Shooting Times – September 2011
Welcome through the door of the Gun Room and here we are on the threshold of autumn. Sometimes it seems that the year is over and we are just on the countdown to Christmas but for shooters nothing is ever over and we just switch to something more appropriate for the season. So enjoy your September and don’t forget to send in your news at editorial@lincolnshirelife.co.uk
YOUNG SHOTS INTRODUCTORY DAY
24 September 2011
Location: Riseholme College, Lincolnshire
Tel: 01889 565050 email: midland@basc.org.uk
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation, in association with Lincolnshire Active Community Network, has organised a Young Shots day on the 24th September for young people aged 8 to 17 years of age to provide education and training in shooting and country sports.
Young people from non-rural backgrounds, who may not have the opportunity to experience such activities, are especially welcome. This is a hands-on day where all individuals actively participate in each of the disciplines under the tuition and guidance of experienced coaches.
Dave Carter, facilities manager at Lincolnshire Active Community Network, said: “We have been very lucky to get the support from BASC to hold this event – the first of its kind in Lincolnshire. Not only will it give people access to a hobby which may last a lifetime, we may also find our next Commonwealth or Olympic athlete!”
Lincolnshire Police firearms section will be attending the day to give advice and answer any questions from participants or parents.
Helen Wilkie, Lincolnshire Police firearms manager, said: “I welcome the initiative of this Young Shots day. In particular I am pleased to see the programme involves safety advice in respect to shotguns and air weapons.
“There will be members of the Firearms Licensing department attending the day which will provide an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions in relation to the legal side of the sport.”
The BASC Young Shots Introductory Days are designed specifically for young people (8-17 years of age) to provide education and training in shooting and country sports. You do not have to be a member of BASC to participate in their Introductory Days and all levels of experience are catered for.
Applicants will receive instruction in the safe handling and use of shotguns and air rifles. They will also receive one-to-one tuition in clay shooting and air rifles and take part in other countryside activities which will vary according to venue facilities and coach availability.
No previous shooting experience or gun ownership is needed in order to attend the day and all equipment is provided. The cost of the day is £15 per applicant.
GUIDELINES IN THE FIELD
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation has urged those going into the field to remind themselves of the guidelines, especially for picking up. So, to play our part in shooting safety and care of the quarry, here are those reminders:
Remember: safety first – make sure Guns are aware of your position. Unless instructed differently, pickers-up usually stand well back from (behind) the line of Guns (you may be required to pick up for more than one Gun). Always choose a position which is safe and from where you can mark falling birds.
Always mark shot game carefully. Decide how you will accurately remember the number of birds that are to be picked up and their last seen position.
Pay particular attention to follow the flightline of birds which may have been hit but carry on flying, and if possible watch where they fall. They should be retrieved immediately unless there are safety concerns or you have been instructed not to do so. In that case, such birds should be retrieved immediately after the drive ends and before game that is known to be dead.
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