So, there does seem to be some misconceptions around ladies clay shooting days, so i thought i would do my best to try and explain them from my experiences and point of view.
Firstly; you do not need a licence or any experience at all to take part; these days are perfect for ladies who wish to give clay shooting a go in a relaxed but fun environment, with like minded ladies.
Aren’t they expensive: This is very much a personal view; i would say that The S&CBC (Shotgun & Chelsea Bun Club) & ELL’s (Eriswell ladies day) offer very good value for their days; as for Novice and Intermediate levels; cartridges, clays, gun hire and an instructor are included. ELL’s also tend to have a hot meal afterwards & The S&CBC have various cakes/savories that the ladies who are taking part on the day have baked/cooked.
I don’t have anyone to go with/i won’t know anyone: My very first ladies day i did; i roped one of my good friends into coming with me, but any after that; i attended alone (until i made friends with fellow lay gun’s on various events). This is why i love ladies days so much, as they bring together ladies from all walks of life/experiences and everyone is made to feel welcome regardless.
I don’t know how to dress/look the part: Firstly; dress in a way that your comfortable and can move in easily, and in the colder months, that will keep you warm! How i dress for shooting clays; is certainly different to how i dress for shooting game. In the summer i can usually be found to be wearing a tweed skirt, a funky print shirt and my boots (those that know me, know i’d live in my boots if i could!). You certainly don’t have to wear a skirt; jeans or even shorts are fine (i’ve been shooting pigeons in a hide in a vest top, shorts and boots; didn’t shoot anything but got a cracking tan!). For me; i’m not a ‘brands’ girl; i wear whatever fits, is comfortable & makes me feel good.
I won’t hit any clays/i’ll make a fool of myself: Relax! All us ladies on these days started off where you now, and none of us are judging you; if anything, you’ll find your group become your own personal cheer leading group. Also each ground will assigned the right instructor for your level; so the first timers/beginners/novice groups tend to have an instructor who has the patience of a saint and will ensure you do smash a few clays.
I’m scared it will hurt: This is why i advocate ladies days so much; you can learn to clay shoot safely and without fear of recoil/bruising. Your instructor will ensure the gun is mounted correctly, and they use a 20bore gun and 21g cartridges so recoil is minimal. Not long after i started shooting; i went with out with 2 of my guy mates; 32g cartridges, 12bore gun and i rushed my mount= the mother of all bruises (it actually hurt that much, i felt sick, and the bruise lasted for weeks), had that been my first experience of shooting; it would have put me straight off!
Where are these ladies days held/when: ELL’s is held 4 times at Eriswell in Suffolk and are always on a Saturday. The S&CBC events cover many grounds in the UK, and are held mainly at weekends (Saturdays & Sundays) but also the odd weekday and are held all year round; so there is always plenty of choice if your prepared to travel.
BASC also do ladies days; but they seem to be held on weekdays only; and speaking from experience, their novice ladies days are not as good value for money as ELL’s or S&CBC; however, their progression/competition days are good for the more experienced lady gun.
Do i need to be a member to take part: No, you can join Eriswell as a member for a year and get discount on clays/lessons and ladies days, but you don’t have to be a member to take part in their ladies days. Same sort of principal for the S&CBC; you don’t have to be a member to attend their days, but you can join the club for exclusive discounts and access to members only areas, as well as £10 off their events.
I do know that some feel having ladies only days is rather us/and them, but do feel they are the best way to get nervous and less confident ladies into shooting. I will say, for me, they aren’t the ONLY way for ladies to shoot; most clay grounds now do a ‘taster session’ which is a like a lesson on a one off 1:1 basis, and i certainly cannot stress the importance of having lessons!
Also, team up a shooting buddy; like i did, we have progressed through many days and supported each other. As well; not all ladies have anyone they can ask to take them shooting, i know i didn’t as my dad gave his licence up years ago; although coming into this sport has opened up whole new world & experiences to me, all of which has been provided by some great guys that i have got to know via twitter of all places , and i am proud to now call them real life friends (even if i did spend an evening rifle shooting, in the pitch black, with a gentleman i had just met in real life for the first time; please be reassured, he’s a well known local character and we had chatted for quite a while before we finally met, and he has become my amazing shooting mentor; transitioning me from clays and getting me ready to shoot game)
Clays2Game_lady 