By Staff
Jason Cannon
What only a few months ago was about 3 acres of land in Belgreen is now a trap shooting range, bustling with activity.
Two months ago, Wade Willingham, with a little prodding from James King, opened Cedar Hill Trap Range after a similar range in Burnout closed.
The range, which is open to the public and shooters of all ages, is primarily a training ground for local youth who want to hone their skills blasting orange clay disks out of the sky.
The facility currently has two Amateur Trap Shooting Association (ATA) certified coaches, King and Don Ross.
"The range is open to anybody, but our goal is to give these kids something to do," Willingham said. "Something that's safe and something that will keep them off the streets."
Local ATA shooters also can compete at sanctioned events, including The Grand America in Sparta, Ill.
"That's the World Series and the Super Bowl of trap shooting," Willingham said.
The range is open year round on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 9 p.m.
There is no membership cost to shoot, only a $4 fee for 25 shots.
"All we ask is that people bring their own shells," Willingham said. "The $4 just about covers the cost of the clays."
The range also serves as the principal practice site for Franklin County's ATA junior shooting team. They are actively seeking interested shooters from elementary, middle and high school ages.
Interested parties can stop by the range anytime to shoot and register a score.
For more information, visit Cedar Hill Trap Range's website at cedarhilltraprange.com.