News>Feature - Volunteers man JB Charleston Skeet and Trap Range
Photos
Retired Navy Captain Jean Van Slate, skeet shooting participant, releases two shell casings from his shotgun during a round of skeet Dec. 15, 2012, at Joint Base Charleston – air Base. The range is open to military and civilians but individuals without a military ID card are required to apply for a pass to get on base which requires a background check. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Dennis Sloan)
Lee Hunt, Joint Base Charleston Skeet and Trap Range volunteer, loads his shotgun before shooting a round of skeet with attendees Dec. 15, 2012, at Joint Base Charleston – Air Base. Hunt started the range after his service in the Navy, and at 86-years old, he still helps run the range as a volunteer. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Dennis Sloan)
Lee Hunt, Joint Base Charleston Skeet and Trap Range volunteer, shatters a clay bird during a round of skeet Dec. 15, 2012, at JB Charleston – Air Base. Hunt started the range, after his service in the Navy, and at 86-years old, he still helps run the range as a volunteer. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Dennis Sloan)
Lee Hunt, Joint Base Charleston Skeet and Trap Range volunteer, watches attendees shoot during a round of skeet Dec. 15, 2012, at JB Charleston – Air Base. Hunt started the range after his service in the Navy, and at 86-years old, still helps run the range as a volunteer. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Dennis Sloan)
Retired Navy Captain Jean Van Slate, skeet shooting participant, loads a shell casing into his shotgun during a round of skeet Dec. 15, 2012, at JB Charleston – Air Base. The range is open to military and civilians, but individuals without a military ID card are required to apply for a pass to get on base which requires a background check. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Dennis Sloan)
Retired Navy Captain Jean Van Slate, skeet shooting participant shoots at a clay bird during a round of skeet Dec. 15, 2012, at JB Charleston – Air Base. The range is open to military and civilians, but individuals without a military ID card are required to apply for a pass to get on base which requires a background check. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Dennis Sloan)
John Caputo, Joint Base Charleston Skeet and Trap Range volunteer, shoots at a clay bird during a round of skeet Dec. 15, 2012, at JB Charleston – Air Base. Caputo, along with several other local veterans, volunteer to maintain the range and to help attendees have a safe enjoyable time while shooting skeet and trap. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Dennis Sloan)
by Senior Airman Dennis Sloan
Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs
12/21/2012 - JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Joint Base Charleston - Air Base Skeet and Trap Range was established during World War II and is still run by volunteers today.
Lee Hunt, a World War II veteran, started the range after he completed his service in the Navy during World War II, and at 86-years old, he still helps run the range as a volunteer.
"The range was very popular back in the day and was originally used to train pilots on shooting moving targets," said Hunt. "Today the range is used for recreational purposes."
The range is run by 10 volunteers who live near the base and enjoy sharing their passion of skeet and trap with others.
"We hold one-on-one shooting classes here for adults and children," said Steven Selley, JB Charleston Skeet and Trap Range volunteer.
The range is open to military and civilians, but individuals without a military ID card are required to apply for a pass to get on base, which also requires a background check.
"We encourage people who have never shot skeet or trap to come and try it out," said Selley. "The range can be a fun family activity or for just a few buddies spending a little time in a friendly competition."
Participants can rent a shotgun from the range, but shooters must bring in their own ammunition.
The cost of a single round of skeet or trap cost $4, which entitles the participant to 25 clay targets.
"We have two skeet ranges and one trap range," said Selley. "I recommend that participants try both ranges to get a feel for the two games."
Skeet shooting uses shotguns to shoot and break clay disks that are flung into the air from two fixed stations at high speed from a variety of angles.
Trap shooting uses shotguns to shoot and break clay disks that are flung into the air at a high speed from one station.
The range is open Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. until dark. To set-up shooting time call 963-6137.
"The range is a great place to spend an afternoon with family or friends," said Selley.
