Now the days are shorter , wetter and wilder, Christmas getting closer – but that shouldn’t stop you shooting! As long as you’re properly prepared, there’s nothing better than taking on the clays on a crisp winter day. So to help you keep your commitment to clay shooting we’ve put together our top tips for winter shooting.
1. Keep your trigger finger toasty
For comfort and consistency keeping your hands warm is key. You don’t necessarily need to splash out on a posh pair of shooting gloves though. Your standard winter warmers should do the job fine, and as long as they’re not too bulky or restrictive your timing and technique shouldn’t suffer in the slightest.
2. Don’t forget your shades
When the sun makes an unscheduled appearance it can cause chaos for clay shooters. A low winter sun makes it almost impossible to spot clays without seriously damaging your eyes. So don’t forget to pack a pair of sunglasses.
3. Take a break (and a brew)
If you’re really starting to feel the cold, don’t be afraid to ask your instructor for a break. Taking a couple of minutes to warm up is sometimes all it takes to get back into the swing of things, and it’s a good excuse to make the most of a flask of tea or coffee.
4. Wrap up, but not too much
While it’s important to keep warm, successful clay shooting relies on a smooth swing and solid mount. Wearing too many layers can impede your technique, so stick to a warm base layer and thick fleece top. Specially designed shooting jackets are also a perfect alternative.
5. Make the most of the clubhouse
There’s one place on the shooting ground that’s always warm, and that’s the clubhouse. Make the most of the cosy clubhouses before, during and after your shoot.