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Sites for Clay Pigeon Shooting

The minimum area required for a clay pigeon site is about 15 hectares (approx. 34/40 acres) to include a minimum safety zone of 275 metres (300 yds) in front of the shooting stands in the general direction in which shooting takes place. Within that safety zone there must not be any places to which the public has access such as public highways, footpaths and bridleways, etc. Also shooting in the vicinity of overhead electrical and telecommunication cables should be avoided.

Generally speaking, shooting should be wherever possible towards the North to avoid interference from the sun and North East has proved to be the best possible orientation.

Trap and Skeet require level ground with clear and unobtrusive backgrounds of uniform nature.

Sporting disciplines are best suited to wooded and undulating terrain and attractive natural features are always desirable, especially water, trees, hills etc.

Basic site facilities should include shelter and refreshment area (clubhouse/marquee, etc.) toilets and ample car parking facilities as well as good comfortable access for motor vehicles.

Facilities

As the demand for participation increases, so does the need for ranges and facilities. For environmental reasons and due to the very nature of the sport, clay shooting ranges tend to be located in fairly remote rural areas. Urban area clients would usually be prepared to travel, however the business market (corporate entertainment) may sometimes be less willing to do so. Ranges should offer quality and comfort and perhaps some may choose to provide other welcome facilities, such as four-wheel driving, archery, fishing etc. Facilities for the disabled are being increasingly demanded and should be provided wherever possible.

Considerations

The main issues to consider when organising shoots are disturbance from noise and the safety of the public.

CPSA Affiliated Clubs

Most clay pigeon shooting takes place at clubs or shooting grounds, and to shoot either more regularly or competitively, it is advisable to join a club.

The CPSA has a network of affiliated clubs throughout England. Affiliated clubs must meet the CPSA’s minimum safety guidelines and have a CPSA trained safety officer. A full list of clubs in any given area is available to members on the CPSA website, www.cpsa.co.uk, along with a list of CPSA qualified coaches and other officials. Affiliated clubs may run Registered shoots, where CPSA members may obtain shooting classifications, and be graded to shoot in competition according to their average scores in a season. Additionally, the CPSA's PULL! Magazine and other shooting publications, carry a list of affiliated clubs' fixtures, and only CPSA members are entitled to compete in registered events.

 
The Clay Pigeon Shooting Association

The Clay Pigeon Shooting Association is the national governing body for the sport in England. It is recognised by  Sports England, The Department of the Environment, The Home Office, Police etc., and it is a constituent member of the International Clay Target Shooting Council of Great Britain and Ireland.

It's main roles are to promote and encourage the development of the sport, to liaise with government departments and police to represent the interests of CPSA members, to regulate and develop all aspects of the sport (technical and otherwise); to promote and organise national competitions; and to select England teams for major international events, some of which are staged by the CPSA.

Membership of the CPSA is open to the general public and offers an extensive package of free benefits which include insurance, magazine, information, publicity, advice, classification, badges, etc.