When the U.S. Olympic team begins competing next week in Beijing, a number of men and women on the American shooting team will literally take a shot at medals in skeet, trap and what's called double trap (men only). Their events begin Aug. 9. Find a schedule at shooting.teamusa.org.

Olympic trap and skeet? That's right: Trap shooting was introduced to the Olympics in 1900. Commonly known as bunker or international trap, the sport uses a bunker with 15 machines that launch clay pigeons at 62 mph. But since most of us aren't at the Olympic level, we're more likely to attempt to shoot targets launched about 20 mph slower than that.

The competition part of the sport is one facet; then there's a practical application. A field hunter relies on certain skills to bag game. Bird hunting requires quick reflexes, a clear line of sight to the target and the ability to track and lead the bird when taking the shot. Competitive shotgun shooting, like trap shooting, provides the hunter with the perfect practice during the off-season.

Since the Sacramento Trap Club at Haggin Oaks Golf Course closed in 2006, shooters have had to travel farther to practice. Two ranges that have increased in popularity are the Auburn Trap Club off Highway 49 near Auburn and Coon Creek in Lincoln. The Auburn Trap Club provides trap and five-stand sporting clays. Coon Creek provides trap, skeet, sporting clays and Olympic-style trap.

Here's a primer on shotgun shooting:

• In trap singles, there are five stations in a semicircle. At each station, the shooter is required to fire at five separate clay pigeons, for a total of 25. Trap clay pigeons launch randomly out of the trap house at angles from the shooter's station. Each station is 16 to 27 yards from the house, depending on the shooter's skill level. Doubles launches two clay pigeons, and two shots are required.

• Skeet shooting uses two houses, one on each end of the similar semicircle, but the clay pigeons are launched across the shooter's line of sight. Single and double clay pigeons are targeted in skeet. As a shooter's skill increases, the gauge (barrel diameter) of the gun decreases.

• Sporting clays give the hunter the best field experience. Each station shoots a combination of clay pigeons that can be launched out of trap houses that surround the shooter. Targets can be thrown overhead, from any side, straight at the shooter or even rolled on the ground.

While the shooter can use any field shotgun to shoot trap, advances in shotguns have given firearms makers the ability to make beautiful works of art that can be completely customized. Field guns cost $300 to $2,000. Shotguns customized for trap range from $1,500 to $15,000 – because of adjustments in the stock, trigger and almost anything else to make the shooter more comfortable.

Most popular for trap is the over-and-under (two-barrel) 12-gauge. The double-barrel gun allows for doubles and sporting-clay shooting, and each barrel can have its own choke to tighten the pattern of shot. Other equipment: trap ammo; hearing and eye protection; and a vest or belt pouch that can hold 25 shells. The Auburn Trap Club can loan you a shotgun, pouch and eye protection.

Popular with families, competitive shotgun shooting allows parents to teach the hunting tradition in a safe environment. Gun handling and safety are paramount in any hunting activity, and trap shooting reinforces those safety routines. Both ranges have at least one range master who can introduce you to trap and go over the rules and etiquette of the range.