The Shooter’s Friend

Working long hours at the woodworks, William realized he needed a hobby, so he decided to take up trapshooting in 1965. This was the start of a long and illustrious pastime, filled with a wealth of new friends, and a plethora of memorable events.

Bill Hunter was known as “The Shooter’s Friend.” Over the years he gave away over 1000 A.T.A. life memberships, and furnished clubs across North America with trophies. Many shooters vied to win a coveted Bill Hunter belt buckle, money clip, or necklace. He was instrumental in the outfitting and refurbishment of many Trap Clubs, including Redlands, El Paso, and Stockdale Gun Club in Ackley, Iowa.

William was honored when Larry Scott, one of his oldest shooting friends, inducted him into the California State Hall of Fame in 1994. He retired from Hunter Woodworks in 1993, but remained active in the business until the company was shut down in 2013.

He purchased the first of several motor homes, and hired his dear shooter friend, Albert Yapelli, to drive he and Ruthie to trap shoots around the country. Wonderful times were had, and some of William’s favorites were spent at El Paso Gun Club shooting with Earl Scripture.

In 1996, he was inducted into the A.T.A. (Amateur Trapshooting Association) National Hall of Fame in Vandalia, Ohio. Ruthie, his children, and his grandchildren were there to celebrate this great honor.

In light of his overwhelming support of the sport, his friend J.R. Long made it his mission to have William Hunter recognized across North America. Bill was either inducted into or honorably mentioned into the Halls of Fame in every state in the union, as well as five provinces in Canada.