think some people. Yeah. Hey, you know, unless it's Ricky, then. Then, yeah, screw him.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

That's why he moved Zach to post four. I got tired of him following me.

[Zach Denini]

Yeah, I. It. You know, I was just. I was having a hard time getting reset with all those smoke clouds in front of me, so I had to move.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

That's right.

[Zach Denini]

I had to move in front of. Why?

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Justin said every time I missed a target, you'd have to give the target a funeral.

[Zach Denini]

Yeah, I said a little, you know, Hail Mary. I said a bunch of those last night before I went to bed. What are you doing down there?

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

And he said, oh, I was making sure I was right.

[Zach Denini]

Moving on again. All right, folks, we got to take another quick break and thank some more sponsors. Shot Tracker. I mean, we've. We've had great success with them. Ricky, you've been involved since day one.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

So it's like having a coach on the end of your barrel. It's a great tool, especially for doubles. That's what I really like about for. You can see the transition moving from the first target to the second target. That's where a lot of people get lost in no man's land.

[Zach Denini]

You know, I love that. And I also love the new software update, the stuff that's coming down the pipe. Those guys are constantly innovating. So with that being said, let's get.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Back to the show.

[Zach Denini]

Here's something that I think we're going to answer a little differently than most people, but what's your opinion on talking to people while they're straight in between rounds or, you know, like, you know, and I guess there's different scenarios. There's, like, on your squad, but then there's also like kind of the walk by. Like your buddy's walking by and you're, you know, you're 75, straight, and he's like, you know, how you doing? Kind of situation. Like, like, I mean, I. I don't think it bothers me as much, but what, what do you feel is the right way to handle a situation like that?

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

So here's what I'll say. If you're on the squad with someone, it's it's whatever it is. As you know, Justin doesn't believe in karma. So when you get to, you know, needle a little bit to him or something and, and you know, he. He will tell you, don't miss that.

[Zach Denini]

Yeah, no.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

And usually we trickle, trickle down, don't.

[Zach Denini]

F this up last boxes, comments on our squad, but I feel like our squad, we know each other well enough that we're not, you know, that's not a problem. Now, would I ever say that to somebody that I didn't know and I'm shooting with the first time and they're 70?

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Oh, absolutely not. No. And I don't listen, I don't get involved in that because I do believe in karma. The trap gods will hammer your butt. So here's what I will say is. And I've had this happen in the past where people have come up and talked in between rounds and, you know, how'd you do. How'd you do each 25 type of stuff. And I've answered them. And then usually at the end of the day or the round, you know, after the hundred or maybe it's a 200, I've pulled that person aside and just said, hey, ask after the hundreds over or the 200's over. Yeah, not after each 25. Especially when you're walking by, you know. And so that's what I would just say is like, say you're walking by and your buddy, you know, is shooting. And. And, you know, just like, you could stop, talk, chat, but don't come right out and say, hey, how you doing? Have you missed yet? Yeah, you know, I hear that a lot.

[Zach Denini]

So I think if you're a better shooter, it happens more often than not. But then also you have like, that family member, like, my dad used to do it to me, or like, oh, how you shooting? And, you know, he's excited for me. He wants me to shoot good. So they don't even know they're doing a bad thing. But, like, you know, it's just adding more thoughts and more issues, you know, or the, you know. Yeah, or the, or you know, the little comment like, oh, you're like 750 straight, you know, see you how this next box goes. You know, something along those lines probably isn't the right thing to be thinking about when you're. When you're going out there. But the one that I had the most issue with that, that I did have to handle was somebody bought me in a Calcutta one time, and every box they wanted to know how I shot. And it Was the same situation. It was like, you know, and I was actually shooting really good. But after the first two boxes, I'm like, hey, I'll tell you after we're done. Same like Ricky. I don't wanna, you know. Yeah, it's important to them because they're in a Calcutta. But at the end of the day, like, you know, them coming or watching, like, every single shot, I mean, it's kind of, you know, literally, I'd walk from five to one and the guy would walk behind me, walking from five to one, watching all my shots. I'm like. I said. I said, you might need a finance. It sounds like you got all your money on this thing. I mean, you might need a financial advisor to advise against these kind of bets. Like, it's not a. Not, you know, if it's that important, Highly recommend. If it's that important to you, then you probably, you know, need to step out of the Calcutta world. Right? I mean, like, when I do it.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Yeah, that, that deal, I. I've had that happen to me multiple times where people bought me to Calcutta. And. And I had one one time. This is years ago, okay? I mean, I'm talking 30 years ago. And the gentleman bought me the Calcutta. And I didn't shoot good at all. I actually shot my lowest score to date in the handicap, and it was in Missouri. And he came up after his. Basically the third box, I think. It wasn't like, you're not shooting, blah, blah, blah. I wasted my money and I'm like, I didn't know who it was. And I said, well, I didn't force you to buy me the Calcutta, you know, I mean. And, you know, and. And I've had it happen. One year in Tucson when we shot 10, a post had a gentleman buy me in the Calcutta. And he was there, you know, and he's like, hey, do good, do good. You know, I was like, oh, yeah, you know, I'm give 100.

[Zach Denini]

You know what? I'm not going out here to lose.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

And I missed. I missed three on the first post, okay. Literally out of the first five and ran the next 95 and broke 97. Well, when we changed 50s, he walked away shaking his head. He thought I missed. Whatever. What we get all done. I ended up getting second place all by myself in the Calcutta. And the guy made like five grand. And he came up to me and he apologized and, you know, and I'm like. I just said, listen, I never force anybody to buy me. And no one's forced to buy anybody in Situations like that. And if you do buy people just, you know, let them shoot, what happens happens. I mean, we usually buy a lot of people, you know, me and Justin and. And you and. And, you know, consortium, ZB and GLOW and everybody. I mean, we'll, you know, spend some money.

[Zach Denini]

Somebody have an opportunity. Yeah, I'm gonna put some money in. If I think I can get them at a good value, hell yeah, I'm gonna put some money in. But at the end of the day, once you own them, it's not your job to go around and be, you know, on their. On there.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Yeah.

[Zach Denini]

You know, and that's.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

And getting back to, you know, talking to, you know, your squad mates, what I'll say is, you know, when I'm shooting really good, it does not bother me for people to come up and talk to me at all, either on my squad or off my squad. Some people it does.

[Zach Denini]

You know, I mean, audience, I would say in general.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Absolutely.

[Zach Denini]

In general. I would say general rule of thumb, don't. Don't be asking about scores until after the event's done. Don't be asking about scores between boxes. You know, don't. Don't be, you know, you know, bringing up things that are stressful, like, oh, did you know that there's a gold coin on this handicap? Or, you know, oh, you're going to win the perfect 50s if you, you know, run this next one? Or, you know, don't. Don't bring up stuff to distract someone even, you know, purposefully or. Or not purposefully. Right. I mean, at the end of the day, save the comments on what you're doing and what you're shooting for after the day is done or after behind the line, everybody's, you know, at the beer tent, okay, that's when you ask, how'd you shoot today? What'd you do? You know, and you can decompress it bit better, but I think the worst place to do it is in between boxes. I think that's the worst. All right, guys, we got to take another quick break and thank some more sponsors. We got to say big thank you to White Flyer, America's best targets. You make them, we break them. Right, Rick?

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

That's right. We got the new Eco Flyer that we helped design, myself and Sean Holly. That's out now. Available out of the Georgia factory. That's an awesome target. Look for that, you know, going to be available hopefully everywhere by 2025. But, yeah, they are best target in the industry.

[Zach Denini]

I'm looking forward to the Blue Gray shootout this year. At the grand, too. That's going to be a fun event.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Yeah, it'll. You're in that dude this year, aren't you, Zach?

[Zach Denini]

We both are, aren't we?

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Yeah, well, yeah, I'm in it. I didn't know if you made it or not.

[Zach Denini]

See? Yeah, that's okay. I, I, I skated right in there.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Don't you worry.

[Zach Denini]

But, you know, we got another sponsor we got to thank. Shotguns west, the Peelers, baby. Check out these wings. You, Ricky don't got these. He ain't that stylish, folks.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Listen, Zach tries to wear these driving down the road doing podcasts. It's okay.

[Zach Denini]

We still love it when you look good. You don't have to apologize. Remember that not only can you hit more targets, but you could look good doing it. Give Ryan a call.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

That's right.

[Zach Denini]

With that being said, let's get back to the show. So the next topic I think that needs a little bit of our attention is, you know, and we've talked about this lightly, we can go a little bit deeper, but, you know, we talk about watching birds and correcting scores. You know, like, what's the, what in your mind? I mean, I know you have a process to it, but, like, if you've got a squad of five guys, what's your expectation of, like, watching targets in your mind of what it should be?

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

I think everybody should watch the targets. Now, do you have to be hard focused on everything? No, but be aware of the target. I mean, you know, it's like you say, know your audience, you know, I mean, but on our squad, you know, just look out, see, watch targets, and you always want to watch and see what the targets are doing, you know, but see, I mean, if a target's broke, then in the polar calls it lost, then stop right away and call it dead. I believe that you should try to do it right then and there. When it comes to the last post, that's a different story. You could wait till maybe the end of the round, depending. You know, if a puller calls a target dead and it's lost, I think that should be corrected right away.

[Zach Denini]

Yeah. You know, I think, I think if somebody misses a target and somebody sees a chip, I think right then and there, the score slings the word loss. And I'm raising my hand. I seen a chip right there.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

That's right.

[Zach Denini]

Boom. Get it done. Get it out of the way, stop and, and make it happen before the next guy even mounts the gun so that you don't.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

And then go ahead. Sorry.

[Zach Denini]

And. And then after that, usually our. Our thought is Ricky's going and checking the score after the post and making sure that it's checked, but it's not all of us going up there to check it. Right. It's broad leader. Now, if you're on a bunch of randos and you don't know if that squad leader knows what he's doing, then, you know, if it's me and a bunch of people, then go back, well, then, yeah, I'm. I'm probably going to go up and check my scores myself because I want to make sure that I'm handling it. But if. If I've got someone that I trust, like Ricky, and I know he's doing a good job, I'm believing in my teammate. And I'm saying, okay, Ricky's gonna handle the scores. He's going to deal with the scorekeeper, and I'm just gonna, you know, call chips and kind of go from there. So that just less delegation of who's whose duties and whose jobs you have on a squad.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Yeah, less is more at the. At the polar stand, you know, at the chair or score. Not puller. He used to be pullers, but at the scores, you know, chair. I think sometimes you can intimidate them. And I don't believe in doing that. I, number one, don't believe in yelling at a polar.

[Zach Denini]

Absolutely not.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

That's an automatic out. I've seen it. I've witnessed it. I've had to tell people like, hey, that's. No, no, don't yell. I mean, I've seen girls get down.

[Zach Denini]

If they're not understanding. Be patient and call shoot management. Say, hey, can we get a bank boss over here? Can we get someone else? Hey, you know, Hannah, I totally understand. You know, no worries. Like, at the end of the day, treat these people like human beings, even if they're not of the right mind and they're not doing. Listen, I mean, they're there to help.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Here's. Here's what I do when I go up. You know, usually signing in everybody, if the, you know, the shoot doesn't already put the names on the score sheet. But I'll still go up and, you know, just say hello to the puller, ask them how their day is going, and you can get a read right then and there. You know, I. I've seen it, Zach. I mean, I've been leading off since I was like 14 years old. 15. And I've walked up and like, hey, how you doing? And they're like, no, not good. Ready to go home. I'm like, oh, had a bad day? Oh, yeah, the last squad, this. And I always say, and. And now, you know, with the Canterbury, it's so simple. I always say, well, listen, you got the on, off switch. If there's an issue, just shut it off.

[Zach Denini]

Shut it off.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

And they're like, well, you know, and this has happened. Well, that squad said, don't do that because that'll mess up their timing. I'm like, so they'd rather you mess up the score sheet, so it's your fault. Excuse me. So I always tell them that number one and number two, if there's an issue, just stop and say, hey, and trust me, we'll get through it. I don't know how many times I've had a new score in doubles and the shoot management has said, hey, Rick. That, you know, or the line boss, hey, they're a new score, no problem, perfect. Now I always try to tell the squad like, hey, guys, slow down a little bit if we can, they're brand new. And go up and just tell them, listen, we'll help you any way you can, blah, blah, blah, blah. And usually at the end of that 50, you know what, they're happy. I've seen polar scores that have been new and literally two days later, they're.

[Zach Denini]

Working shoot off champions. Yeah. And, you know, it's, it's a little bit of help in education. I think most people perform better with a little bit of help instead of criticism. So instead of growing them and chewing them and telling them how bad they're doing, give them some compliments and lift these people up.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Except you, we, we just, we try to get.

[Zach Denini]

No, obviously the opposite on me. Obviously, that's because it's a reverse psychology on you. On the Italians, we're a little bit more thick headed than most, but, but, you know, I just look at the situation as they're trying to do their best. And another thing is most shooters go out there with the expectation. And this is, this is what I see. So it might be wrong, might be wrong, but, but what I see is most people go out there with the expectation that this person in the chair is supposed to be perfectly trained. And the sheep management has gone through and showed them everything they need to know. And, you know, and they're great. Right. And the reality is with today, with the way the cost of wages are, it's hard to find people that are willing to work at all and do manual labor at all. And I think every one of us needs to take the Opportunity to educate, if there's an opportunity. You know, one thing that I tell all the pullers is because they're notorious for this, they'll leave that light on as they're changing and calling the scores and then they're throwing 20 or 30 targets as people are moving the mics and handicap. They, you know, if you can say, hey guys, when you're changing, turn that button off. How many targets does that save a gun club? And how does that affect the bottom line when we, when we talk about repricing targets? Because at the end of the day, the gun club's going to just pass it on to the consumer. If they see they went through this many targets, they're going to bump the price up and they're going to do what they got to do to survive. Right? So if everyone is policing in a little bit better, I think it's, it's just an overall better experience in the long run for, for everyone involved and, and for keeping prices low and everything like that. But, but, but it is something that you see consistently as a, as a hot topic issue where people are getting in verbal altercations with pullers, loaders or, you know, kind of.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Well, and the one thing, you know that I, I actually have seen, I saw it in Vegas. It was after the fact, the puller said something and it was too late. But a person changed the score at the end of the round from a post, from their second or third post or fourth post. And people got to understand that, you know, read the rule book. That is my, my number one tip to every shooter is read the rulebook. I was 15, 14 years old. 14 or 15, whatever it was. And my dad slapped me in the chest with the rule book and said, you're doing this, you better know the rules. Yeah, And I read it. I went through and, and listen, folks, I, I'm not big on, on re. I wasn't big on reading when I was a kid, but I read that rulebook from COVID to cover and I know what the rules are. And so the deal, like now once the lead up person shoots the first target on the next post, everything prior to that is set in stone. There's no change, no matter what.

[Zach Denini]

Now the only exception to that, Rick and, and I, and I want to check with you. If the scorer calls 5, all, five, five all, five all. And you get to the last post and you go back and look and she's got a circle on post 1 or a line circle, that's, I mean, if, if it was called no matter if it was called.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

No matter. Don't matter.

[Zach Denini]

It's whatever's on the number.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

So, yeah, the call means nothing. That they could say 10 all and we're shooting five. And everybody's like, hey, man, I broke down. Here's the deal.

[Zach Denini]

Putting your eyes on it every five shots, then Rick or no.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Depends on the. The score. A lot of times I will. In the rules, you know, the score is supposed to. You know, they're holding the score sheet. Well, they're supposed to turn it and show it to you.

[Zach Denini]

They never do anymore.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

No. And that's one of those things that you kind of watch. That's why getting there early, you find out right quick if. If you've got an issue with someone. And if you do, then I will. I'll walk back. I got no problems walking back. And you'll see me at times when you know, I'll walk and. And I'll check it and just turn. I don't say nothing to them. And I just want to make sure. But yeah, it's. Sometimes that's the downside.

[Zach Denini]

Lunch or something, you know, they're like, hey, get away, Rick.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Yo, bro. Well, I mean, now I slimmed down a little bit. I'm not. I don't neither, big mat. I might take the carrots and celery, but, you know.

[Zach Denini]

All right, trap talk listeners, let's take a couple seconds and thank a couple more sponsors. First of all, Remington's been with us since day one. I've been shooting these shells since. Since 2007. I shoot the Nitro 27 from the 27 yard line. Ounce and eight, seven and a half and STS, ounce and eighth eights for singles and doubles. They've worked great for me as they do a lot of top shooters all around the country. Give them a try. Don't forget the gun club line when you're practicing and you're wanting to save a little bit of money.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

We'd also like to thank another sponsor, Outlaw Engineering. Randy Freston. R2. I've known Randy's since 1988. They do engineering survey and drafting, GIS, civil structural land development, wetland permitting. They do.

[Zach Denini]

And they're friends of trap shooters. I mean, they're trap shooting family. They've been in the ATA forever. His dad's been involved. They're involved. They're beautiful family. They're great people. And we just love that they listen to the show and we love that they support trap talk.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Yeah. His dad was past president 1989. So I really want to thank those guys for the support and really appreciate it here at Trap.

[Zach Denini]

With that being said, let's get back to the show. Moving on. I guess, you know, something that we do deal with is. And everyone deals with this. I've seen you have it. I've had it. Everyone around has had it. You're shooting good or you're not shooting good, but like, maybe you're shooting good and then you just have an abysmal trap where it all falls apart or you're, you're not shooting good and the whole thing is bad. Like, how do you feel about emotions when you're shooting bad? And like, people that take it out on the people around them. Like, what, what's, you know, you know, what do you do on a day when, when, when nothing's.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Are you getting back into the Don Bud topic? Is that what you're doing?

[Zach Denini]

Yeah. So when you're done, when you're 191 in the singles championship and you're Don Bud, what do you do to keep it together.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

You know?

[Zach Denini]

Himself.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Yeah. Give 100 on every shot. You know, I see people throw shells. I've seen it all. And listen, when I was a kid, I've done it, I've done it, you know, a few times in the past. You get mad at yourself. Never take it out on the polar, your squad mates, nothing. Listen, you have a bad round, you can have, you know, two minutes, five minutes, that's it. You know, I, I hate to see it when, you know, it's like the next day the person's still pissed and it, you know, they're constant. Yeah, I, I just go home or I'm just, I'm done with this and go home.

[Zach Denini]

You're letting it carry over. And, and so for me, like, I, I mean, Ricky's always said, like, the two minute, five minute deal. And, and I, I agree with that. I think if someone shoots bad, first of all, stay out of their way, right? Like, if they shot bad, like, don't go up to them and be like, hey, you know, and kind of, you know, poke with them or whatever, right? If they shot bad, leave them alone, first of all. But for me, my thing is, I don't even give myself the two or the five minutes. If as soon as I walk off the line, if whatever I did, I own and I bought and I'm, I'm gone, it's gone. Whether it's an 82 or 100, when I walk off that line, I'm not gonna let myself be upset. And, you know, maybe you know, maybe I don't have enough passion in that area, right? Maybe I should be pushing myself a little harder than I am getting angry when I'm messing up a score. But for me, I always just like, okay, it happens. Oh, well, move the hell on and because there, there was a point in my life where when I was shooting, if I messed up a score, I'd get so angry and I'd want to, you know. You know, I just want to be like, ah, you know, and whoever comes up to me, you kind of attack them, you bulldog them, and it's not their fault, right? And, and I think we all got to be better at. At controlling our emotions, right? And checking our emotions at the door and just saying, you know, it's a game. We do what we do. On the good scores, great. On the bad scores. You don't have to be a bully. You don't have to be angry at everyone. And, and the people that come up to you. You know, I've had people that I've come up to and I said, hey, how'd you shoot? And like, they got mad at me instantly because they shot really, really, really bad, and they thought I knew what they shot. And so they're like, well, you know how I shot. And I'm like, I mean, hey, I didn't mean to, you know, be disrespectful. Honestly, I didn't know how you shot. I just, you know, you're my buddy. I walked by, I seen, I say, how'd you do? You know, and, and, and some people, they get in their own head when they really tank a score, and they just don't want to be around anyone or anything. So I think that's an opportunity for us to grow as a community.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Yeah, just listen, have fun. If you're having a bad run and I've got students that, you know, I've shot with, they're having a bad run, I'll go up and talk to them afterwards. But, you know, when I see stuff like, hey, don't get pissy. Don't, you know, because you could end up cost yourself the all rounder overall in one post, you know, So a hundred percent enjoy it. Have fun.

[Zach Denini]

Hey, Trop Talk listeners, let's take a quick second to thank a couple more amazing sponsors. Sos, Clay's Shoot Management. They're doing a fantastic job. I love the app. I love being able to see everything on my phone instantaneously. It's freaking awesome. Rick, what do you think?

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Yeah, Greg Pink and his group over there I mean, they've got majority of the satellite grants, majority the state shoots. I think it's 40 plus state shoots they're doing. But the app, honestly, we were doing a little beta testing with that at the spring grand. It's awesome. You can see your squad if they paid, you know, you can see your options, your payouts, the whole works at your fingertips. Great deal. They're just.

[Zach Denini]

Ricky, how much money he made before he even got off the line, he was like, hey, I'm buying lunch. I'm like, yeah, good job. We're good to go. We also got gun and trophy insurance. I mean, they're the best in the business. I, I know they're, they're great price. Ricky, you're familiar with them, right?

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Yeah. Cole, Larry Cushman. Been long time supporters of myself and, and I've been a supporter of them and you know, especially with my college team, you know, we require insurance. It's so fast and easy to sign up and get your insurance. In literally 10 minutes you can have your guns insured. And they're just great. They're great to deal with. Like I said, you can do your trophies also, you know, your, your wildlife, animals and that such and your guns.

[Zach Denini]

It's just a great, it's always good when you're traveling around to have that peace of mind and know that you don't have to worry about losing your stuff forever. And these are expensive things, especially when you got those Craig offs, you got to keep them insured. So.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Oh.

[Zach Denini]

With that being said, let's get back to the show. You know, we've talked on a lot of topics today. We've kind of bounced around in a lot of different areas. We talked about being positive. We talked about, you know, not, you know, not letting these emotions get to you, you know, the frustration, I guess, in, in general, we're just saying have a good outlook on it. Whether it's giving compliments or talking about scores or whatever. I mean, in general, be respectful and try to think, okay, how do I, how do I be a good person here and not be, you know, kind of a, you know, I don't know what the word is that I could use that's not censored. But, but it's, you know, just don't, don't be. Don't be. Don't be a butthead. Right? Is that the word? But, but it, the. The last thing I want to kind of get out and we'll finish from here. And I think me and Ricky are like exactly on the same page. With this. But how do you feel about, like the etiquette around adjusting targets based on how you're shooting them? Like, like if you're shooting them good or you're shooting them bad. Like, like, oh, I'm shooting bad. I'm shooting really, really bad. Like now you're like, oh, we need to move this, move that, move the other thing. I mean, what's. I think I know what you're going to say, but what's your thought, Rick?

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

What's my opinion?

[Zach Denini]

Yeah.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

You know, my opinion on target setting. It's just like Steve Carmichael said on the episode, set the targets at nine, nine a foot, ten foot. Whatever it was, you don't like it, there's the gate. You know, I believe this. If the targets are set illegal, they should be reset. If they're not set high enough or they're not set low enough for you, then learn to shoot them. And if, if you need to reset them to, to, to your liking, especially I've seen it with, you know, the average guy, top shooters doing just doesn't look good. I mean, I think I've reset. I did reset a trap in Vegas. Our last 50 in the handicap was super flat and they were, I mean, going real low. So we raised them up and everybody behind us was like, why don't you guys raise the last trap? I didn't think they were that low. But I will say this on about this topic, you know, when we're not first squad out and say we're second squad out in the handicap, third, fourth, fifth, 10th, whatever it may be, singles, handicap, doubles, and so many squads have shot, squad headers have shot. They shot the targets. What makes us any better than them? Nothing.

[Zach Denini]

Or we all pay the same of a different target than everyone shot.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Absolutely. So I, I've seen it. I've seen it at some very major shoots where there's a lot of preferential stuff going on with target setting and I just don't believe in it. I think the ATA needs to stop that.

[Zach Denini]

Yeah.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

And put it in there. That's just my opinion.

[Zach Denini]

I really think there needs to be some guideline for. If it's a regulation bird, it's regulation. It's in the zone. Well, then there's really not a lot you can do to that because everything at that point is preferential. Right. Like, so it's like. Well, like for me, I prefer, I personally prefer if, you know, telling everyone on the air I prefer targets that aren't as high. I mean, if with where I'm at on on the house. If, you know, I got a nine foot set, I'm gonna break that for me. I seem to break better scores on, on a lower set target on that then, then one that's, you know, super, super rocket ship where if I asked Rich Bullard, Rich Bullard says, well, I want him.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Oh, Rich, Rich Watson.

[Zach Denini]

Rich wants, Rich wants a springing teal, right. Because he's holding it, you know, 35ft above the house. Right. So, so that's the preference. But we get along and go together. I think, you know, people are changing them. And this was, and I'll give you a story this year that happened with Joe Charnigo and us on the squad at the Grand. So Joe was shooting really good. He was 50 straight going into the back 50 in handicap. And when we got to the third trap, everything was fine. It was a windy day. But the squad ahead of us finally got tired of the targets being as high as they were because they just weren't shooting good. And so they dropped the third trap down five notches. They just like, you know, they drop.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Oh Lord.

[Zach Denini]

And so, you know, Joe's 50 straight. Yeah, they're a little on the high side, but the setters that set that day knew that into that wind, if you put them too low with that wind, you were just going to have these kind of no face, no show, you know, kind of targets. And so they, they kicked him up, showed some face and it was still a breakable bird. I mean it was, it was up there, but it was a breakable bird. And so they dropped it down, you know, five notches. Well, in that scenario, first of all, Joe was, was leading the squad. So in my opinion, in my opinion, and this is just an opinion, Ricky might disagree with this, but in my opinion, if somebody's leading the squad as far as wise and something's happening and there is something that's illegal or out of bounds, I'm kind of deferring to their opinion a little bit on, hey, what do you think about this? If we're going to make an adjustment because they're the ones that got the good score going and if anything, if they want to shoot the, the trap that's five notches down and it's still legal. I mean, I, I won't mess with it, but if they like, I know.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

What I do in this situation.

[Zach Denini]

So, so, so what we did what we agreed on and what Joe wanted is he just said, hey, can we just put them back to where they were? So we literally told.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

That's exactly what I would have done.

[Zach Denini]

So we literally told the, you know, and. And this was up to Joe. I said, joe, do you want to shoot these next ones? Because, you know, it's up to you. I'm not gonna. I'm gonna shoot them. If you want to shoot them. I. I'm. I'm down four birds. Yeah, but what do you want to do? And he says, well, they set them the right way when we started, so can't we just go back the right way? And so we told. We told the setter right then and there, hey, you know, stick around. As soon as they get done, go back to exactly where it was. Literally just put it back. And so they shot. Those guys shot. They didn't do very good because now they went from high target, high target, to low target. So now flat. Now instead of being, oh, you know, under, under, under, now they were over, over, over. And they probably shot worse on the third box than they did on the second box, right? And we put them back, and Joe ended up running that next 25. You know, he didn't. He. I don't think he got the hundred that day. I think he had a 99. But, you know, he didn't miss because of. Of anything other than just missing. And. And I think, you know, at the end of the day, he did the right thing. At the end of the day, he keep it legal, first of all. But second of all, if you're shooting a crappy score and you've got a guy next to you that's shooting a good score and you get to the next trap, and you're like, oh, well, I want to adjust the targets. I mean, that's kind of out of your. That. That's kind of out of your dog bowl, in my opinion. Like, if. If rick is running 100 and I'm down 10, and I say, hey, Ricky, these next ones look a little high. Like you think. You think.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

You know what I. You know what I tell you?

[Zach Denini]

Learn to shoot them.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Shoot higher.

[Zach Denini]

Exactly Right.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Listen, I've shot all the targets, high, low, whatever, illegal. I. Unless they're illegal, they don't need to be reset. They're correct. I think it should say in there, target shouldn't be set to your liking. That's one of the things out in Ohio, you know, they don't do. They come member. They come with the T bar radar gun. They check them, they're good, shoot them, and they walk off. And I got people that are like, well, that's not right. What's not right? About it. They're setting a legal target.

[Zach Denini]

Yep. And I agree. And you, you've got really good discernment about it, Ricky. Because there's been times where I've been straight and there was a target in front of us that was illegal. And you're like, okay, this is legal. What do you guys want to do? Like, we could even if they're illegal, sometimes we shoot them. Like we've had them where they're wrong and we're just like, we're shooting them anyway. But at that point, I've seen you defer, if you know to defer, like, hey, these are illegal. Do we want to mess with them or do we want to just shoot them? And I think that's the only time that you really have that question is once they're out of the the zone, then yeah, we do it or do we not do it? But it's not.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Well, that's one of the deals in the past where I've done is, you know, we've like said, hey, you know, these are illegal. We're going to change them. Because I'm like, dude, listen, if we can't break them, the average squad ain't gonna be able to break them.

[Zach Denini]

All right, folks, let's take a quick second and thank some brand new incoming sponsors of the show. These are personal friends of mine, fellow clay shooters and lovers of the outdoors. Rick and carla Burke at 73 Pointers Ranch. Also, we've got mid state precious metals, Ron Prescott. He's a great guy for all your gold and silver needs. Ricky, tell them about our friend.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Yeah, Ron, he graciously donated a 10 ounce silver bar to our live in person podcast in Tucson. And you know, he has everything. I bought a bunch of silver from him. You know, we got our silver, silver and gold for the the fun day at the Nevada state shoot on Monday this year. You know, John got all the silver and gold for the Nevada State shoot. So look him up for your silver and gold needs. He'll give you the best price out there.

[Zach Denini]

He really is. And, and he's a friend of the trap shooters. I mean, he's looking to get gold and silver to these gun clubs for their shoots at the lowest price across the country. He's doing him a service and helping grow this sport. So, you know, thank you so much for that, Ron.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Yeah, thank you, Ron. We appreciate it.

[Zach Denini]

With that being said, let's get to the show.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

You know, I'm not setting targets for preferential treatment for me at all. When I reset them, I'm Setting them. So let's make a good target for everybody to break. Targets. Yeah. Oh, yeah.

[Zach Denini]

Team Nini, get me lined up, baby. We're rolling.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Absolutely.

[Zach Denini]

We're definitely not setting them for Bullard.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

No, no.

[Zach Denini]

I mean, he's got the shadow himself. He's up here like this with that wind sail, you know, going up to the moon, and we're just waiting on Don Butt again. I gotta tell you, though, you get to Kansas and you get that north wind with Don Butt. I mean, you. You can't.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

If.

[Zach Denini]

If those things are up on the. On the top post or whatever. I mean, that's not a bird that he's gonna like.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

The.

[Zach Denini]

The rich. The Rich Bullard target and the Don Bud target are two very different targets.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Two different things.

[Zach Denini]

Yeah. The Rich Bullard, they never, never get high enough. And the Don Bud, like, Like, he's like, you know, these guns don't shoot high enough to get up there. Right. I mean, he's digging that thing out from the bottom. But. But I really think we covered a lot of good stuff today, Rick. I mean, this is a fun episode. You know, I always have fun when it's just me and you kind of kicking our opinions. Shooting, shooting, shooting it together. Is there anything we're missing in your mind? Is there anything that. That you want to add to kind of, you know, good. No etiquette kind of stuff, I think.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Listen, you know, get with the squad. Like Zach said originally, you know, if you're just jumping on squads, show up early, introduce yourself, have a good time, and just tell them, like, hey, it be friendly. You know, this is a great sport we're doing, you know, you know, like we say, you know, like the. The shirt says on the back, make trap great again. You know, we just made America great again.

[Zach Denini]

Hopefully trap great again. Everything's going well. Also, I got an email here from John. We got a shout out. Apparently we got a really. Yes, a really good fan of the show. And I. Forgive me if I don't pronounce the name correctly, but it's Joe Bisson, I think, from East Fall Mouth, Massachusetts. And, uh, he loves the show. He called in and ordered a hat for his daughter, and he's telling everybody about the show. He's got all his trap buddy shooting buddies. Listen, so, Joe, thanks for being a loyal supporter of the show. Thanks for wearing the hat. And anybody that's listening to us, my ass. For the day. If you want to make Trap great again, tell people about the show. If they're wanting to listen and learn more. Like educate someone, take them out to the range, give them some advice. Like, they don't have to buy hats and wear hats. I mean, we're not trying to. You're not trying to sell merchandise. I mean, we love people wearing it just so that they could see what's out there. I mean, it's all about like, oh, what's trap talk? And then, you know, these people, you know, they've been binge watch a hundred shows and they get to learn all this information. Unfortunately, when I started, there wasn't this available. This wasn't a. No, this wasn't a, you know, you couldn't, you know, talk to or listen to Sean Holly or, you know, k.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Or Ricky Joe Jarnago. Yeah.

[Zach Denini]

And I feel like, you know, for the next hundred years, hopefully there's going to be people coming back and saying, well, what was Joe Charnigo doing back in 2024? Like, what. What was the style they'll probably be shooting, shooting laser beams in 100 years at the clay. But like, you know, what was the point of impact that these guys were using on these old shotguns? You know what I mean? So, yeah, and I just think that that that's really cool to document. And, you know, we couldn't do it without our fans. We couldn't do it without, you know, the love and the sharing and the talking about it and, and reaching the community. So, you know, please, you know, if, if you want to help out some way, somehow, if you got a trap shooting buddy, introduce him to the show. Show them the YouTube page. You know, send us questions, you know, wear your hats and shirts proud. Make trap great again. And we really appreciate you all listening. We're going off to the autumn grand. We're gonna go get great content down there. John's coming down. We're gonna shoot a bunch of episodes and, and we're. We're ushering into. Yeah, look at season three is coming asa.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

That's right.

[Zach Denini]

Anybody that's interested in, in getting on the show, sponsorship. You know, we're, we're considering, you know, more people if they want to be a part of. You want to get broadcasted, you got to get in touch with John and everything like that. But we really want to thank all of our sponsors that have been with us this whole time, and we're doing the best that we can to get their, their brands and their products out there to the trap shooting community. So, yes, we are.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Well, I'm looking forward to the autumn, so we'll. We'll see everybody down there, come up to us, talk, got any questions. And remember, like, share and subscribe.

[Zach Denini]

Like share and subscribe. Yeah, I'm looking forward to the autumn, too. I just gotta try to stay off those blackjack tables. Last time they were a little rough on me, okay? So I gotta. I gotta. I gotta back away from the blackjack. Maybe go over to the craps tables. Little crap minimum. You know, get Ryan. Ryan Glow's got to stay off those roulette tables.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

Ryan won't be at the autumn this year. He'll be at the spring.

[Zach Denini]

That's. That's good, because, I mean, those casinos, they love him so. Well, we'll see you all soon. Thanks for tuning in, and we'll catch you later.

[Richard Marshall Jr.]

See you next Friday. Good luck.

[Zach Denini]

And the Trap Talk podcast is brought to you in part by RM Shooting clinics. Have Ricky take your game to the next level. If you want to shoot hundreds of hundreds of hundreds, give Ricky a call today. Zach Nini Financial. We believe in putting people first.