Everything you do in the field, especially given the potential danger associated with guns, whether they be air weapons or centrefire rifles, should be centred around SAFETY!

Here are just some of our Top Tips. Feel free to contact us with any extra advice you may have, and we shall add them to our list!

1.) Know Your Ground.

Always make sure you are fully aware of your boundaries and any footpaths and rights of way that may exist over your ‘permission’. Ensure you have adequate backstops before attempting a shot, no matter what weapon you are using. Bullets can go a long way – ‘Life’ in prison is a LONG time and death is FOREVER.

2.) Safety Brief.

Make sure, whether you are popping up to the woods to catch a squirrel out with the air rifle, or heading on to the hill for a stalk, people know where you are, and how long you are going to be. Slip in a rabbit hole and the walk back home with a twisted ankle, or worst, is going to be a long, hard trip. Try to ensure you have a mobile phone with you, or established radio drills to rely on.

3.) Keep an Eye on your Kit.

Rifle barrel blocked? Lump of earth up your shotgun barrel? Snow in your PCP? All these could seriously ruin your shoot day – check your kit, especially on wet or snowy days, or when stalking through woodland – keep that barrel clear of debris, or you could be getting a shock when you pull the trigger. Keep basic cleaning equipment to hand, in the shoot cabin, or in the vehicle.

4.) Got the Right Ammo?

It’s a basic rule, but you would be surprised the amount of people who arrive at a driven shoot with their favourite 20 gauge and a boot full of 12 gauge cartridges! Even more important with a centrefire rifle – check you have the correct bolt, the correct mag and the correct ammo. On a dark nights lamping it is easy to mix .243 rounds with .223. Check, then check again.

5.) Identify your Target.

Basic quarry recognition – what is it? What sex is it? Is it in Season? If you cannot answer these, you should not be out in the field. Back to school with you! Simple quarry guides are available from BDS and BASC. Learn more, shoot more.

6.) All the Pheasants ever bred…..

We have all heard the stories and read the poem – if you point a gun at something, it is because you intend to KILL it, whether it be a metal HFT knockover target, a roe buck or a pigeon on the wing. Identify your target, establish its safe background, consider what the follow-up to shot will be, check again. DO NOT be afraid of NOT taking the shot. Rather some leg-pulling in the pub than air-ambulancing a beater off a driven shoot, with a back-side full of lead shot.

7.) Crossing Obstacles.

Simple rule – unload, make safe, pass the gun to a chum after showing him/her it is safe. With a shotgun SHOW the other person the guns chambers are clear, with an air rifle, break the barrel slightly or pull the bolt back in a PCP. With a rim or centrefire, drop the mag, open the bolt, stick your pinky in there and call ‘Clear’. If crossing on your own, unload, make safe and lie the weapon down on the otherside of the obstruction, cross and retrieve before re-loading. CHECK the bore for obstructions.

8.) Vehicles.

Used more and more in todays ‘lazy’ society, 4×4′s, quads and gators all have their uses, certainly for lamping as they elevate your position, offering a safer angle of fire. Ensure shots are taken from a solid rest and that the shooter is secure and solid. The use of a properly constructed shooting ‘cage’ can be very useful. When in motion, unload and make the weapon safe. On public roads, unload, prove safe and cover the weapon in its slip. This is not only the LAW it is good practice.

9.) The Public.

Unfortunately, your sport which you love to talk about in the pub all the time, is not always going to be the favourite pastime of every member of the general public. On public access ground, behave appropriately, be tolerant, unload, be safe and courteous. If you meet an ‘anti’ slip your weapon and do NOT get in to an argument. It is likely you have permission to be there, they do not. Call the Police and do not get involved. Leave the area if required.

10.) Be Sensible – You are an Ambassador for your Sport.

With the shooting sports under constant scrutiny, we all play a role in protecting our sport. Be safe, be courteous, be helpful. Avoid conflict, adhere to the LAW and ENJOY your sport. We run a number of safety courses, both BASC and LANTRA Awards and are here to help you – any questions or queries, simply get in touch. The above points are merely Al’s guide, it is not exhaustive and cannot make you a better shot, that is down to YOU to become one! Stay safe.