Trap Talk From The Back Fence Ep. 122

"Trapshooting in Canada: 2025 Ontario Provincial Preview w/ Beau Douglas"
Release Date: May 2, 2025
Hosts: Zach Nannini & Richard “Ricky” Marshall Jr.
Guest: Beau Douglas (OPTA Secretary/Treasurer)

Episode Overview

In this episode, hosts Zach and Ricky are joined by Beau Douglas, Secretary/Treasurer of the Ontario Provincial Trapshooting Association (OPTA), for a comprehensive look at trapshooting in Canada—especially Ontario. They cover key travel tips for American shooters, details on the upcoming 2025 Ontario Provincial shoot, club insights, incentive programs, and practical advice for anyone considering an international trapshooting adventure.

Main Themes & Purpose

• Demystifying Trapshooting in Canada for U.S. Shooters
  The episode provides a clear and friendly guide for Americans interested in shooting north of the border, especially at the Ontario Provincial shoot.
• 2025 Ontario Provincial Preview
  Beau presents scheduling, club, prize, and logistical details for the July shoot, and outlines efforts to grow and enrich their events.
• Trapshooting Community, Volunteerism & Perspective
  Discussion centers on fostering community through added incentives, social gatherings, practical support, and volunteer leadership.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Getting to Ontario: Travel & Border Logistics

• Guns and Ammunition

  • American shooters need to fill out a government form for importing firearms/ammo—similar to U.S. ATF procedures.

  • Do not bring handguns or handgun ammo.

  • Shotgun shells are allowed if used in competition; “reasonable quantities” is the standard, e.g., 1500–2000 rounds for a 1000-target event.

  • Having the shoot program or an official invite letter helps border crossings.

    “It's not that complicated really... There is a form you gotta fill out when you get to the border...” – Beau (03:33)

• Resource:

  • LostTarget.com is recommended for step-by-step travel guidelines and forms. (06:05–07:21)

• Border & Entry Option

  • Toronto is the usual airport (1.5-hour drive), but Americans can fly into Detroit and cross by car (2–2.5 hours). (21:03, 27:37)

The OPTA & Major Shoots

• Ontario’s Main Annual Shoots

  • The Ontario Provincial (July; largest draw about ~200+ shooters)
  • The Canadian Championships (rotates locations)
  • Noted addition: satellite Eastern Zone shoot for 2025 (08:10–08:20)

• Growing Attendance & Enhancing Events

  “The biggest thing is giving people opportunity... [The shoot] is more than just shoot your targets and go home... We're trying to do the same thing.” – Beau (08:35, 10:08)

2025 Ontario Provincial Details

• Venue:

  • St. Thomas Gun Club (10 traps, city park setting)

  • Unique community vibe: trapshooting alongside park events and soccer games (12:42–13:28)

    “It's one of the more unique places... 10 traps, west to east... 20ft from the furthest trap there’s soccer fields...” – Beau (13:12)

• Facilities:

  • New 30-amp campsites for RVs (13:28)
  • Food trucks, plenty of nearby city amenities (21:03)

• Shoot Schedule:

  • July 2–6, 2025 (Provincial); Canadians are the weekend before (35:13)
  • Tuesday “Warm-Up Day” includes giveaways like two annual Krieghoff services (35:45)

• Program Enhancements & Payouts:

  • Added extra events like buddy backup doubles (11:22)

  • Innovative prize structure:

    • $5,000 bonus for breaking 100 in handicap (if not, money rolls into HOA Lewis)
    • Substantial Lewis purses for singles, doubles, high all around, and overall
    • High-score pool awards ($1,000+, potentially split for ties)

    “One of the things we decided to do, we're going to award $5,000 if you break 100 in handicap... Otherwise, the money goes into the HOA Lewis with $4,000 already in it.” – Beau (24:15)

• Participation & Value for Americans:

  • Exceptional value due to currency exchange ($1 USD ≈ $1.45 CAD)
  • Entry/target fees appear higher in CAD but convert to U.S. amounts, saving attendees money (22:00)
  • American shooters are welcomed with open (and open-division) trophies, plus specific non-resident awards (26:05)

Canadian Trap Culture & Clubs

• Other Major Clubs:

  • Hamilton Gun Club (Stoney Creek; 12 traps, historical significance)

    “Hamilton... one of the oldest gun clubs in Canada... Great shooters have always come out of both clubs.” – Beau (14:09)

• Community Focus:

  • Emphasis on extra activities, meals, and hospitality to make shoots social and welcoming (10:08, 32:03)

  • Volunteer commitment and sponsorships are key to success (41:55)

    “The people... sponsors that have said we're in—mind blowing to me.” – Beau (41:55)

Volunteerism & Giving Back

• Beau’s Story:

  • Began shooting in early 90s at age ~11–12

  • Shifted from shooting handicap to more all-around events after resuming more active participation

  • Chose to serve/trapshooting out of a sense of duty and community (30:17, 31:09)

    "If you want trap shooting or your local gun club to be a certain way, you have to put the time in and commit to that." – Beau (30:17)

• Growing the Sport:

  • Importance of “bringing someone along,” volunteering, and making the effort “light” by having many helpers (44:21)

Practical Tips & Miscellaneous

• Weather:

  • July in southern Ontario is warm, sunny (mid-70s to 80s° F), not the frozen north stereotype (45:03–45:40)

• Local Cuisine:

  • Expect “poutine” jokes, but plenty of dining options nearby (20:07)
  • Food trucks at the club and easy access to London’s city amenities (21:03)

• Gun Servicing:

  • Canadians often schedule gun work during U.S. shoots due to border constraints and lack of local Krieghoff/other factory services (36:19–37:40)

    "When we go down to the States, you go down to the Cardinal center or whatever, that's when... you gotta get your gun service because this is your chance." – Beau (37:18)

• Accommodations:

  • Hotels and Airbnbs available nearby (21:13)
  • Pricing similar to the U.S. pre-exchange, so even better value for Americans (23:34)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Crossing the Border (guns & ammo):

  • "You have to list all your guns, all your ammo... but it's really not that complicated." – Beau (03:33)
  • "The big thing is... you don't sign it until you get to the bridge or the border." – Beau (03:33)
  • "I would recommend making sure you have a program with you when you're bringing shells in..." – Zach (05:12)

• On Shoot Experience:

  • "You can go to a shoot and shoot targets anywhere. But... a shoot is about more than just go shoot your targets and go home." – Beau (10:08)
  • "It's a 10 trap club in the middle of a city park... soccer fields twenty feet away, seven year olds playing soccer..." – Beau (13:12)

• Incentivizing Attendance:

  • "$5,000 if you break 100 in handicap... if no one does, it gets added to Lewis for more people to win." – Beau (24:15)
  • "We created last year... a high score pool—so if you break a good score, you deserve something for that." – Beau (24:58)

• Perspective on Community:

  • "It's the people that you're hanging around with and the relationships you're forming that make those shoots really important." – Zach (33:19)
  • "Every little extra thing helps... that helps clubs coast to coast." – Ricky (32:03)
  • "[Volunteering]... a lot of people doing something is a lot easier than a couple doing 90% of the work." – Beau (44:21)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Border & Travel Logistics: 03:00–07:20
• Ontario Trap Community & Clubs: 07:26–14:10
• St. Thomas Gun Club & Shoot Details: 12:42–14:09
• Prize Structure & Incentives: 24:15–26:18
• Lodging, Exchange Rate, Value Tips: 21:03–23:45
• Volunteerism & Giving Back: 30:17–33:19, 44:21
• Weather & Environment: 45:03–45:40
• Equipment Service / Gunsmithing: 36:19–37:40

Takeaways & Closing Thoughts

The 2025 Ontario Provincial Trap shoot is shaping up to be a fun, welcoming, and rewarding event for Canadians and Americans alike. With strong incentives, community spirit, and practical support for visitors, the OPTA is working hard to grow the sport. Logistics for U.S. shooters are straightforward, and the event provides an excellent value—especially once exchange rates are factored in. If you’re looking for a unique trapshooting adventure or want to check “shooting in Canada” off your bucket list, this episode is an insider’s guide from shooters who know the ropes.

For More Information

• Ontario Provincial Trap Association: [website]
• Travel Forms / Resources: LostTarget.com
• Inquiries/Invitation Letters: Reach out to Beau or OPTA board
• Pro Tips: Bring your event program, plan for the exchange rate, consider both Toronto and Detroit as entry points.

“Just come and have a shoot. The shoots are well run, the targets are good, the prizes are great, the people are great.”
— Beau Douglas (41:55)