Sunny Days and Breaking Clays: A Summer Shooting Series

A keen country sports enthusiast and clay pigeon shooter, Guy Ritchie once said, “The British countryside is the most staggeringly beautiful place,” and we quite agree. There’s something almost cinematic about sports in the backdrop of the British countryside, and for passionate shooters, summer marks a new shooting season. So, join us as we guide you through monthly topics, bringing you everything you need to know about a shooting summer in the UK.

 

The Summer is The Sound of The Shot

As summer rolls in across the hills, the countryside comes alive with the heartbeat of country sports. For those familiar with this rhythm, summer is the sound of the shot, as echoing evening gunshots, breaking clays and the buzz of a sunny Sunday ground return for another season.

The benefits of summer shooting are abundant, with the obvious perks of better weather and a warmer climate, meaning less shivering in the rain and more consistent shooting conditions (even when the British Summer does throw in the odd shower!) Longer days also mean time for evening practices, useful for weekday after-work training or extended weekend sessions.

For those wanting to improve their skills, the summer season is the perfect time for shooters of all levels, beginner to expert, to up their game. More frequent competitions, an abundance of summer shoots and more time in the field make summer ideal for testing progress, tweaking tactics and for avid game shooters, gearing up for the upcoming winter season.

When not on the stand, the summer shooting season also offers a variety of social perks. From casual practice days to local club events and national competitions, there is always something on the shooting calendar. Bringing together a community of sportspeople, the season offers plenty of opportunity to socialise, network and connect with fellow enthusiasts, whether heading to an event, spending a day at the local ground, or just meeting up for a day with a coach.

 

Core of The Summer Clays: Skeet, Trap and Sporting

Deeply rooted in the British countryside, clay shooting has become one of the familiar faces of country sports today, with distinctive shooting clothing and accessories helping paint an instantly recognisable picture amongst the setting of rolling hills and green fields.

Modern-day clay shooting has evolved into the three main formats we see today, Skeet, Trap and Sporting clays, each offering their own unique features and challenges:

• Skeet Shooting: Features clays launched from two fixed trap houses, a high house and a low house, with shooters moving through eight designated stations arranged in a semicircle formation. With different target angles and speeds, Skeet shooting is ideal for those wanting to improve reflexes, refine timing and practice smooth gun swing.
• Trap Shooting: From a single trap house, targets are sent away from the shooter at different angles. Mimicking the flight of birds flushed ahead, Trap shooting is an excellent way for shooters to sharpen their focus, practice consistency and work on tracking.
• Sporting Clays: Often considered the most popular and versatile of the three, Sporting clay shooting is designed to simulate various hunting scenarios. Unpredictable trajectories, varying terrain and different target presentations help shooters read targets, adapt quickly and make instinctive shots.

 

Year-round Practice:

Having developed into a modern-day country sport in its own right, it’s worth remembering that the roots of clay shooting are just as strong today as they were in the early 20th century. Originally used as a way for game shooters to hone their skills out of season, clay shooting, in particular sports clay shooting, is still the best and most popular way for game shooters to practice and prepare for the yearly British game season.

Clay shooting in the summer brings many benefits. Year-round practice means a chance to maintain and sharpen core skills like muscle memory, reaction speed and instinctive shooting techniques. It not only conditions the body physically for long drive days, but also conditions the mind, helping boost mental discipline, focus and confidence.

Shooting means trusting your gut and your gun. The summer season is an ideal time to try different loads, chokes and address any improvements so both you and your kit are tried, tested, and ready. Above all, practice is key. With traps designed to mimic driven game, hunting scenarios and different target shots, there is no doubt that clay shooting in the summer season will have you prepped and right on target for the return of the grouse and the winter game season.

 

Make Summer Your Shooting Season

If you’re looking to up your game on the ground, summer clay shooting offers something for everyone. Whether a beginner, expert, clay shooting competitor or game drive lover, summer clay shooting is a great time to hone your skills, join the community, and get ready for game season!

Make sure to keep an eye out for our next post in the summer shooting series, and in the meantime, grab your gun, gear up and get out there!

 

Author

Matthew Hollland

Matt Holland is passionate about sharing tips on enjoying the British countryside. From field sports to woodland walks, Matt is a proud enthusiast of all country pursuits, with a keen interest in country sports and the heritage, traditions, and tales they offer. Living and working in the beautiful Cheshire countryside, Matt combines his love for rural life with practical advice, helping others make the most of the seasons while embracing the thrill of country sports and the beauty of country life.