How to Make Clay Shooting a Safe and Fun Outdoor Activity?

Clay shooting is a fun and exciting outdoor activity that can be enjoyed by groups of all sizes. It is an ideal activity for hen parties or any other type of group event. As it's relatively easy to learn the basics and offers plenty of opportunities for competitive play. Often, you will find people from different age groups and professional backgrounds participating in clay shooting in the Cotswolds. It is a safe sport for everyone if you don’t ignore proper safety precautions wherever applicable. 

In this blog, we'll cover the basics of clay shooting safety. To get effective tips on how to make your next clay shooting event safe and enjoyable for everyone, keep reading.

What You Need To Know About Clay Shooting Safety?

The most important part of clay shooting is understanding the basics of gun safety. You should always wear hearing protection when shooting, as well as eye protection to avoid accidents. So, go with goggles or glasses with side shields to remain safe under all circumstances. 

It's also important to keep the barrel pointed in a safe direction at all times, away from people and animals. When loading or unloading your gun, make sure that the muzzle never points at another person. This helps to minimise potential risks whether or not the gun is loaded. 

You should also be aware that guns can malfunction at times. So, if your gun does not fire when you pull the trigger, always point it towards a safe direction. If you don’t have any clue about the gun defect, have someone else look at it. 

Never try to handle the situation yourself if you notice a jammed round and do not have adequate expertise. If you are unfamiliar with guns, considering a beginner’s class before any live clay shooting exercises can be beneficial. 

Tips For Making Clay Shooting an Enjoyable Experience 

Safety should always be your first priority when participating in any kind of outdoor sporting event including clay shooting. Still, there are certain things to ensure that everyone has a fun time while they’re participating: 

• Set up designated zones where shooters may safely stand while firing their guns. This assures you are not straying too far away from the targets and reduces distractions during the games. 

• Have each shooter rotate positions around the target area after each round. Practising this provides everyone with an equal opportunity to practice their skills from different angles and prevent overuse injuries. 

• Provide enough ammunition so that each shooter can stay focused on their own target. It eliminates the necessity of worrying about running out of shells during their turn in clay pigeon shooting. 

• Beginners should start off with smaller shotguns until they become more comfortable with handling larger ones. This will help reduce arm fatigue caused by recoil and ensure that everyone stays safe even after extended use. 

• Make sure all participants know how to properly care for their firearms before beginning any live-fire exercises. Provide adequate breaks between rounds so shooters can rest their bodies after long periods of practice. 

What to Wear or How to Prepare for Outdoor Activities or Shooting?

Clay shooting is an exciting and challenging outdoor sport that requires the right equipment, skill, and concentration. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced shooter, the right clothing can make all the difference in your shooting performance. Clay shooting isn’t just about holding the gun and taking your aim correctly.  You also need to be well-dressed for the job. 

Ideal Clothes

Layering your clothing allows you to adjust quickly as the temperature or weather conditions change. Start with a base layer that is lightweight but, close-fitting to help keep you warm on cool days. 

On top of this, add a mid-layer such as a fleece jacket or vest. It helps to retain body heat during cold days and is easily removable. Besides, adding an outer layer such as a waterproof jacket protects you from wind and rain. 

When selecting fabrics for your clay shooting apparel, choose materials that are comfortable against your skin.  Pick something like cotton, synthetic blends or wool that allows air to pass through easily. 

Avoid fabric such as denim, which won’t move moisture away from your body. Instead, breathable fabrics allow sweat to evaporate quickly and keep you cool when hot weather shoots. 

Right Eyewear and Footwear

In addition, clay shooters should always wear safety glasses or sunglasses that provide complete coverage of their eyes from sunlight and debris. Moreover, protect your ears with over-the-ear protectors or ear muffs depending on personal preference. 

Footwear should also be comfortable yet supportive. According to many clay shooting specialists, ankle boots are ideal because they provide support without being too constricting. 

Wrap Up

Clay shooting is an incredibly fun way to spend time outdoors with friends and family. Still, it must be done with caution if everyone wants to stay safe throughout the process. Make sure anyone involved understands basic safety protocol prior to actual shooting sessions. Remember the advice on dresses and footwear covered above for making the most out of clay shooting in the Cotswolds.