Mississippi's organized trap shooting history begins over 100 years ago.  , The first Mississippi State Shoot was held in 1914.  It has continued annually since that time,  except for   the Word War II years. This 100 year plus history makes the Mississippi State Shoot one of the oldest state trap shoots in the nation. To aid in  understanding the longevity of our trap heritage, a few facts about this  Mississippi’s early history will be helpful. In 1540, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto founded the first settlement of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The initial Spanish presence was short lived, and the first permanent settlements were made by the French in 1716 in both Ocean Springs and Natchez. A century later, on December 10, 1817, Mississippi became the 20th state to join the United States. Then, after the passing of another century, the Mississippi Trap Shooting Association, as we now know it, began in 1914. Throughout its long history, the MTA's purpose has been to promote and to sponsor trap shoots. Probably, the fist shoots involved live birds, then glass balls and finally the clay targets known to us today. During  its storied history, the annual Mississippi Trap Shooting Championship has been held at many different gun clubs around the state.  Locations ranged from the very North end to the very South end of our state. The MTA (Mississippi trapshooting Association) strives to make everyone feel welcome and at home on the trap fields in this state.  If there is anything, we can do for you, please contact us!