About the Association

The Big Sky Trapshooting Association (BSTA) is a non-profit organization and the official Montana state association for the Pacific International Trapshooting Association (PITA). BSTA promotes PITA registered trapshooting throughout Montana, organizes the annual Montana State Shoot, supports affiliated clubs, and works to grow the sport through competition, education, and community involvement.

How do PITA and ATA targets work with each other?

PITA and ATA both offer registered trapshooting, but they operate as separate organizations with their own rulebooks and championships. Montana clubs often host shoots for one or both organizations, and through an agreement between PITA and ATA, your recorded targets can be considered for classification and handicap purposes in either organization.

How are PITA shoots different from ATA shoots?

The PITA and ATA have an agreement in place to look at the recorded targets from both organizations when deciding shooter classifications or handicap ranges. Any punch you earn here will carry over to ATA shoots, and vice versa.

Whether you are a seasoned competitor or new to the sport, everyone is welcome to join us and take part in the fun.

How much does an event normally cost?

Entry fees for registered shoots are generally comparable to ATA events and are typically charged per 100 targets. Optional purses, Lewis classes, and calcuttas vary by club and are not included in the base entry fee.

How do I get started with PITA registered trapshooting?

Getting started is easy. Choose a registered shoot from the BSTA Shoot Calendar, attend the event, and let the club know it’s your first registered shoot. Experienced shooters and club staff are always happy to answer questions and help you through the registration process.

To compete in PITA registered competition, you’ll need to become a member of the PITA. New shooters can often save on their first year’s membership through special promotions, including half-price or complimentary memberships offered at major events such as the Montana State Shoot and the Fall Classic.

Click Here to join or renew: shootpita.com/renew-join-now/

Does BSTA charge membership dues?

No. The Big Sky Trapshooting Association (BSTA) does not charge annual membership dues. Instead, BSTA is funded through a small per-target fee collected at registered shoots in Montana. Those fees help support the Montana State Shoot, promote registered trapshooting, maintain resources for shooters, and support affiliated clubs throughout the state.

What else does the BSTA do?

In addition to its role as Montana’s state association for PITA, the BSTA maintains the Montana / Pacific Northwest Shoot Calendar, preserves the history of trapshooting in Montana, publishes news and updates, and provides resources to help shooters stay informed throughout the season.

We also organize fun, welcoming shooting events that are easy for anyone to enjoy. These include unique shoots such as Skrap, where trap targets are shot from skeet field positions, along with other events designed to encourage participation, introduce new shooters to the sport, and strengthen Montana’s trapshooting community.

Who’s taking all the photos, and where can I find them?

One of our board members, Dorian Boling, is our photographer. All of the photos she takes can be found on our Facebook page, where you are free to use them. Any requests involving them can be directed to Dorian.