Ian Hume, a member of Scotland’s Clay Shooting Team, shares his advice for those who are interested in getting started in clay shooting. His recommendations include how to get started, what to wear and how to ensure you are protected.
If you’re interested in trying clay shooting, the best place to begin is at a local clay shooting ground or club. Most shooting grounds welcome beginners and often offer “have-a-go” sessions or lessons with qualified instructors.
Many clubs provide everything you need for your first visit, including a shotgun, cartridges, ear protection and safety glasses, so you can try the sport before investing in your own kit.
You can find clay grounds across the UK through shooting associations or countryside magazines, which frequently list open shoots and beginner sessions.
What to Wear for Clay Shooting
Choosing the right clothing for clay shooting is important for both comfort and safety. The British weather can change quickly, so dressing in practical layers is always a good idea.
Waterproof Clothing
A good waterproof jacket and trousers are essential on the clay ground. Even on dry days, shooting often takes place in exposed countryside where wind and damp conditions are common.
Look for clothing that is:
- Waterproof and windproof
- Breathable for comfort during long sessions
- Flexible for unrestricted movement
Staying dry and comfortable allows you to focus on the target rather than the weather.
Shooting Gloves
A pair of shooting gloves can make a big difference when shooting throughout the year.
Benefits of shooting gloves include:
- Improved grip on the shotgun
- Warm hands during cold winter shoots
- Better control when hands become sweaty in warmer weather
Many shooting gloves feature a trigger finger design, allowing for precise control while maintaining warmth and grip.
Clay Shooting Equipment
When starting out, you don’t need to buy everything straight away, but there are a few pieces of clay shooting safety equipment that are vital.
Safety Glasses
Shooting glasses are compulsory at most clay grounds. They protect your eyes from fragments of broken clay targets or stray debris.
Quality shooting glasses also improve visibility in different lighting conditions, helping you track targets more clearly.
Hearing Protection
Shotguns produce loud noise levels, so ear protection is essential for protecting your hearing.
Popular options include:
- Electronic ear defenders – allow you to hear instructions while blocking harmful noise
- Custom moulded ear plugs – comfortable and secure for all-day shooting
Protecting your hearing is crucial, as long-term damage can affect both hearing and balance.
Cartridges
Finding the right cartridge is tricky, but once you find a good match for your sport and for the choke system on the gun, stick with it! Otherwise you’ll be trialing cartridges forever as there are thousands on the market. For skeet shooting I’d recommend a number 9.
The Gun
If you are serious about the sport and want to enjoy it as a hobby then get the gun fitted to you. In the long run you’ll save money as inevitably you’ll end up trying out different guns.
A well-fitted shotgun will:
- Improve comfort and control
- Help your shooting accuracy
- Reduce fatigue during long sessions
While it can be tempting to try lots of different guns, having one properly fitted from the start will usually save money and frustration in the long run.
Why Clay Shooting Is a Great Sport to Start
Clay pigeon shooting is a brilliant entry point into the shooting world. It’s widely available, welcoming to beginners, and provides a safe way to learn shotgun skills before moving into other forms of shooting such as game shooting.
With the right guidance, practical clothing and a bit of patience, most people quickly find themselves breaking clays and enjoying the challenge of the sport.