Red Bay girl shoots trap

Reagan Lindsey shoots like a girl – specifically, as the only girl at Cedar Hill Trap Range.

The 15-year-old first tried her hand at trapshooting as part of the 4-H Shooting Sports program. Her mother encouraged her to become more active in the sport, and Cedar Hill owner and coach Wade Willingham along with other instructors began to take notice. “They said I was a natural,” she said. “So I decided to stick to it.”

Reagan was among 11 young trapshooters from the area to compete at the A.I.M. Grand American in Sparta, Ill., July 29 through Aug. 1, competing on the juniors team. She was the only award-winner of the group, placing runner-up in the Sub-Junior D Class High Overall competition, with a score of 82/100 Monday and 93/100 Tuesday for a total 175/200.

“I like skills – anything they can have a skill in,” said mom Erin Lindsey. Her son Davis Lindsey also participates and competes. “We homeschool, and I wanted them to have broader options to get into other sports. The scholarship potential with trapshooting is just phenomenal – especially for girls.”

The trap world, Erin pointed out, is male dominated. That’s true at a broad level and particularly evident in Russellville, where Reagan is presently the only female youth trapshooter. Reagan isn’t bothered by it.

“It’s really fun. It’s great hanging out with other kids that will trapshoot with you and won’t bully you for how you choose a different sport,” Reagan said. “I’m fine with it (being all boys). It’s actually really fun.”

Reagan shot a few times in fall 2016 but began shooting more regularly in March 2017 when the Grand American teams began preparing. She said she was excited and surprised to find out that she had made runner-up in the national competition. “This will help me stick to it,” she said.

She encouraged other girls to get involved in trapshooting. “Since I’ve started, I’ve already started on doubles and handicap, and my coaches have helped me out a lot.”

“I think more girls should get involved,” Erin agreed. “They shouldn’t be afraid of a gun or intimidated because it’s a male-dominated sport.” She also lauded it as a mental sport; she said she sees it as a great way to help children with their ability to focus. “I think a lot of kids who have focus issues would benefit from shooting sports.”

The Lindsey family, including husband and father Ken, live in Red Bay.