Style Guide What to wear shooting - which outfits are most appropriate?

Wearing the right shooting attire will help you discover the joy of shooting. If you are attending a shoot for the first time, it is difficult to know what the shooting dress code is, this guide will help you choose the right things to wear. On a shoot day you can be on your feet for a long time and exposed to the elements, so focus on being safe, warm and comfortable. Your outfit will depend on the formality of the shooting event and the type of shooting you will be doing: game, clay pigeon or simulated game shooting: What to wear on a game shoot What to wear on a clay pigeon shoot What to wear on a simulated shoot.

Ear and eye protection for all types of shoot

Shooting always requires particular gear to keep you safe. Hearing protection is essential for any shoot. You are at risk of tinnitus and hearing loss if you do not wear earplugs. There are a variety of options including digital headphones, moulded earplugs, disposable plugs and ear defenders. Sophisticated electronic ear defenders reduce harmful levels of sound but do not shut off all noise. You will still be able to hear safety commands, warning calls and communications from other guns clearly. Your ear protection should feel comfortable and remain in place during movement, without impeding gun mount. Protecting your eyes with safety glasses is also important. Shield lenses that are made without a frame are perfect for providing an uninterrupted field of vision. They also give excellent protection against dust, wind, shot discharge or fragments of clay. If you wear glasses for your eyesight, invest in a pair of prescription shooting glasses. During clay or simulated game shooting, eye protection is particularly vital due to the high number of clay fragments flying around. Also, if you are shooting grouse from the butts, there is a higher risk of being caught in the swing of a neighbouring shot, leading to cartridge discharge falling around you. Therefore, safety glasses are essential.

Game Shooting - what to wear

You may have accepted an invite to a shoot without any idea of what to wear. Game shooting is not a sport where anything goes and you will be expected to look the part. The first thing you need to do is check the dress code for guns with your host if you are unsure. Often this is included on the invite. If not, ask whether it is a formal or informal shoot so that you can make sure you have the correct shooting outfit. When you are shooting at a formal driven shoot, wearing smart clothing is seen as a mark of respect to the quarry and your host. Whether you are a woman or a man, it is traditional to wear a three piece tweed suit comprising of a tweed jacket or coat, a waistcoat or shooting vest, and tweed breeks or trousers. Anyone who attends a shoot is an ambassador for the sport and wearing tweed gives the best and smartest look. The game shooting season covers the autumn and winter, so you need to think primarily about keeping yourself warm and dry. Modern shooting attire has developed to offer excellent protection in lightweight and durable fabrics. Gore-Tex®, CTX and PrimaLoft® technical fabrics are tried and tested in the field, whilst maintaining the traditional look and style.

Here is a breakdown of what you should wear when game shooting:

Shooting jacket

Your shooting jacket or coat should be waterproof and practical, allowing you to easily move while shooting.

Shooting jacket material and style

Some shooting jackets are made from technical tweed, with breathable and 100% waterproof and windproof Gore-Tex® linings, such as Schӧffel's Ptarmigan Tweed Coat. Traditional tweed shooting jackets can feel heavy whereas technical tweed is a lighter weight alternative. We recommend trying on different brands and styles to find the material and fit you are comfortable with. Also, consider how often you intend to shoot in the game season. If you have been invited to a number of shoots, consider buying a shooting jacket that is machine washable. A traditional tweed or technical shooting jacket is a safe bet for a formal shoot, but it is not the only type of jacket you can wear to a shoot. Wax shooting jackets are also acceptable for most shoots, as well as those made from lightweight modern materials such as Cordura® used in Schӧffel’s Classic Ptarmigan Coat. Just make sure your shooting coat includes a waterproof lining to keep you dry whatever the weather. The colour of your shooting jacket may depend on the type of quarry you are shooting. For a pheasant or partridge shoot, green and brown colours are primarily worn, whereas for a grouse shoot darker blues and heather tones are ideal. The most important thing is to stick with muted, natural colours that will help you blend in with your surroundings. On a less-formal shoot or a warm autumn day, some people opt for a gilet or fleece jacket instead of a tweed jacket. Make sure the fleece jacket does not restrict your movement when shooting as it may not include the action back cut of a shooting jacket. For men, look for a fleece jacket or gilet that is designed for country sports, such as Schoffel's Oakham Gilet or Cottesmore Jacket. A garment made with a water-repellent finish or PrimaLoft® provides excellent insulation, trapping heat in and repelling water to the outside. A word of caution – when you are out on a shoot the weather can change rapidly, particularly on high moorland. So, even if you decide to wear a fleece or tweed gilet, take a waterproof shooting jacket in case of severe weather.

How to Choose a Shooting Jacket - Fit and Features

If a shooting jacket impedes your swing it could be dangerous, so ensure this is not the case before you go on a shoot. A drawcord waist will allow you to adjust the fit of your jacket depending on the layers you have underneath. Check the jacket or coat allows for a wide range of motion in both the arms and the shoulders. You will be lifting your arms up high to shoot, so bear this in mind. High quality shooting jackets are designed with articulated sleeves so that the sleeves will not ride up when you raise your arms. Also, an action back is a useful feature which allows for unrestricted movement. A jacket with an action back has a pleated detail to the cut, seen on the back of the shoulder which means you will not tug the material when you lift your arms up to shoot. Not all tweed jackets have this, so ask a member of the A Hume sales team for advice if you are unsure. In addition to a waterproof fabric, there are particular features that you should look for in a shooting jacket to keep you protected in the field. Choose a jacket with adjustable storm cuffs to stop water running down your sleeves and drainage holes in the pockets to prevent damage to cartridges if rain gets in. Look for jackets with bellows pockets; large and deep hip pockets that can hold extra cartridges. As well as a cartridge bag, it is good to have plenty of cartridges on you. Popper fastenings that hold all pockets open are a useful feature and if there is a lambswool or micro fleece lining to the front pockets, even better. The pocket linings will keep your hands warm in between shots. Schoffel's Ptarmigan Extreme II Coat, for instance, has large micro fleece hand pockets and many other compartments that provide useful storage. Poachers pockets should feature to the back of a shooting jacket and are designed to store downed quarry.

Layering and styling your shooting outfits

Shooting shirt and country tie

A shirt and tie must be worn by men attending a formal driven shoot, as it is seen as a mark of respect to the quarry you will be shooting and to the people hosting the shoot. Pair a traditional tattersall check shirt with a woven or printed silk tie. You can buy silk shooting ties that include a pattern motif of your quarry, such as pheasant or partridge. Although, if it is a hot day, feel free to remove your tie if others do so. If it is a less formal shoot, still wear a shirt in muted colours, just forego the tie. It is not mandatory for women to wear a tie on a formal shoot, although many do and it will prevent raindrops dripping down your collar. Otherwise, wear a wool scarf or neck warmer with a shirt to keep the chill out in cold weather. Choose a lightweight and breathable tattersall shirt made from natural fibres. A shirt made from fine merino wool or brushed cotton is ideal. Shooting shirts also have the advantage of a longer shirttail, so you can tuck the hem of the shirt in easily without it riding up when you move. Also, make sure your shirt has a loose fit to allow for freedom of movement while shooting. On a live game shoot you do not want to alert the quarry to your presence, so avoid wearing a brightly coloured shirt or bling accessories. A bright coloured shirt or a glint of a metal watch could be enough to ruin your chances as the birds are alerted. At grouse shoots, wear a shirt and tie in darker muted colours in greens, blues or purples to blend in with the colours of the heather moorland.

Waistcoat or shooting vest

It is traditional for men and women to wear a tweed waistcoat or shooting vest shooting vest underneath your jacket as a warming mid layer. For a formal shoot, you can buy your waistcoat as part of a tweed three piece suit with a matching jacket and breeks. Choose a waistcoat in a dark brown or green colour to compliment your shirt and other tweed attire. A men’s tweed shooting waistcoat has four buttons for traditional style, such as the Holcot Tweed Shooting Vest. Wear your waistcoat fastened apart from the bottom button which is normally left undone. Many waistcoats are styled with shooting in mind. A well-made shooting waistcoat, also called a shooting vest, is cut for ease of movement like a shooting jacket. It should have large, deep pockets for cartridges and shooting patches, i.e. reinforced shoulder pads for where your gun sits. Shooting patches reduce the chance of your shoulder being bruised when resting your gun. On warm, dry days your waistcoat can be your outer layer and you may not need a tweed jacket, but we would always suggest taking a waterproof coat with you as well. Modern shooting vests are often made from technical fabrics which make them windproof and breathable. The Belton Gilet by Schӧffel is made from Schoffel premium water-repellent fabric that is moisture wicking to maintain an even body temperature whilst keeping you dry and comfortable. This type of shoot vest can be machine washed and dries quickly, ideal if you plan to go shooting regularly. Always choose a vest or waistcoat in muted tones regardless of what the material is made from. Avoid wearing clay ground style skeet vests covered in sponsor logos, as they can look gaudy and do not go well with tweed or moleskin trousers.

Knitwear and layers for extra warmth

In cold weather, you may want to wear a thermal base layer underneath your shirt. Fine merino base layers are sweat wicking and breathable. Layering is essential in winter weather. We suggest wearing a thermal base layer, then your shirt and tie, a waistcoat, a jumper and finally your shooting jacket. Wearing multiple layers may sound like a lot, but it will stop you freezing when you are shooting outside for hours. When you are choosing knitwear, select a merino wool jumper for warmth. Merino wool is a natural fibre which is breathable, moisture wicking and will allow your other technical fabric garments, such as Gore-Tex®, to work effectively. William Lockie's 3-Ply Brenire Scotia Shooting Sweater is ideal for cold weather shooting and includes suede shoulder and elbow patches. 

Shooting breeks or trousers

Tweed trousers or breeks, otherwise known as breeches, are traditionally worn by men and women to a formal shoot. A matching pair of breeks and a shooting vest will ensure you look smart. Breeks fasten just below the knee and have an adjustable bottom hem, allowing you to create a watertight seal where your shooting socks meet. They also generally have an extra few inches of material to fold over the knee. Choose a pair of breeks that appear to be slightly too long so you can hitch them up a little, folding the excess material over your boots. At A Hume we stock a wide selection of shooting breeks, plus twos and plus fours made from 100% pure wool or high quality natural fibres. Some tweed breeks combine traditional shooting style with the latest material technology to keep you warm and dry, such as Schoffel Ptarmigan Plus 2s which include a GORE-TEX® membrane to make them waterproof and windproof. Also, you may wish to wear a belt or braces with your breeks or trousers to prevent them slipping down when you move. At a casual shoot, it is acceptable for men and women to wear moleskin or cord trousers in muted dark colours, generally brown or dark green.

What to wear shooting - Ladies

When looking for women's shooting outfits, much of the same guidelines apply as to the men. Look for tweed shooting coats such as the Chrysalis Barnwell Coat with a breathable waterproof membrane or the Schoffel Ptarmigan Tweed Coat with a GORE-TEX® lining and water repellent Teflon finish. Tattersal shirts and printed animal shirts with game inspired designs such as the Schoffel Norfolk Shirt. Tweed shooting vests such as the Schoffel Tweed Shooting Vest and moleskin breeks will pull together the perfect women's shooting outfit.

Shooting hat and gloves

If you are attending a formal shoot, ensure you wear a hat. Men and women should wear a peaked tweed or waxed flat cap in a traditional Garforth shape which shields your eyes from the elements and allows you to take good aim. Choose a flat cap in muted colours, such as dark brown or green, to blend into the landscape. Waxed flat caps are ideal for rainy days. For a more relaxed shoot, women can wear fedora hats and men, beanies or baseball caps, but always go for muted colours. If you wear a fedora or bushman type hat, check that you are happy with your field of vision for shooting due to the wider brim. Some baseball caps are now water-resistant, however, bear in mind that a baseball cap will not give you the warmth of a tweed or wax hat. Tweed or waxed flat caps are still good options for relaxed shoots as they give effective protection from bad weather. In cold weather, you may also want to wear gloves. Wear gloves that are non-slip or fingerless and do not hamper you from pulling the trigger on your gun. If you cannot operate your gun safely wearing your gloves, only wear them in between drives. To handle your gun trigger with ease, it is best to buy a pair of speciality shooting gloves that are waterproof and have a non-slip grip. SealSkinz's Shooting Gloves feature a magnetic fold-back trigger finger and thumb to allow you to have full control over your gun, as well as being waterproof and windproof. Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Shooting Gloves also have a trigger finger to the right hand and include Velcro fastening cuffs, giving a neat fit around your wrist to prevent rain seeping in.

Footwear and socks for game shooting

Shooting boots

Wearing supportive and sturdy footwear is essential for shooting regardless of the weather. If you feel good in your feet, it will help you have a steady stance while shooting. You are likely to be stood outside for several hours, so waterproof footwear with a durable sole is vital. We recommend choosing a pair of waterproof field boots with good ankle support to give you comfort on uneven or flat ground. This is the best option if you do not know whether the ground will be flat or not, covering all eventualities. Field boots are ideal for supporting your feet on rough ground, especially over moorland. Ensure the footwear you buy will give you good grip and support your ankles. Choose boots that are designed for country sports and are calf height, such as the Chameau-Lite LCX 10" Stalking Boots. We stock a wide range of Meindl boots for men and women at Humes Outfitters. Alternatively, for flat ground, quality wellington boots from the Le Chameau range are suitable. These wellington boots feature 3mm neoprene linings, double sole insulation and a deep tread to give you grip underfoot. If you are likely to encounter deep puddles on a shoot, wellington boots offer a greater wading depth than field boots. The Le Chameau Vierzonord Wellington and Chasseur Neo or Chasseur Cuir make for the perfect wellingtons on shoots. Footwear with neoprene or full leather linings are best for effective insulation to keep the cold and damp out. Wool fleece or faux fur lined shooting boots have also become popular, particularly for women. The luxuriously warm linings give great insulation and comfort. Just bear in mind that after regular long-term wear the fleece linings will naturally flatten and wear down. Boots with fleece linings do not retain their insulating properties as long as neoprene or leather lined boots. Just like shoot clothing, your footwear should be in dark brown or muted colours. Never wear pale or brightly coloured footwear, or basic sports trainers as they will not keep you warm and you will not look the part.

Shooting socks and garters

Wear long knee-length socks that are designed for country sports and shooting. If you are wearing breeks, you must team them with a pair of shooting socks that sit around your calf. In the winter months, we recommend wearing two pairs of thick wool shooting socks to keep your feet warm and cosy. Shooting socks and garters allow you to add vibrant colours and pattern to your outfit as your socks will not be visible to the quarry. You can add some personality to your attire with lively sock designs.

How to wear shooting socks and garter ties

Shooting socks have a cuff around the top which folds over just below the knee and they should be secured with garter ties. Garter ties are a traditional piece of shoot clothing which prevents your socks from slipping down while you shoot.

How to tie garters? Follow this simple method:

1. Your breeks and shooting socks are put on before your garters. Put your breeks on first, fastening the buckle or strap around your leg. Then put your shooting socks on and pull them right over your breeks.
2. Tie your garters above the buckle or strap of your breeks, just under the knee. Simply equalise the lengths of the garter on either side of your leg, wrap once around the inside of your leg, crisscrossing. Then with the garter tie ends facing to the outside of your calf, tie a simple reef knot. Pull slightly tight and arrange the ends so that they are even and sit flat on the outside of your calf.
3. Roll the top of your shooting socks down to the garter, allowing the garter tie ends to remain visible.

Other kit to take on a game shoot

If you bring the right kit to your first shoot, you will fit in well with the rest of the group and will not have to borrow anything. To make your shoot day as enjoyable as possible, we suggest taking the following kit with you:

• Gun: Take your gun if you have one, along with your shotgun licence and proof of insurance. If you are new to the sport sometimes your shoot host will provide a gun. Check whether this is the case before you go.
• Gun slip or case: Never arrive at a shoot with an unsheathed gun. A case or gun slip will protect your gun from damage and make it easier to carry. A brown leather gun slip gives an understated look and should last a lifetime with good care.
• Cartridges: An essential for a successful shoot. Always overestimate the amount of cartridges you need and take plenty as you may be on a ‘hot peg’. Only take the correct bore for your gun.
• Cartridge bag and canvas bag: A cartridge bag is essential to hold your cartridges. Your cartridge bag should be made from a waterproof material such as leather to keep your cartridges dry. Also, a small canvas bag can be useful for storing any other items you may want in between drives, such as snacks or waterproofs. Leave your canvas bag in the car but take your cartridge bag with you to the shooting ground.
• Cartridge belt: You may wish to carry cartridges on you by wearing a specially designed cartridge belt, instead of using your coat pockets. Just make sure the belt fits the size of cartridges you will be using on the day. If you have a loader, you will not need this.
• Waterproofs: Waterproof over trousers that completely cover your legs and a light waterproof jacket with a hood are necessary for severe downpours. Slip them over what you are wearing and leave them in the car when not in use.
• Gaiters: Tough terrain calls for tough canvas gaiters. Gaiters offer the best defence against brambles and course heather tearing on your breeks, trousers or shooting socks. Gaiters are knee high and also protect your shoes, stopping seeds or twigs falling into them.
• Indoor shoes: If you are invited inside for a shoot lunch, you should change your footwear. Take a pair of brogues or smart clean shoes to change into at lunch.
• Safety gear for eyes and ears: Never forget safety glasses and ear defenders or earplugs.
• Cash: Take cash with you, so you have it on your person for tipping the gamekeeper and loader (if you have one) at the end of the day.
• Gun cleaning kit: If you are going away for a few days shooting, a gun cleaning kit can be useful. A gunsmith can show you how to use the cleaning rods, gun oil, cloth and cleaners to successfully remove blockages or debris from your gun. If you are lucky, you may be on a shoot where your gun is cleaned for you.
• Towel and a change of outer layers: A towel is good for wiping water off your gun or drying yourself. Also, a change of clothes for lunch or drinks at the end of the day is useful, particularly if you have been caught in rain showers.
• Grouse markers (if you are on a grouse shoot): Grouse butt markers allow you to mark the location of killed quarry on a circular disc which will help the pickers-up locate the birds.
• Walking stick: If you may be walking through high undergrowth, deep mud or heather, a stick can help you feel the way and test the ground ahead of you.
• Recoil pad: To protect your shoulder from pain and bruising when a gun is fired and kicks back, ensure you have a recoil pad either in your shooting jacket, such as with the Schӧffel Snipe II Coat, or added separately. Recoil pads can be bought to attach to the buttstock of your shotgun or strap across your shoulder.

What to wear Clay Pigeon Shooting

Clay pigeon shooting is a lot more relaxed when it comes to clothing than game shooting, with no strict etiquette on what to wear. A clay pigeon shooting outfit should be functional and practical, with garments that allow you freedom of movement for shooting. Most clay pigeon shooting is done outside and in all seasons, so your clay pigeon shooting attire should be appropriate to the weather.

Ear defenders and safety glasses

Hearing and eyesight protection are vital for clay pigeon shooting due to the amount of shots fired in quick succession. Clay grounds will not let you shoot unless you wear safety glasses and ear defenders or earplugs. This is a mandatory request for your own safety. Most clay grounds will provide safety gear if you have booked a lesson, but check before you arrive. You must wear eye protection when you are clay pigeon shooting as there are many clay fragments in the air. A shard of clay in your eye would cause serious injury. Some shooting safety glasses also have interchangeable lenses, giving you optimum visibility in different lighting conditions.

Shirt or T-shirt

Wear a long or short sleeve casual shirt or T-shirt in breathable lightweight fabrics. Cotton tattersall check shirts are soft and comfortable for shooting. Alternatively, a classic polo shirt is a great option for men and women. On a clay shoot, you are not hitting live targets, so there is no risk of the colour of your clothes alerting your quarry. You are not restricted to wearing muted colours and can wear bright colours as you wish. Many people go clay pigeon shooting in the summer to practise before the game season. If it is a warm summer’s day you may only need a T-shirt or short sleeve shirt with a shooting vest over the top. Practical clothing is most essential. Make sure the top you wear is comfortable and does not restrict your swing. If a top is too tight it may restrict your movement, too loose and it could catch as you mount your gun. It is a good idea to wear several breathable layers when clay pigeon shooting. This will allow you to easily adjust your clothes if you get hot or cold. It is likely that you will be standing and doing less physical exercise than on a game shoot – so having an extra layer to pull on is useful. If you are clay shooting in the cooler months, you may consider wearing a merino wool base layer underneath your shirt for extra warmth. A top tip is to wear a long sleeve shirt buttoned up to the top over a T-shirt. When you have finished shooting, you can easily remove your shirt if it has shot residue on it. Wearing a shirt fastened to the top will also prevent hot brass or lead particles going down the inside front of your shirt.

Shooting vest

Wear a well-fitting shooting vest over your shirt or T-shirt and it is worth investing in a good one. It will help with gun mount and protect your shoulder from the kick-back of your gun when it is fired. Buy a shooting vest that includes reinforced shoulder pads and ideally has space for an additional recoil pad to prevent bruising where your gun sits. The best shooting vests feature deep cartridge pockets, no restricting collar and are waterproof and windproof. Large front pockets make it easier to access your ammunition and there should be enough pockets to hold other essentials such as scorecards. Clay shooting vests are available in both heavy and lightweight versions. If you are going clay shooting in the autumn or winter, choose one made from 100% pure wool for warmth. If you only plan to shoot clays in the summer, buy a lightweight shooting vest with mesh panels. If you prefer not to wear a shooting vest in hot weather, ensure you wear a padded shoulder strap or recoil pad to absorb the impact of your shots.

Waterproof jacket

For clay pigeon shooting in the winter, a waterproof jacket or coat will be essential. In the summer, you can just wear a shirt and shooting vest if the weather is fine. Regardless of the season, it is a good idea to take a lightweight waterproof coat in your kit bag in case of heavy rain showers. It is important to wear a good fitting raincoat that adapts well to your movement and does not restrict your gun mount. Look for a waterproof jacket with an action back and articulated sleeves that will allow freedom of movement. A coat can affect gun fit and if you are used to shooting without one and the weather is ok, remove it. For winter clay shooting, waterproof jackets made from technical fabrics give fantastic protection against the elements. Made from lightweight and durable fabrics, these waterproof jackets will give you excellent warmth without the bulk of a normal coat. See Schӧffel’s Ptarmigan Ultralight II Coat for men which is designed for comfort in all seasons with a removable insulated inner.

Comfortable jeans or trousers

Casual comfortable trousers or jeans are fine for a clay pigeon shoot as long as you can move well in them. Tweed breeks or trousers are not necessary. If you are new to the sport do not buy new trousers for your first clay shoot – just wear what you have that does not restrict your movement. Shorts or skirts are also acceptable in summer as long as they are not too flimsy and impractical – beachwear or Bermuda shorts are not a good look!

Practical footwear

Choose your footwear depending on the weather, but always wear practical shoes or boots that will support your feet. No flip-flops, sandals or open toe shoes. If it is wet, wear wellingtons that are neoprene lined for warmth, such as the Le Chameau range. In dry weather, wear trainers or comfortable walking boots. Specialist footwear is not necessary.

Hat

To protect your head against falling clay fragments and spent shot, we recommend you wear a hat. Just make sure your hat does not significantly affect your field of vision. A hat will also give you protection against wind, rain and help to keep the sun out of your eyes. A baseball cap or flat cap is ideal. Look out for one that is water-resistant for added practicality, like the Barbour Wax Sports Cap.

Other kit for a clay shoot

On a clay shoot, you do not have to worry about walking far with your kit and clothes, so you can easily take extra layers, waterproofs and plenty of cartridges with you. The kit we suggest you bring includes:

• • Gun: You can bring your own gun to a clay shoot. However, if you do not have one, clay shooting grounds will generally be able to provide you with a gun, but check before you arrive. If you are taking a clay shooting lesson, your instructor will provide you with a gun that is a good fit for you.

• • Gun slip: Like on a game shoot, it would look very odd to carry an unsheathed gun to a clay shoot or in between rounds. A gun slip will protect your gun while you are waiting to shoot.

• • Cartridges: Make sure you bring enough ammunition for the amount of shots you will be firing. Clay targets come thick and fast and it is best to overestimate the amount you will need. Most clay grounds have an onsite shop where you can buy cartridges too. Also, if you are taking a clay pigeon shooting lesson or have purchased a day’s shooting, cartridges are usually provided.

• • Cartridge bag: A cartridge bag will allow you to carry the large amount of cartridges which are needed on a clay shoot.

• • Waterproof sports holdall: This is useful in addition to a cartridge bag. A waterproof sports holdall is ideal for bringing any extra clothing or waterproofs, snacks, drinks, and a towel to wipe your hands. If you get too hot on a clay shoot, this bag can store any layers you take off.

• • Cartridge belt: A cartridge belt is an alternative way to carry cartridges on you, rather than in your pockets.

• • Gun cleaning equipment: You will be firing a high number of shots on a clay pigeon shoot, so it is a good idea to bring a gun cleaning kit with you, including rods to dislodge blockages, cleaning cloths and oil.
  • Towel: Your hands are likely to get dirty with all the shots you are firing. Bring a towel with you in your sports holdall so you can easily clean your hands and wipe rainwater off your gun.

Simulated Shooting - what to wear

A simulated game shoot is ideal to practise before the game season. This type of clay shooting is often attended by the same teams that will shoot together at a live game shoot later in the year. Therefore, many wear traditional shooting clothes to make the day feel more realistic and similar to a game shoot, including breeks, a shirt, tweed jacket, garter ties and so on. If you have a full day’s shoot planned along the lines of a normal game day then this formal style of clothing may be best. A simulated game shoot will also give you an idea of whether your garments adapt sufficiently to your movements prior to the start of the game season. However, traditional shoot clothing is not stipulated for a simulated game shoot, it is entirely up to you and your team. If you wish, you can follow the same clothing advice for clay pigeon shooting and this will be better if the weather is hot. You should always be comfortable when you are shooting to aid your form. A simulated game shoot is an enjoyable day out all year round and what you wear will depend on the weather. Never forget safety glasses and hearing protection in your shooting and hunting attire, it is probably the most important thing you will wear.