Trapshooter Carey Garrison is a four-time Junior Olympic Champion, holds an International Distinguished Badge and was an alternate on the U.S. Trap Team that competed at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games in France last summer. Read on to learn what this talented trapshooter keeps in her range bag.
What are your first memories of handling a firearm?
I began hunting and rifle shooting when I was five years old. My family owns one of the oldest and largest hunting lodges in the southeastern part of the country—Caryonah Hunting Lodge in Crossville, Tennessee. We just celebrated 75 years. Because I grew up in that culture, hunting and shooting was a shared passion for my family and soon became mine. I started competitive shotgun shooting at only nine years old, with a 12-gauge Remington Model 1100 borrowed from my older cousin. We grew up hunting and doing everything together.
Tell us how you began in competitive shooting.
I started when I was nine years old with a local county team, mostly because I had two older cousins who competed and loved it. While I was growing up, I did every sport I possibly could. So, when I decided to try shooting, I was thrilled for a new challenge and a sport unlike no other.
I became successful, winning my first National Championship when I was 10. The following year, I started looking for something a little more challenging, and that’s when I found Olympic-style shotgun shooting.
My competition journey with USA Shooting began with shooting matches when I was 11. By the time I was 12, I was the youngest person in history to make a USA Shooting Team. I continued on to become the youngest person to compete in a World Championship. It has been the biggest blessing to start and grow in this sport—especially with the community of people in the competition shooting world. I’m grateful for their support.
What firearms and other gear do you use for competition?
I use a Krieghoff K-80 Parcours; I have had it since I was 11 and can’t say enough good things about it. It has everything you could want in a shotgun.
Tell us about your range bag and what you carry in it besides your firearms.
For a range bag, I carry a Calpack backpack that’s perfect for holding all my range supplies. Plus, it’s great for travel.
I always keep some extra snacks and Liquid IV in my bag. Additionally, I’m a big notecard person, so I always have something to take notes and keep important quotes or reminders.
As for my favorite thing on my firearm, that would have to be my stickers from every country I have traveled to. We are required to get an equipment safety check at every overseas competition, so all the stickers that people accumulate, in a way, become someone’s story of the journey all around the world they have traveled.
What do you do in your free time?
I love spending time with my family and friends or doing Bible studies. I attend Tennessee Technological University in in Cookeville, Tennessee, and am in a sorority there. When not shooting, I can most likely be found at school playing intramural sports for fun with my sorority.
What would you tell someone interested in finding out more about your sport?
I would encourage people to seek out their local shooting teams. It’s the best way to get involved and learn more about the sport. However, if you’re interested in diving into the Olympic shooting game, visit the USA Shooting website (usashooting.org) for more information about events and general information. In addition, be sure to visit the Coming Events section of Shooting Sports USA.
Any tips for the new shooter?
My best advice—which I needed to hear when I was younger—is that it’s okay to make mistakes. Growth cannot happen without a little struggle. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes in competition shooting.
Follow Carey Garrison on Instagram: carey.garrison
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