First journal entry...on January 17, 1947, a group of men interested in trap shooting met at the Modern Barber Shop and organized a club to be known as the Hamilton Gun Club. The purpose of this club is to promote trap and skeet shooting among the residents of Ravalli County. It is to be a non profit organization and any profits that might occur to be used for the purpose of improving the club grounds and buildings.
With Mr. E.A. McDonald acting as temporary chairman, the following officers were elected for one year terms with the exception of Field Captain who is to be appointed by the president:
- C.A. Galloway – President
- H.M. Birrer – Vice President
- Lawrence Humble – Secretary/Treasurer
- Joe Birrer & Robert Haight –Directors
- Joe Birrer – Appointed Field Captain
Members voted that day to make the membership fee $5 for the first year and $2.00 per year thereafter. Any member giving more than $5 would be reimbursed by money taken in at shoots held at the club. Enough money was raised at the first meeting for the group to order a trap and buy some targets. The ground site was discussed and everyone voted to install the trap on the "Rogers" ground. A small house on the grounds would be rented for $10 per month to serve as the club house. All the members agreed to meet on February 9th to lay out the grounds and begin work on the club.
After ten years located at the "Rogers" place, the membership voted to seek out a new location for the club and at the January 1957 meeting it was decided to contact the county commissioners to ask if a location by the airport would be possible. By the January 1958 membership meeting the members had secured the airport location with the commissioners without a lease or charge. In August of 1958 the club was officially incorporated and the move to the club`s present location took shape.
With the untiring efforts of the club`s volunteers Hamilton Gun Club evolved....each and every year since, the club has grown stronger and became a wonderful community asset. In 2001, in order to avoid confusion with the local rifle range, the club unofficially took on the name of Hamilton Trap Club. To add to the shooting experience, in 2005, the club added a beautiful Five-Stand range. To this day the club is operated with volunteers and strives to provide the best shooting experience in Montana.
We hope that you will enjoy Hamilton Trap Club....bring your family & friends and experience a sport for life!