As a beginner, the value proposition is high. We all want value for money, but when learning something new, especially if you’re not yet sure it’s your bag, you don’t want to spend a fortune just to test the water.
And even if you know you’re quite likely to enjoy something; why spend above the odds when you’re still learning? Like many things, you don’t want to be the guy or girl referred to as having “all the gear and no idea”. By the way, if you’re an advanced shooter, check out our post on Shooting Clays on a Budget (Advanced).
Whilst learning a new sport or hobby, start small, enjoy the process and treat yourself as you progress and develop. There’s a lot to be said about rewarding yourself for your achievements down the line. Delayed gratification is so rare these days as we live in a world where instant gratification is the “norm”.
Righto, enough of the segway into economics…
SHARING A ROUND OR CARD
This approach assumes that you’re not shooting alone and are taking up the sport with a friend(s). This is definitely a preferable approach, not only for saving costs at clay grounds, but having a support network of like-minded friends, starting at the same time and facing the same challenges and growth.
Most sporting grounds normally adopt an approach of a set number of birds for a certain price (we’ll ignore member vs. non-member for this discussion). For example; £25 for 60 birds or £40 for 100.
Ask the ground if you can share a card. Maybe two of you can share a 60 bird round. Especially if you’re starting out, 30 birds may be enough for a casual shoot. This would be only £12.50 each in this example. Or maybe there are 3 of you and you’d like to share 120 birds (40 each); this would be under £17 each.
BUY FEWER CARTRIDGES
We’ve seen the crack shots smashing clays with their second barrel; missed on the first, dusted on the second. Whilst we don’t want to waste a clay, when learning, you’re likely to miss more than you hit. And that holds true for your second barrel too. Firing off your second barrel at a clay you’ve just missed with your first is unlikely to pay dividends; it’s just going to cost you in wasted cartridges.
While you hone your skill, focus on one cart (cartridge) per clay. This also helps focus your attention. And it saves your pocket from unnecessary spending on wasted carts.
That said, it is prudent to keep a handful of spare carts, just in case. Share an extra box between you and your friends, this will only set you back a couple of quid, and keep any unused carts for next time; you might find over the course of a few rounds, you’ll build up enough spares to cover your next shoot.
LOYALTY IS FOR DOGS
OK, don’t take this one the wrong way. Don’t be tempted to shoot the same ground/club every week (or second week if they apply the 28 week rule), if you’re not incentivised to do so. Keep an eye on all the grounds/clubs in your area and go where the specials or deals are.
This is about getting the most bang-for-your-buck (ah-thank you) and your loyalty is to yourself and getting the best deal / value for money.
However, if you’re really happy at a certain club, or they offer you preferential rates (membership aside – which will be dealt with in a separate post), then feel free. I’m just giving you ideas to implement if you want to make the most of your shooting budget.
Keep a spreadsheet or even just a log of the clubs you frequent and their prices/costs (clays, carts and gun hire) and update frequently (using their websites or calling them up). Having them all on a page will help you easily see where the best value lies and where to focus your shooting efforts.
HIRE FEWER GUNS
Whilst starting out, given the duration of time it takes to get a shotgun certificate granted, you’ll likely be hiring guns at the club for a few months at least. Gun hire can range from £10-£20 depending on the club/grounds. That adds a considerable amount to your shooting bill!
If there are two of you, as long as it isn’t against club policy, just hire 1 gun (where allowed) as only one of you can shoot at a time anyway!
If sharing a gun is against club policy, then look at shooting somewhere that does allow it. Make sure to include this in your cost analysis mentioned in the section above. Most clubs understand the desire of making shooting as accessible and affordable as possible, and those that don’t want to know; well maybe you don’t want to be a part of that club anyway.
SHOOTING GEAR
You don’t need all the bells and whistles when starting out. Warm clothes (not too baggy/thick) and some decent waterproof shoes/wellies (for the wet months) is sufficient in terms of clothing.
Ear protection and eye protection are mandatory and for good reason. However, you can pick up some cheap ear protection from £13 upwards and glasses from £9 upwards.
CONCLUSION
Shooting can be made cheaper; don’t just take everything at face value and be savvy with your choices. Compare a few grounds, have a conversation with them and run a few numbers/scenarios. You’ll be surprised at how relatively easily you can bring the costs down.
Stay safe, shoot straight.
Gazza 
