Trap Talk From The Back Fence

Episode 151: The History-Making 77th Nevada State Shoot Recap

Date: November 21, 2025
Hosts: Zach Nannini & Richard Marshall Jr.
Guest: John Slinker (Dink Shot Co Productions, Past Nevada Board Member, Nevada State Champion)

Episode Overview

In this dynamic and in-depth episode, Zach, Ricky, and John take listeners behind the scenes of the 77th Nevada State Shoot, now the fastest growing and one of the most talked-about trap shoots in America. The trio recount not only the spectacular competitive moments and prize drama but also dissect the behind-the-scenes strategies that have transformed the Nevada State Shoot into a destination event drawing participants from 36 states and Canada.

This episode is essential listening for trapshooters, club organizers, and anyone passionate about the science and community behind growing a marquee shoot.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Evolution of the Nevada State Shoot

• From Modest Beginnings to Major Growth
  • Attendance has nearly doubled in three years—from 754 in the 75th to 1,321 in the 77th (19:00).
  • John and board’s push for aggressive promotion and value-driven events has been central.
  • The introduction and expansion of the “Big Silver” giveaway and enhanced trophy packages attracted more competitors.

"The last three years has been one of the best state shoots to attend by far, as far as an all around shoot with everything, not just the trophies, but everything else that’s involved with it."
—Ricky Marshall Jr. [10:15]

2. Strategic Promotion and Marketing

• Innovative, Relentless Publicity
  • John’s Shot Co Productions flooded social media with daily videos and updates, keeping the event top-of-mind nationally.
  • The event’s program is released months early, allowing shooters to plan well in advance (09:01).
  • The show discusses the importance of fostering repeat shooters and “momentum,” likening marketing to restaurant or small business growth.

"If a shoot gives stuff, but you don't promote it, then people don't know you're giving stuff."
—Zach [06:52]

• Sponsors & Value Perception
  • Emphasis on ensuring sponsor dollars are highly visible and directly benefit shooters—meals, trophies, ammo, buckles (64:09).

"If there’s something different you’re doing, you need to get that out there. Because people can’t just take off work."
—Ricky [12:27]

3. Shooter Experience & Amenities

• All-Inclusive Hospitality
  • Free lunches and dinners daily for six days—overcoming logistical issues unique to Las Vegas, where food trucks are scarce.
  • Powerful community energy: card games, poker nights, and themed events like Cosmic Night and a Halloween costume contest added social flair (least two nights of poker planned for next year! [47:01])
  • Club praised for being “manicured” and extremely shooter-oriented—scorekeepers trained to treat every attendee like a VIP.

    "These people are spending a ton of money to come across the country...we just got to treat everybody like a vip."
    —John [14:44]

4. Prize Money & Historic Giveaways

• Record-Breaking Payouts

  • Handicap Calcutta hit $41,000—likely the largest in the country for 2025 events.
  • Combined awards (options, Calcutta, silver) neared or surpassed $100,000 (38:04).
  • Each championship event features a custom, beautiful Molly’s buckle; buckles now cost as much as some purses at other events.
  • New structures in 2026 may further ramp up the silver and gold payouts with a “poker tournament” style distribution.

    "We gave away $168,000 in options, which is a pretty big number."—John [33:21]

• Notable Achievements:

  • A 500x500 singles squad was shot—a possible Nevada first, and potentially a record for a coed squad (28:08).
  • Champions and category winners in both resident and nonresident divisions are celebrated, with many recounting intense shoot-offs (42:58, 50:01).

5. Growth, Logistics, and the Future

• Capacity & Expansion

  • RV spots sold out fast; hotels partnered for room rates.
  • Club poised to break into a six-factor ATA shoot, pending more trap fields and possibly county investment.
  • Calls for county and tourism board involvement to justify capital projects.
  • Vision for two major shoots a year and further state-level growth.

• Vendors/Partners & Community Impact

  • Vendors and gunsmiths now flock to the event, confirming its “destination” status.
  • Host club and volunteers repeatedly lauded for effort and shooter focus.

"We've had huge, you know, we…we always got. Yeah, we had huge...Well, you know, the 75th was awesome. The 76th was epic. And then I, for the 77th, I said, hey, we're going to make history."
—John [32:22]

6. Record-Setting, Memorable Moments & Quotes

500x500 Squad (27:26–28:38)

"We all just lost it and broke the 500 by 500. And now...Joey Charnigo told me...this was the first 500 squad with two females on a squad. It was a record."
—Zach

Silver Shootouts

"It was different than any shoot off I've ever been in because the gravity of shooting for that many ounces of silver, everybody was aware of what they were doing."
—Zach [51:18]

Participation and Momentum

"People were talking about Nevada, and they were like, rick, it was. I said, oh, the 76 is gonna be good. We're gonna try to make it. Yeah. Well, then boom. What's the 77th? I saw people in Florida after the 76th, and they were like, we're coming."
—Ricky [12:34]

Documenting Trap History & Paying Tribute

"You have to take a second and document what's going on and...go back and say these are the guys that paved the road for success for us now...If you don't do that, you're not giving respect to the game."
—Zach [30:00]

John’s Personal Milestone

• John Slinker won resident doubles, was singles runner-up, and features candidly on how top-level company and mindset shifted his own results.

"When you hang around with champions, you know, it doesn't hurt you."
—John [44:16]

Important Timestamps

| Time | Segment/Topic | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 01:17 | Main program intro, guest intros | | 02:24 | Early years of Nevada State Shoot, growth philosophy| | 04:38 | Expansion of prize purses, "Big Silver" introduced | | 09:01 | Importance of early promotion and scheduling | | 13:12 | Out-of-state and national reach, diverse attendance | | 14:44 | Hospitality, VIP treatment, amenities | | 19:00 | Dramatic growth: statistic rundown | | 28:08 | The historic 500x500 singles squad | | 32:22 | Planning for Factor 6 shoots, club growth | | 36:50 | New payout structures, six-way, and option prizes | | 50:01 | Big shoot-off drama on Sunday | | 65:31 | Sponsor involvement and future planning | | 77:58 | A-list shooters in attendance, great energy | | 78:14 | Key dates announced for 78th NV State Shoot |

Notable Champions & Winners

• Doubles Champions: John Slinker (resident); Ricky Marshall Jr. (nonresident) [40:11]
• Singles Champion: Rich Bullard (resident); John Slinker (resident runner-up), Kyle Perry (nonresident), Ricky (nonresident runner-up) [49:45]
• Handicap Champion: Harry Teresin (resident), Isaac Zillman (nonresident) [50:01]
• HOA: Kyle Hoffmeier (resident); John Slinker (resident runner-up); Joe Charnigo (nonresident) [73:10]
• Historic 500x500 Squad: Zach, Joey Charnigo, Herbert Lewis, Shelby Skaggs, and Isabella Richie [27:26–28:38]

Conclusion

The 77th Nevada State Shoot set new national standards for event growth, value, and shooter engagement, showing how visionary leadership, strong marketing, and a focus on true community can create a world-class trapshooting destination.

“Everyone says the heyday is gone. I think the heyday is coming.”
—Zach [21:32]

Next year's shoot: October 26–Nov 1, 2026 — Don't miss it!

Fast Facts

• 36 U.S. states and Canadian provinces represented
• Handicap and options payout topped $100,000
• 500x500 squad: possible Nevada and US coed record
• Innovative use of sponsorship: free meals, ammo, and top-shelf buckles
• Next goal: further club expansion and national stature

Put the 78th Nevada State Shoot on your calendar and be prepared for bigger, bolder, and possibly “all gold” surprises.

This summary captures the heart, humor, and expertise of Trap Talk From The Back Fence’s 151st episode, providing a must-read recap for the trapshooting community and club organizers alike.