Clay Pigeon Shooting Stag Do's

What to expect

Clay pigeon shooting is formally known amongst the British gentry as ‘Inanimate Bird Shooting’. In a nutshell, it is the art of shooting special flying targets known as ‘clay pigeons’ or clay targets with a shotgun.

Clay pigeon shooting is definitely a stag weekend activity for men who want to bust out in tweed, deer stalkers and pipes. As an activity we don't think it could be any more British. It’s a real skill to hit those clay pigeons and an excellent test of hand eye coordination. The art is to follow the target from the moment it is released from the trap but remember to keep the shotgun firmly buried into your shoulder because it delivers one hell of a kick back! (Seriously you have been warned…) You'll receive expert tuition before competing in a gentlemanly manner against your chums. There really isn't too much equipment to worry about - a shotgun and ear protectors are provided and the rest (by this I mean the tweed) is optional and must be supplied by yourselves. This activity comprises of two elements that men love best - guns and competitive rivalry. Huzza!*

*Details may vary from venue to venue. For exact details please contact our party planners 

What our customers thought of it...

Very easy booking and payment procedure, the fact that each person can pay separately, takes the hassle out of chasing up money for the organiser (me!) The staff are very friendly and helpful and full of good ideas and suggestions. The weekend in Brighton was good value, with comedy club and meal, clay pigeon shooting and free entry to a lap dancing club. I would recommend this company to anybody. - Sarzi Heath (Stag Company Trust Pilot)

Is clay pigeon shooting safe?

Clay pigeon shooting is a very safe activity, and one that’s popular with stag groups the length and breadth of the UK. You will be given full instruction beforehand including how to carry, load, aim and fire your gun safely, and the whole activity will be under the watchful eye of a professional instructor.

The most likely injury from clay pigeon shooting is a sore shoulder due to the recoil of the gun. You will be shown how to hold the shotgun to minimise the risk of this.

Do the pigeons get hurt?

To be clear - there are no actual pigeons involved in this activity. Clay pigeons are inanimate discs fired from a trap that replicate the flight of an actual bird.

Can we have a few drinks while clay pigeon shooting?

Sorry to be spoilsports but no, you cannot have a few drinks while wandering around with loaded shotguns. However, in the tradition of hunting, many venues will have a bar onsite or a place you can settle down with a few drinks - after the shooting is over and the guns have definitely been locked away.

Please do ask our friendly stag do planners if that’s something that’s important to you, and they can find out what’s available.

Do we need experience?

You don’t need any experience for clay pigeon shooting. In fact you’ll be just as welcome to rock up if you’ve never even fired so much as a water pistol before. All the training you’ll need is provided on arrival from an instructor.

It’s worth noting that there are many clay pigeon shooting venues across the UK. If you want to impress your mates, or get an edge on them in the inevitable competition stakes, you could grab a sneaky session on your own beforehand, or watch a few videos online for tips.

I wear glasses, is that a problem?

Glasses wearers will not have any problems clay pigeon shooting. You can wear safety goggles that will protect them, and they should not affect your ability to aim or shoot.

Do you need a gun license for clay pigeon shooting?

You don’t need a gun license for clay pigeon shooting. Most clay pigeon shooting grounds have an exemption in place allowing members of the public to shoot inanimate objects (the clays) without a license.

One important point to bear in mind: you must hold a valid license in the UK to transport a shotgun from place to place. So if you’re borrowing someone else’s for the day, then either you must hold a license, or they need to be in the car with you.

If you do enjoy a good gun firing, then you may want to head on a Bournemouth stag do, as you can combine clay pigeon shooting with firing an assault rifle, while being at the same location means you get a better price than paying individually, with no extra travel time.

Are ear protectors provided?

Firing a gun is not like it is on the telly. Firing a shotgun is very loud - the noise output depends on the size of the ammunition that you’re using. Adequate ear defenders are needed then to minimise the noise and protect your hearing, and these will be provided at the venue. Expect either earplugs or, more likely, the over-the-ears type. We would strongly suggest using them.

Are you sure the pigeons will be alright?

Once again, you will not be shooting real pigeons. They are just called that because their motion through the sky resembles the flight of a pigeon. They are inanimate, clay discs. Not actual birds. If you try and feed them they won’t eat. This shouldn’t be difficult to understand.

What do we need to wear for clay pigeon shooting?

You don’t need any special type of clothing for clay pigeon shooting, although some of our groups do like to dress up for it a bit, in tweeds. Otherwise, just dress for the weather. You will probably want to wear closed-toe shoes however in case of mud.

Do we need our own guns?

You don’t need your own shotgun for clay pigeon shooting; all of the equipment that you’ll need is provided onsite. If you do have your own shotgun, you are welcome to bring it along, and almost any ammunition you need can be supplied. Please note that you need a valid shotgun license to transport the weapon from A to B.

Some venues will have some added extras which you can book in advance, such as on a Brighton stag do where you can also do archery and axe throwing, some brilliant activities that can be done in the same location, making it a great full day experience.

How do we get there?

There are clay pigeon shooting venues across the UK, so wherever you’re holding your stag party, chances are it won’t be too far of a drive. You can make your own way of course - most venues will have car parking facilities. But many stag do’s prefer to use our convenient transfer service.

You’ll be picked up from your stag hotel (or some other pre-arranged location) and dropped right at the door, then picked up afterwards. No need to worry about being late, or losing the way out in the countryside, everyone can just relax and enjoy the experience.