Clay Shooting

What is Clay Shooting?

Clay shooting is the popular and growing sport of shooting flying clay targets with a shotgun.

It’s safe, exciting, challenging and fun. Hitting the target requires skill, timing and hand-eye coordination, but there’s nothing quite like that feeling when you pull the trigger and see the target explode into a million pieces!

You can enjoy clay shooting at any level, from local club shoots all the way through to national and international competitions and the Olympics.

Clay shooting is a great leveller – it’s a sport that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age and physical ability. Men, women and youngsters compete together on equal terms.

That makes it ideal as a family activity. Parents and youngsters can go shooting together, spending time outdoors, enjoying a shared challenge and bit of friendly rivalry.

You’ll find that clay shooting is a friendly and welcoming sport. Beginners are welcomed at shooting clubs up and down the country and you’ll get plenty of friendly advice and encouragement from the regulars.

There’s no elitism in clay shooting, we’re all in it together and newcomers are welcome. You could find yourself shooting alongside a complete beginner or an Olympic champion.

Is clay shooting the sport for you? There’s only one way to find out – give it a go!

How Can I Try Clay Shooting?

It couldn’t be easier to have a go at clay shooting and discover for yourself just how much fun it is!

You won’t need any special clothing or equipment. Just find a convenient clay ground that offers introductory lessons for beginners, call them up and book a session.

You can go alone, or it can be more fun and relaxing if you book with friends or a family member. Indeed, many people’s first experience of clay shooting is as a group, perhaps on a corporate event or a stag or hen do.

It needn’t be expensive; most grounds offer special introductory rates for beginners, with prices starting from as little as £25 including clays, cartridges, use of the gun and other equipment.

There are WCTSA certified grounds all over Wales, so there’s bound to be one nearby.

Most grounds have fully qualified instructors, so you’re in good hands. They will provide all the equipment you need, including the gun, cartridges, safety glasses and hearing protection. Just turn up in comfortable outdoor clothing and leave the rest to them.

You’ll find that safety is their No.1 priority and they are in control at all times. They will make sure you are fully protected and comfortable, so you can concentrate on hitting those clay targets!

The clays can be elusive at first, but with a bit of expert guidance from your instructor you’ll soon be hitting a few. That’s when you discover that the thrill of clay shooting can become quite addictive!

Once you’ve tried clay shooting we’re confident you’ll be keen for more. Every clay shooter was a beginner once, so we know how easy it is to get hooked!

You’re embarking on an exciting journey that could turn into an absorbing hobby or take you all the way to competing at the highest level on the international stage.

Where you take your shooting is up to you – and, as the WCTSA, we’re with you all the way.