What is Clay Pigeon Shooting?

Clay pigeon shooting is the sport of breaking flying targets using a shotgun. There are many forms of clay shooting including Olympic Double Trap, Skeet and DTL but probably the most popular targets are based on English or FITASC Sporting clays where targets can be thrown in all directions up to 40 yards from the shooter's position, leaving a trap at somewhere around 80mph.

Clay pigeons are made of limestone and pitch and come in different sizes and colours; flash clays contain the coloured powder that you'll see if you watch a competition on the TV and there are now spectacular explosive targets! Different designs of shotgun are available with the 12 bore 'Over and Under' being the favourite for clay shooting.

About me

I started shooting as soon as I could hold a Gat, then went through airguns to a garden gun, .410 and ultimately the 12 bore that I favour now with clays now being the most important part of my shooting. My first experience of clay shooting came when a friend organised a laser clay shooting evening in her back garden when it was a relatively new game; I was able to use a converted shotgun fairly well and the clay bug bit. There followed an introduction to shooting 'proper' clays with my side-by-side and within a fortnight I'd traded it in for an over and under. Ever since then I've shot regularly, as well as taking a gun whenever I go away for a few nights - my holidays are usually arranged to be within striking distance of gun clubs I want to visit!

A vast amount of my enjoyment of the sport has been derived from setting up targets for others and watching them try to break as many as they can; I've got a good idea of what people want to shoot at and what clays to lay on, according to their abilities. All my practical knowledge has been gained through hands-on experience organising clay shooting for others - whatever people want, I've probably setup and shot my own version. I shoot an average of 70-75% and have scored 85's for fun - what I do is regular social shooting, I don't take part in dedicated competition events, nor do scores matter too much to me. All I want to do is to bring people into the shooting sports; to help them find and enjoy for themselves the thrill and excitement that I derive from my shooting.

Shooting with me.

I can bring my shooting knowledge and equipment to your homes - I'll show you how to experience the thrill that is clay shooting in the comfort of your own surroundings. I will supply everything you need to to break clays whether you're a complete novice on your own or you're entertaining your guests at a private party; my events are social occasions for everyone where I can introduce my sport to complete beginners or show competitive targets for experienced guns in a safe, friendly and educational environment.

During our time together I can give advice about anything to do with clay shooting including tips and techniques for breaking clays, buying equipment and where to shoot. Beginners and novices will receive one to one guidance in how to use a gun safely, while experienced guns will shoot from safe stands on their own.

To make your shoot a day to remember I can bring an assortment of guns for you to use, probably including a side by side, over and under and a semi-automatic. We'll be using low recoil cartridges but you will also have the chance to use some heavier competition cartridges; we might even pick out someone to do the low recoil/black powder demonstration with it's impressive smoke and noise! For a little light entertainment I can throw a few different sized and coloured clays, if it's a birthday party there might be an incredible exploding cabbage!

For years I have invited others to try hitting clays with me - most of those have become gone on to be firm friends and regular shooters, there are very few who didn't go on to shoot something afterwards. I can show you how to enter a sport which will entertain you for the rest of your life; shooting is as much a social occasion as it is a competitive sport - it brings together people from 9 to 90, all sharing my passion and probably yours too!

Terms & Conditions.

The venue of your choice must be suitable for Clay Pigeon Shooting. That means there must be a clear area for clays and lead shot to fall of at least 275metres and I'll need the landowner(s) to sign a form to give permission for shooting to take place. Your ground must be within a reasonable distance of Framlingham and I can have a look at it free of charge before booking if you are unsure of its suitability for clay shooting.

Non-certificate holders may shoot at your venue under Section 11(5) of the Firearms Act 1968 if they use a gun belonging to the occupier of the land and the occupier is present.
Section 11(5) of the Firearms Act 1968 allows an individual, without holding a shot gun certificate, to borrow a shot gun from the occupier of private premises and use it on those premises in the occupier's presence

Non-certificate holders may shoot at your venue without the occupier being present, providing the local Police firearms department has granted an exemption under Section 11(6) of the Firearms Act 1968. Your local Firearms Officer will visit the proposed shooting ground to access the suitability of the land for clay shooting. Advice can be given to help you with this procedure if required.
Section 11(6) of the Firearms Act 1968 states: “A person may, without holding a shotgun certificate, use a shotgun at a time and place approved for shooting at artificial targets by the chief officer of police for the area in which that place is situated.”

Anyone who wishes to shoot and does not hold a shotgun certificate will be asked to sign a declaration to say they are not prohibited from handling a firearm under Section 21 of the Firearms Act 1968.
Section 21 of the Firearms Act of 1968 states: Any person who has served a prison sentence or youth custody for a period of more than three months but less than three years is subject to a five year prohibition from having a firearm or ammunition in his possession. A person who has served a prison sentence or youth custody for a period in excess of three years is prohibited for life.

No alcohol will be consumed before or during the shooting event; anyone thought to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be prevented from taking part in the event. All shooters will be asked to sign a declaration that they are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The Safety Officer at your event will have full authority over all the shooting; participants and spectators must comply with any requests, orders or instructions given by the Safety Officer or anyone he employs on the shooting ground.

The full payment including any extras used at the event is payable on the date of the event. Beyond a reasonable distance of Framlingham, a mileage charge may be added as agreed with you, the customer, at the time of your booking.

Reasonable care will be taken whilst carrying out the booked event but liability for any loss, injury or damage to clients, guests or their property howsoever caused will not be accepted by the suppliers of your mobile clay shooting event.

In signing the Entry Book, all participants are deemed to have accepted all terms and conditions as listed above.

Notes.

All shooters and spectators are strongly advised to have their own ear, eye and head protection in case of clay shards, noise and shot fallout. Familiar Personal Protective Equipment is better than borrowed equipment.

Shooters are advised to bring a comfortable jumper or jacket to provide them with familiar, protective clothing to use as padding between the gun and shoulder.

Clay shooting takes place in all weathers. All shooters and spectators are strongly advised to have waterproof clothes or coats and footwear.

The basic package above and any bespoke layouts will use anything between a minimum of one trap/one safety enclosure and a maximum of 4 traps/3 safety enclosures to provide your clay shooting event. The number of stands and/or traps will depend on your chosen venue and its suitability.

Signs and notices are placed around the shooting ground for a reason, primarily for the general welfare and safety of everyone. Anyone found to be disregarding any of the signs and notices may be asked to leave the ground.

Any guns supplied for use are legally held and in proof. All guns used to participate in any of the packages must be legally held and in proof.

It is strongly advised that as a matter of routine all certificated shooters should have their own insurance through membership of organisations, for example, the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association, Countryside Allince or the British Association for Shooting and Conservation.

Low recoil/low noise cartridges will be available for use by non-shooters unfamiliar with a shotgun; standard load competition cartridges will also be available. All cartridges provided by us for your event will contain bio-degradeable fibre or felt wads rather than plastic.

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