Clay Shooting FAQs

Whether it’s your first time clay shooting or your first time shooting with Clay Shooting Deal, here are some answers to some clay shooting FAQs that may help you before your session. 

What do I need to bring? 

Yourself! Clay Shooting Deal will provide you with everything you need for the session. 

What should I wear? 

There is no set dress code but do bear in mind it is an outdoor sport so dress for the weather! It can get muddy too so don’t wear your best shoes or your sandals/flip flops, a boot or a trainer is ideal. 

We’d recommend bringing a cap to wear, wearing one can deflect any small fragments of clay that may fall in your direction when broken. 

Avoid wearing anything that may get in the way of mounting the gun properly on your shoulder and face, e.g. scarfs, large hoods, dangling jewellry or a bag. 

How long will the session last? 

This depends on what you book. As a guide, there will be a 15 minute safety briefing plus fitting you with the correct gun and equipment for the shoot. 

A have-a-go session will take approximately 1 hour for one person (longer for 2,3 or 4 people) 

Lessons are approximately 2 hours. They are more in-depth covering shotgun parts and gun fit.  

What is the difference between Skeet and Sporting? 

Skeet has two targets, one that is released left-to-right and the other released right-to-left. When the shooter calls ‘pull’, the targets will be released in a sequence. The shooter works around a semi-circle which changes the position of the target. This is a great exercise for learning and practising the sport – you’ll be surprised how much difference a few feet can make! 

Sporting is a series of stands with different targets that mimic different types of shot including ‘over head’, quartering and much more. Sporting has a great variety of targets and can be a lot of fun. 

Will shooting hurt? 

Like anything, there are risks! Kickback is unavoidable but SHOULD NOT HURT. This is why we will spend time teaching you how to mount a gun correctly as this will reduce the chances of discomfort. 

How many targets will I get to shoot? 

This will depend on many factors including how confident and comfortable you are feeling during the session but in a have-a-go session you can expect to shoot at 25 targets, in a lesson you can expect to shoot 50 plus depending on the skills we decide to work on in the session. 

Is there anything I can do to prepare for my first session? 

You do not need to do anything in advance of your first session but if you’d like some more information you can read our guide on What to Expect on Your First Clay Shoot.