Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1538420
PullUSA: How'd you first get involved in clay target shooting? Turner Thompson: I had always been into shotgun and bird hunting, and so when my dad heard our high school had a clay target league, he had to get me involved. I was not very good when I start- ed—my first round ever I broke 5/50 clays. But I kept working and working and by the time I was a freshman, I was averaging 23/25 clays. Now as a senior over the last couple years, I have wanted to perfect my shooting, averaging anywhere from 24-25/25. Trap shooting is a fun way to show my love and passion for shotguns. PullUSA: Any pre-competition rituals? Thompson: There is definitely a little pressure when I walk out onto the line, but I'm pretty good at keeping my cool and just having fun. Before my team walks out we joke around with each other to get our minds off of shooting. We all know we are capable of doing well. It's just keeping our nerves under control that matters. This can consist of showing each other funny TikToks, Instagram reels, or funny videos. PullUSA: What accomplishments are you most proud? Thompson: My proudest accomplish- ments are winning the Individual High Overall award at the State Tournament in 2023; our team winning the State Tournament in 2023 and 2025; and being a part of the first South Dakota team to win the trap portion of shooting sports at 4-H Nationals. PullUSA: Would you like to give a shoutout to anyone? Thompson: I would just like to thank my coaches, Stephan Wright and Tom Mahan, for all the help to become as successful as I have over the years. I would also like to thank my teammates and parents—we do not get most of the awards we do without all of us! Each issue of PullUSA features different high school clay target athletes exhibiting exceptional character and passion for the sport and their communities. ✪ 12 PULLUSA MAGAZINE SUMMER 2025 THE LEAD ON T HE L INE 18 T homp son helped lead the T iger s to 1s t plac e f inishes a t the 2023 and 2025 Sta te Tour nam en t s. AG E FU N FAC T S TURNER THOMPSON ❚❙❘ SENIOR | GROTON AREA HIGH SCHOOL | GROTON, SD ❘❙❚ 2025 HAS BEEN A BIG YEAR FOR TURNER THOMPSON. The graduating senior had the High Overall Spring Trap Season Average for the South Dakota State High School Clay Target League, and followed it up by tying for second at the 1 A State Tournament in June. THOMPSON IS AMASSING A TROVE OF LEAGUE PATCHES FOR HIS PROWESS ON THE LINE.