Clay grounds in England get the green light
It's good news for clayshooters as grounds get permission to reopen
Clayshooting grounds can now reopen in a phased return
The Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA) has announced that clay grounds in England can reopen in a phased return.
Please see here for the CPSA's announcement that we have received the necessary assurances to recommend that clay shooting in England can begin again: https://t.co/HUscjJLG5e pic.twitter.com/Vtc6v1mJBt
— CPSA (@CPSAuk) May 14, 2020
Iain Parker, CEO, has declared that the CPSA has now received governmental confirmation to recommend the re-opening of clayshooting grounds.
He explains: “Over the past 48 hours we have been working with the government, police and other bodies to get the confirmation we needed under the latest government guidance that it is possible to start shooting recreationally again within England.
“Therefore, as the National Governing Body for the Sport of Clay Target Shooting in England, we are now satisfied that we can start a phased return to clay shooting with initially pay & play/practice and a return to competitive registered shoots in time.
“Shooting grounds can re-open when they are ready and our members are now able to participate and enjoy the sport of clay target shooting recreationally while all following strict CV19 safety protocols and guidance.
“Importantly, we have now also had confirmation from our insurers that our members are fully insured after considering the new guidance to get out and enjoy their sport again.
“We have already issued comprehensive guidance to grounds to assist with their planning to implement the strict social distancing and safety measures to protect their staff, the shooters and our sport.”
The CPSA has published Shoot Safe, Stay Safe online guidance which you can view here.
Grounds reopen
Shooting grounds were quick to celebrate the news and announce reopening dates.
Woohoo; @eriswell_lodge are open as of next week 🥳👍🏻 #Clayshootinng #Suffolk pic.twitter.com/q6Mf3KXnJP
— Paws 🐾 (@Clays2Game_Lady) May 14, 2020
Great to see Shooting Grounds either open or planning to open in the near future! 💪
So many have gone to great lengths to ensure safe shooting at their sites through social distancing and appropriate hygiene measures. Perfect time to get out and break some clays #clayshooting pic.twitter.com/zZQZ5o0A6d— Promatic Traps (@promaticltd) May 14, 2020
We are delighted to announce that Wedgnock Clay Pigeon Shooting will re-open on Monday 18th May 2020!
See https://t.co/TyjXnkxAL5 for full details and requirements. pic.twitter.com/E0fzXuGnFt— Adventure Sports (@AdSportsWarwick) May 14, 2020
https://twitter.com/MCS_Millride/status/1260989416337805313
Government
Ian Parker, CEO of the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA) had put forward proposals on clayshooting during lockdown to the government, pointing out that clay target shooting is an outdoor sport, in generally remote self-contained locations where the current social distancing guidance can be followed. The CPSA discussed ideas with grounds and shooters on ideas that could be implemented, with Richard Faulds and George Digweed both giving their input.
The CPSA pointed out that shooting grounds and gun shops are private businesses and that the CPSA has no control over whether they reopen or not but Shooting UK will keep readers informed as the situation develops.
