Trap Talk From The Back Fence

Episode 142: Sean Hawley Opens Up — Western Target, Big Scores & Beating Prostate Cancer
Date: September 19, 2025
Hosts: Zach Nannini & Richard “Ricky” Marshall Jr.
Guest: Sean Hawley

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode, Zach and Ricky sit down with legendary trapshooter Sean Hawley during the Grand American 2025. The trio dive deep into Sean’s 44-year trapshooting career, the technical nuances of target setting, the impact of equipment changes on scores, and Sean’s recent, candid battle with prostate cancer. Authentic and packed with insight and wit, the episode balances technical advice with heartfelt personal storytelling.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Sean Hawley’s Shooting Career: Reflections & Milestones

• Longevity in the Sport
  • Sean marks his 44th year of competitive trapshooting (~45 by their math) and approaches half a million registered targets (02:41, 09:07).
  • “Comes sneaking up on half a million targets.” — Sean (02:50)
• States & Travel in Trapshooting
  • He’s shot in many states but prefers revisiting favorite clubs, occasionally adding new locations for variety, including an upcoming Alaska State Shoot (03:31, 04:27).
• Comfort & Challenge at Clubs
  • Revisits unfamiliar or challenging clubs as a way to “figure it out;” discomfort fuels persistence (04:48).
• Memorable Locales & Side Stories
  • Discusses shooting in Florida, love for seafood, quirky restaurant trips, and the importance of club culture and local amenities (05:40–07:40).
  • “It's not just for the shooting. There’s so much other stuff to do.” — Ricky (05:26)

2. Technical Talk: Eyes, Age, and Adaptation

• Vision Changes with Age
  • Sean opens up about struggling with eyesight deterioration, astigmatism, and adapting prescription eyewear for optimal performance (09:53–13:02).
    • “I do better when the light’s over the top... So much depends on how well I see the target leave the house.” — Sean (10:15, 10:54)
• Shooting Strategy Evolves
  • Less aggressive approach in handicap events due to vision changes, focusing on seeing the target and making one decisive move (11:23).
  • “My whole thing is, you know, see the target, make one move, and live with it. That’s a little harder than it used to be.” — Sean (11:18)
• Practice Habits
  • Emphasizes practicing as if it’s a real event, not “drilling” specific targets; advocates for “perfect practice” and holding the gun still (60:20–61:40).
  • “I always practiced like it was an event...Perfect practice, hopefully.” — Sean (60:40)

3. Target Setting & Club Operations

• Target Speed & Consistency
  • Discusses regional differences in target setting speeds, elevation adjustments, and the importance of uniformity—preferably with a T-bar, but Sean relies on visual assessment (15:07–17:06).
  • Advocates for happy shooters and return customers, prioritizing a good experience over just setting tough targets (20:08–20:29).
  • “Happy shooters are return customers.” — Sean (20:30)
• Equipment: Western Target Change
  • Covers return of the “slot top” White Flyer Western target at Vernal. Sean and Ricky note its advantages, especially in high altitude and western conditions (26:26–29:45).
  • “To me, it’s a better target because there’s more flat area for the round BB to hit. I can set those targets a lot better.” — Sean (26:53)
  • The new Western targets led to noticeably improved breaks and shooter satisfaction at Vernal (28:57–29:45).
• Target Machine Maintenance
  • Detailed advice on sanding throwing arm rubbers (80-grit or 60-grit sandpaper, not polish!), the science of spin, and its crucial effect on target breaks (31:03–34:30, 38:05–41:29).
  • Amusing anecdote about convincing a club to test Vaseline on arms—resulting in erratic, “knuckleball” targets (39:32–40:08).
• Double Target Difficulties
  • Discussed the impact of mechanical changes (spring vs. Uniband), especially on doubles—widens pairs and challenges shooters’ timing and movement (21:35–23:54).
  • “There’s only two ways to make doubles wider. One is a shorter doubles finger... The other is speed.” — Sean (22:00)

4. Competing at a High Level: Personal and Field Observations

• Recent Scores
  • Sean describes his shooting at Iowa and Wisconsin—solid scores in handicap (98s, 99s), despite missing a couple early targets. “You can just tell by the way you’re hitting them... these are aggressive hits.” (11:46)
• Comparisons: Older vs. Younger Shooters
  • Reflects on rising competition from younger shooters like Dagan and Ian Lawrence—“They’ve got better eyes, better reflexes, they’re both cold-blooded animals. Nothing [phases them].” (42:37, 42:48)
• Points & Trophies
  • Changes in ATA point allocation lessen the necessity of shoot-offs, creating a different competitive dynamic where high scores, not shoot-off victories, drive rankings (45:02–45:51).
  • “Now I just break a score and I’m guaranteed to get this many points.” — Ricky (45:10)

5. Personal Health: Battling & Beating Prostate Cancer

• Sean’s Story
  • Sean opens up about his recent battle with prostate cancer, discovered through routine PSA blood tests at age 53 (53:02–56:43).
  • Key Message: Early detection saves lives—Sean had NO symptoms; a PSA rise prompted diagnosis and prompt surgery.
    • “I had no symptoms... Everything was completely normal. I went in there, honestly, for a regular checkup, and in the blood work... mine had gone up three straight years.” — Sean (54:15)
  • Strong urging for all shooters “my age or a little younger or a little older” to get PSA tests and check regularly.
    • “Don’t be afraid to go in and get it looked at. Go get the blood test. Do whatever you got to do. It’s not the end of the world.” (53:36)
  • Candidly details the quick recovery, the importance of acting early, and gratitude for continued good health (54:10–54:43).
• Emotional Support
  • Ricky and Zach express gratitude and support:
    • “We’re glad you’re okay... when things like this are shared, you don’t blare it to everybody... Are you okay? You need anything? That’s just how it is.” — Ricky (55:20)
• Advice to Listeners
  • Sean warns others against ignoring elevated PSAs or delaying action.
    • “I get people coming up to me all the time: hey, what was your PSA? ...Then they tell me what theirs is, double or way over double what mine was, and they’re not doing anything about it.” (56:43)

6. Classic Banter, Humor & Notable Quotes

• “I think you’d look good with a mustache... Like a handlebar—get the handlebar, get on the Harley.” — Sean (02:10)
• “You don’t have to outrun the bear, just outrun your buddy.” — Classic Alaska joke riff (08:35–08:38)
• “Is there anything you’re specifically working on this Grand?”
  “Break as many targets, kill as many of them as you can.” — Sean (62:35)
• “Stay out of the beer... Well, crazy. But Sean, you stay out of the beer, Mike Jackson, my squad mate, Jason Krausey…” — Ricky (63:00)

Timestamps for Significant Segments

• Catch-up & Introduction: 00:00–01:38
• Sean’s Career & Milestones: 02:36–04:27
• Travel Stories & Club Preferences: 05:08–07:44
• Vision/Age Discussion, Shooting Technique: 09:56–13:00
• Target Setting & Consistency Across Clubs: 15:07–18:23
• Western Target Change: 26:15–29:45
• Target Machine Maintenance, Importance of Spin: 31:03–34:30, 38:05–41:29
• Trapshooting Generational Shifts: 42:37–44:02
• Sean’s Story: Prostate Cancer & Health PSA: 53:02–59:17
  • “Don’t be afraid to go in and get it looked at...” (53:36)
• Practice Philosophy: 60:20–61:40
• Heat, Hydration & Practical Tips: 62:58–65:32
• Closing Thoughts & Celebration Plans: 65:55–67:10

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Vision and Age
  • “I’m not seeing the target leave the house...I’m trying to be a little less aggressive in the handicap, but it’s still pretty aggressive.” — Sean (11:23–11:29)
• On Club Preferences
  • “There are some places you go to and you feel real comfortable at...there’s other ones you go to and there’s just something about the place, maybe it isn’t real comfortable for you...” — Sean (04:29)
• On Target Breaks & Machine Maintenance
  • “If the target spins more, it’s going to pull apart better.” — Sean (34:17)
• On Supporting Each Other and Health
  • “It isn’t even about the winning or I didn’t win a whole lot when, you know, and I shot well in Iowa, but I didn’t win a lot because those guys were always...just pounding these. But I was happy with the way I shot...I was making good moves.” — Sean (44:35)
  • “Keep you healthy as long as you can. And we’re all—none of us are making it out of this thing alive.” — Sean (59:24)

Actionable Takeaways & Summary Advice

• For Shooters:
  • Prioritize vision care, adapt your shooting style as your body changes, and continually focus on seeing the target cleanly.
  • Don’t chase “drill” practice; simulate real events for best prep.
  • Maintain your equipment—sand trap arms, check your targets, and pay attention to machine settings for consistent performance.
  • Travel to new shoots, but nurture relationships at favorite clubs.
• For Club Operators:
  • Consistency in target presentation breeds happy, returning shooters.
  • Listen to shooter feedback and consider practical target and club environment improvements.
• For Everyone:
  • Get your health checked—especially PSA tests for men 50+. Early detection is everything; share and support health stories in the community.

Closing Note

This episode is a master class in both the technical and personal dimensions of trapshooting. Whether you’re chasing your first 100 or your 300th, or simply seeking community and wisdom, Sean’s experience and transparency are an invaluable resource — on and off the field.

For questions or to share your story, reach out to the podcast. And, as always: keep shooting straight, keep tuning in, and take care of yourselves and each other.