If the name’s got you scared, don’t worry - no pigeons are harmed during this activity! In a county like East Sussex, which has one of highest concentrations of vegans and vegetarians in the country, we think it’s important to mention that straight away. Real birds haven’t played a part in this sport for decorations, they’ve been replaced by clay discs. Like pigeons, the clays fly through the air (launched by a machine called a trap) and this makes clay pigeon shooting unique among shooting sports in that you have to fire at a moving target. And the weapon of choice? A shotgun, complete with two barrels to double your chances of hitting the mark.

If you don’t know anyone who’s into clay pigeon shooting, you might have a slightly outdated idea of it as a traditional pursuit for country lords and ladies. The reality is very different; this is a sport that’s growing in popularity every year, so it’s likely that someone you know - or you yourself - will be a keen shooter before long. What’s behind the surge in popularity? Well it depends who you ask. Some people like smashing clays to pieces, others find the concentration and focus that aiming and firing demands to be almost meditative, and there are those who like having a good reason to get into the great outdoors. Whatever your motivation, you can find what you’re looking for here.

Where are the best places to go clay pigeon shooting in East Sussex?

• Brighton: The fact that Brighton has been awarded the number two spot in the rankings of vegetarian-friendly cities in England is evidence that this is a city of animal lovers. Having said that, we all need to let off some steam sometimes, and one of the best ways to do that is with this cruelty-free sport. There’s a great shooting range which is easily accessible from the centre because it’s just beyond the football stadium and the University of Sussex. What’s more, it’s in the beautiful rolling landscape of the South Downs National Park - what could be better than that?

• Eastbourne: Another great destination is in the green and pleasant countryside that surrounds Other famous seaside resort is Eastbourne. Here, leafy trees and hedgerows surround a large, well kept shooting ground. And as an added bonus, the shooting is overseen by a friendly, family run team.

• Hastings: It’s only appropriate that the site of England’s most famous battle hosts a clay pigeon shooting range. In fact, the range is just a stone’s throw from the village of Battle, so called due to its proximity to the 1066 Battle of Hastings. It’s set in ancient woodland, which helps to create a sense of connection with history. You can let the stresses and strains of the modern world melt away here as you train your aim on a clay, and hit the bullseye.

• Fletching: Crossing the South Downs and heading North, there’s another range of hills that separates the county from the London sprawl, the designated High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In the midst of the charming scenery, you’ll find a top tier range near Fletching, where fun and excitement come hand in hand with expert tuition and professionalism. A word of warning once you’ve tried it here you won’t be content until you come back!

• Wadhurst: This town boasts one of the best outdoor activity centres in the county, on the banks of the reservoir known as Bewl Water. One of the experiences you can enjoy here is clay pigeon shooting. With fantastic views down to the lake, top notch equipment and the possibility to enjoy other activities including watersports alongside the shoot, this is a surefire way to enjoy the great outdoors.

What are the options for organising this experience?

- Something that makes this activity stand out among target sports is the fact that you shoot at something in motion. Typically, or typically for beginners at least, clays are fired across the shooting range, perpendicular to the line of sight of the shooters. This means that several people at adjacent shooting stands can take a shot at each clay. This makes it a great sport to enjoy as a group. The ranges here specialise in putting on corporate events, stag and hen dos and birthday sessions for visitors, where everyone can have a go -and you might be surprised by who the best shot is. You can choose the length of your activity, from 1 hour to half a day, and make it extra special by organising some food to share after the action.

- But you don’t have to come with your posse in order to have a taste of it. Many clubs organise have a go shoots, where you can find out if you’d like to take up this sport more seriously. Safety, terminology and technique will form a part of this kind of session, usually lasting around 1 hour or 90 minutes, but without losing sight of the fun. And the same goes for lessons. If you’ve decided to get involved in this world, the best thing to do is get some tuition, which can be arranged on a weekly basis with lessons of an hour or 2 each. This is the kind of sport where you can easily see the progress that you’re making, from the number of clays that you hit, so it’s an incredibly rewarding hobby to take up.

What do you need to bring the day of the activity?

As we’ve mentioned before, clay pigeon shooting employs real guns, and shotguns at that. While you don’t need your own, or even a licence, to use the guns at each range, and there are no age limits either, you should take some precautions. The most vulnerable part of your body when you’re shooting is your ears. Repeated bangs from your own and your companions’ guns can leave your ears ringing, and, over time, cause damage. So we recommend bringing ear plugs or protectors. If you don’t have any of your own, you can borrow some onsite. Some clubs recommend wearing eye protection. Though the risk of fragments of clay coming back towards the shooting stands are low, most regular shooters choose to wear protective glasses.

Don’t let those pigeons get away! Book with us today.