TURTLE LAKE H.S. | TURTLE LAKE, WI
THE TRAP SHOOTING PROGRAM AT TURTLE LAKE HIGH SCHOOL MIGHT NOT EXIST—or at least would have been delayed—without Travis Henck, an outdoor enthusiast and hunter who inquired about starting a team after a run-in with a Wisconsin State High School Clay Target League representative a few years ago. Henck has been a force in the sport, earning top honors in state competition. Now a senior, he spoke with us about the development of his high school team and why the sport is important to him.
PullUSA: How did you get involved in shooting sports and why?
Travis Henck: I have been brought up in a family where knowing how to shoot was a skill learned at a very young age. By the age of 3, I was shooting my toy compound bow next to my dad. It progressed to my pumpup BB gun and has continually progressed to my shotgun and rifles. I started shooting at the local sportsman’s club because they offered free shooting for youth during their summer league. I found that I really enjoyed it and was pretty good at it.
PullUSA: Why did you join your state’s High School Clay Target League?
Henck: All during my elementary and middle school years, I participated in baseball, basketball and even youth football, but I realized that I just didn’t feel like I fit in, or that they were my thing. My dad and I were at Game Fair in Anoka, Minnesota, and talked with the League representative there. I told my dad that I thought it would be cool if our school could ever get a “cool” sport like trap shooting. That began the whole thing.
PullUSA: What do you like most about being a team member or athlete in the League?
Henck: This sport offers me the opportunity to shine with my own skills and abilities, as well as being a leader and helping even the middle school members become a great part of our small team. I also get to compete against other great shooters throughout the state, and have made some good friends through the League.
PullUSA: What activities have you taken part in outside of the League?
Henck: I love to shoot my bow, hunt geese, archery hunt for whitetails, as well as get a little fishing in. I am a member of our youth group at church and enjoy hanging out with my friends and playing a little lunch-hour basketball as well.
PullUSA: What are your plans after high school?
Henck: I plan to attend a local technical college in the field of welding, then maintain a good job in the area, while using my free time to continue to shoot and enjoy all my hobbies.