Trap Talk From The Back Fence – Episode 143:

Rich Bullard Jr. — PITA Hall of Famer & Clay-Target Legend in His Own Mind!
September 26, 2025

Overview

In this episode, hosts Zach Nannini and Richard Marshall Jr. are joined by the legendary (and self-effacing) Rich Bullard Jr. (also known as RB08, the Pigeonator, and the Shadow) for a fun, candid, and insightful conversation, live from the 2025 Grand American. The episode covers competitive trapshooting, memorable moments from major shoots, inside jokes among friends, the storied careers of their guest and other icons, and a spirited debate on how to better promote the sport. Bullard’s recent induction into the PITA Hall of Fame is spotlighted with congratulations and reflection. Throughout, the trio shares stories, celebrates camaraderie, and banters relentlessly, offering listeners both deep knowledge and plenty of laughs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Growth of Trap Talk & Community Impact

• Podcast’s Evolution: Rich Bullard commends Zach and Ricky on Trap Talk's progress and influence (01:51):

  “You guys have done something with this that's probably one of the most innovative things in trapshooting that's been done over the last 30 years.” – Rich Bullard

• Community Hub: They discuss the role of the podcast and events like the Grand in bringing people together and elevating the sport (02:46).

2. Inside Jokes, Banter, and Traditions

• Merch & Sayings: The hosts and guest riff on T-shirt sayings ("Mustard slips off the hot dog") and poke fun at each other's copyright claims (03:00-03:40).
• Bets and Friendly Competition: They recount memorable bets and humorous losses in the sport (“You lost like, we're talking hundreds…” 05:27) and the humility that comes with missing important targets.

3. Challenges and Triumphs from the Grand American & Other Shoots

• Recent Shoot Recaps: Detailed breakdowns of scores, shoot-off moments, and changing weather conditions at the Grand (04:50-08:58; 11:10-12:49).
• Notable Scores & Young Talent: Highlighting stand-outs like Joey, Zach, Tyler, and the emerging “red army” of Nebraska shooters (10:35-13:07).
• Memorable Shoot-off: Zach and Ricky recall marathon shoot-offs ("My longest shoot off ever" – Zach, 12:52) and the emotional roller coaster of competition.

4. The Rich Tradition of Nebraska and Western Trapshooting

• Nebraska’s Surge: The deep bench of talent from Nebraska, from juniors to veterans (10:35, 13:01).
• Gun Club History: Sage Hill Gun Club’s roots and the Western scene, stories involving family, and legendary shooters like Dan Orlich (49:56-51:31).
• Historical Perspective: The significance of milestone achievements (Orlich’s 400x400 in 1969, Phil Kiner’s feat in the 1990s, 51:46-52:15).

5. Bullard’s PITA Hall of Fame Induction

• Honors and Reflection: Zach and Ricky pay tribute to Rich's induction and discuss the legacy of contributions to the sport (27:02-29:01):

  “Now he has the honor of adding PITA Hall of Fame member inductee. So congratulations on that!” – Zach (27:28) “You guys have done something with this that's... one of the most innovative things in trapshooting.” – Rich Bullard (01:51)

• Teasing Among Friends: The induction also sparks a round of affectionate mocking:

  “He announces himself as RB08, aka the Pigeonator... but now he can add Hall of Fame member.” – Zach (27:02)

6. “Shoot Shaming” & Mental Toughness

• New Terms: Rich introduces “shoot shaming” – playful ribbing for missed targets among friends (16:06-17:26).

  "There's a new term, shoot shaming. When I miss a target and they run a trap, they shoot shame me." – Rich Bullard (16:12)

• Philosophy: The hosts reflect on resilience, learning through tough days, and the importance of small victories (08:49-09:00).

7. Sport Culture, Camaraderie & Etiquette

• Fun and Friendship: The group highlights how friendship and fun are at the heart of trapshooting, regardless of results (39:22-39:32).
• Shoot-off Etiquette: A tongue-in-cheek lesson ("never throw a shell at your competitor" – 30:22), with stories of competitive gamesmanship and legendary faux pas.

8. How to Grow and Promote the Sport

• Debate: Superstars vs. Egalitarian Squads
  • Bullard passionately suggests that major events like the Grand American should showcase the sport’s superstars in premier squads—similar to other pro sports for promotional and spectator value (55:43-57:48):

    “...ETA should be promoting like the NBA... your superstars. There should be a grandstand in one through five... It promotes our sport.” – Rich Bullard (55:43) “We should be able to say where our very best are shooting... and promote it.” – Rich (59:27)

  • Ricky acknowledges the value but appreciates the tradition and community aspect, especially shooting with family (58:06-59:06).
• System Limitations: Candid discussion of frustrations with existing pre-squad systems, bank access, and ways to make Grand American more elite and fan-friendly (61:14-62:23).

9. Legacy, Longevity, and Demographics

• Veteran Participation: Reflections on the sport’s evolving age groups, and why introducing categories like sub-vets and junior gold matter for inclusiveness and longevity (66:11-67:40).
• Staying Competitive: Older shooters share their perspective on staying sharp and the enjoyment that sustains them (65:43-67:13).

10. Memorable Anecdotes & Running Gags

• Flooded Trailer Fiasco: Hilarious recounting of Rich (accidentally) flooding a friend's fifth wheel camper, leading to late-night negotiation, laughter, and a favor-for-favor “shoot-off” deal (35:01-38:58).
• First Encounter: The story of Bullard’s first shoot-off with Ricky in Tucson—and the post-competition etiquette call (39:41-44:09).

  "You're one of them guys that talks smack and then calls and apologizes later." – Ricky to Rich (43:29)

• Body & Shoot Shaming: Ongoing gentle ribbing about scores, trophies, physical fitness, and even who gets shamed for missing targets (29:11-29:37, 70:36-70:43).

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• On Friendship and Growth:

  “You guys have gotten so much better at this…one of the most innovative things in trapshooting.” – Rich Bullard (01:51)

• On Nebraska’s Strength:

  “It’s the red damn army.” – Zach (11:16)

• On Shoot-offs:

  “My longest shoot off ever.” – Zach (12:52) “You gotta learn to get through the nerves.” – Ricky (24:13)

• On Winning and Remembrance:

  “It’s never about the trophy. It’s about the memory of it.” – Zach (24:52)

• On Hall of Fame Induction:

  “So congratulations on that…now he has the honor of adding PITA Hall of Fame member inductee.” – Zach (27:02)

• On Camaraderie:

  “At the end of the day… it’s mainly about the camaraderie.” – Ricky (70:13) “I enjoy the competition, but I like seeing the people.” – Rich (69:59)

• On Sport Promotion:

  “We should be able to say where our very best are shooting…promote it.” – Rich (59:27)

• On “Shoot-shaming:”

  “There’s a new term…shoot shaming.” – Rich (16:12)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:51 – Bullard praises Trap Talk’s impact
• 10:35 – The Nebraska “red army” and emerging youth
• 12:52 – Zach recalls the marathon shoot-off
• 16:06 – Introduction of “shoot shaming”
• 24:52 – Reflections on what winning really means
• 27:02 – Bullard’s Hall of Fame induction
• 35:01 – The infamous flooded trailer story
• 39:41 – Recalling the first shoot-off and “apology call”
• 55:43 – Bullard’s promotion proposal for super squads at the Grand
• 61:14 – Frustrations with pre-squadding and bank assignments
• 66:11 – Age categories and the value of sub-vets, junior gold

Tone & Style

The episode is energetic, warm, and irreverently funny, with deep affection among the participants. The hosts and guest mix sharp insider knowledge, a willingness to poke fun at themselves and each other, and a clear love for trapshooting tradition. The atmosphere is lively, unscripted, and inviting—perfect for newcomers and seasoned fans alike.

Conclusion

Episode 143 of Trap Talk delivers a master class in both competitive insight and authentic community. With stories that range from the hilarious to the historic, and strong opinions on how the sport can evolve, it’s an episode where heritage, humor, and hope for the future are always in focus. Rich Bullard Jr.'s Hall of Fame status is both celebrated and playfully lampooned by his friends—a testament to the unique mix of respect and ribbing that defines the best of trapshooting culture.

For more stories, banter, and next-level trapshooting talk, tune in next Friday—and show your support for the show and the sport!