Things you can and can’t do when clayshooting after lockdown

So what does clayshooting look like now that several clay grounds have reopened?

The Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA) has published guidelines and comments: “Clay Shooting can now return. We will all get to enjoy our sport, our friendships, our rivalries, and experience all the highs and lows that come as part and parcel of our wonderful sport. ‘Shoot Safe, Stay Safe’ is the message.”

Many clubs may have differing clayshooting coronavirus guidelines with rules and restrictions in place so make sure you familiarise yourself with those.

It is also worth updating yourself with the information from the government on the coronavirus – click here for more information.

Only two people can go shooting together at one time

Clayshooting coronavirus guidelines

Things you can do on the clay ground

• You can go clayshooting by yourself, with people in your household or one other person from outside of your household. You must practise social distancing whilst doing so.
• CPSA guidance says you can only shoot with one other person at any time.
• You must pre-book your shooting times. Arrive shortly before your time slot and then leave the course or club immediately.
• Put your boots/coats and equipment on in the car park because cloakrooms and clubrooms will be shut. Some grounds will have toilet facilities.
• Remind everyone to maintain distance between each other, at least 2 meters (about 3 steps) where possible (no looking over the shoulder of other shooters etc).
• Bring your own food and drink as catering facilities at grounds are advised to remain closed.
• Buy any cartridges you need in advance from your club. These can then be delivered to your car or stand as click and collect.

You can go clayshooting on your own, with a member of your household or with one other socially distanced person.

Things You Can’t Do

• You cannot look over the shoulder of other shooters to advise or teach or comment.
• You cannot go clayshooting if you have any Covid-19 symptoms.
• If you are playing with someone from outside of your household, you cannot shake hands or greet them in any way that involves touching.
• You cannot gather around the clubhouse area or stands.
• You cannot use benches or seats dotted around the shooting ground
• Many grounds will only allow shotgun certificate holders permission to use the shooting ground. Bring your shotgun certificate with you.
• In most cases you cannot go into the locker room, clubhouse or  shop. Different grounds will have different restrictions here check with the club
• You cannot congregate with other shooters.
• You must not touch or pick up any stray cartridge cases that are not yours.
• You cannot advance to the next stand until the group in front has left it.
• You cannot borrow guns, ear defenders or shooting glasses. You will need to bring your 0wn.
• Don’t expect to be able to pay by cash. CPSA advice is to pay by card.
• Many shooting grounds will insist that you have shooting insurance so bring proof along.
• You cannot play in competitions at the moment. CPSA advice says: “It is recommended that non-competition shooting only takes place during the initial period of shooting resuming.”

Once again it is advisable to check with your shooting ground to see what restrictions and rules it has in place before shooting so you are prepared.

Remember, the rules are there for a reason. Enjoy your clayshooting!