The 2021 North Powder trap team, the ClayBusters, now entering its fourth year in action, taken at the Baker Trap Club.

North Powder’s trapshooting team is loading up for a new season, putting out a call for students and supporters alike as they prepare for the new year at the range.

The club, in its fourth year, is open to students grades six through 12.

“I wanted to pass shooting sports on to the next generation,” said Nathan Wilson, the team’s coach. “I have kids of my own, it was an area of sport I enjoyed and I wanted to pass that on.”

Last year the team had 16 members competing in the nine-week season. Wilson, who wasn’t involved with the team in its first year, said he heard there were about 10 competitors then.

That increased to 14 the second year, and this season he’s hoping to attract 20.

The team is registered with the Oregon High School Clay Target League, the same group that Baker High School’s team is part of.

Last year, one girl from North Powder’s team finished third in the league, and a boy was 18th. Although they could have entered the state competition, that wasn’t possible to due a lack of money, Wilson said.

“We would like to, but due to funding restraints we’re not able to,” he said. “We’re a club sport — all of it is paid through fundraisers.”

Registration is $150 per student.

“That’s the total cost — league registration fee, ammunition and clays (targets),” Wilson said.

Team members must either complete a hunter’s safety course or shotgun safety classes through the league.

“Almost all our shooters have hunter’s safety courses before coming to us,” Wilson said.

The team has a fundraising raffle, at $10 per ticket, coming up.

Prizes include 10 boxes of shells and a Burris rifle scope, as well as a punch card for use at the Baker Trap Club’s range on Imnaha Road about a mile north of Baker City. That’s where the North Powder team practices as well.

Raffle tickets are available at the counter at CJ’s Country Store, 845 Second St. in North Powder.

“We start practicing shooting on Wednesday nights starting March 15,” Wilson said. “The first competition would be April 5, with the season concluding May 24.”

Donations to the team can be made at the Powder Valley High School office. Youngsters who want to join can contact Wilson by email at natekatewilson@gmail.com.