Safety on an Intotheblue clay shoot

Safety article prepared for Intotheblue customers who wish to participate in clay pigeon shooting at one of the many shooting venues around the UK.

Ensuring safety on a clay shoot should be one of the very first considerations, and should be given the maximum importance. By it’s very nature this sport involves guns, so safe handling of the gun and the use of protective equipment are the two most important elements to consider with respect to participants safety.

Here are a few key safety considerations:

All guns must be licensed in the UK. The police control the issue of a firearms certificate, to monitor who has access to weapons and to ensure only those considered fit to hold a license are issued one.

Drinking and using guns don’t mix, so you are advised not to have even one drink if you are shooting as it may impair your reactions.

To ensure safety on a clay shoot, never point a gun at anyone! You should always treat a gun as if it were loaded and this rule should be applied even if you believe the gun not loaded.

Don’t start to move your finger to the trigger until you are preparing to shoot.

Keeping ammunition separate from the gun will also increase the safety on a clay shoot. You should also be sure to never load the gun until you’re ready to use it.

An “exclusion zone” of at least 275 metres should be set up in front of the shooting stands and you should make sure this area that is free from any obstacles or people. The exclusion zone should be restricted from the general public and cannot be placed where there are public footpaths, right of ways, bridleways and in the vicinity of overhead power or telecommunication cables.

To further ensure safety on a clay shoot, you should also always wear appropriate safety clothing and use the correct safety equipment. Firstly, you need to use ear protectors or plugs to protect yourself from the noise of the guns while on the shoot (whether shooting or a bystander).

Secondly, you should use appropriate safety glasses. These will not only help you with shooting accurately by reducing glare, they will also protect your eyes from field debris, such as twigs or sticks; as well as offering protection from stray pieces of broken clay and even gun malfunctions.

Following a few simple guidelines and being careful with your gun protects everyone, and safety on a clay shoot is not difficult if you take care to adhere to these rules.

For more information on this or any other IntotheBlue experience please visit www.intotheblue.co.uk

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