Shooting
- Members and guests are expected to provide their own eye and hearing protection, however if required the club can provide safety glasses and hearing protection.
- Above all, safety is the most important consideration. Always be aware of the direction in which the muzzle of your shotgun is pointing and NEVER point it in an unsafe direction. Whenever you shoot, make sure you know where the shot will go before you touch the trigger.
- A shotgun must never be loaded except when you are at a stand, and only after the trapper is aware of your presence.
- Break barrel guns should be carried broken or in a gun slip at all times when not shooting.
- Semi-Auto / Pump action shotguns should either have a safety flag inserted or be returned to a gun slip when not shooting.
- Always notify the trapper that you intend to shoot a particular stand.
- Never have a loaded gun if anyone is in front of the stand. (For instance reloading another trap.)
- When leaving a stand always check that you gun is unloaded.
- Be aware of livestock which may wander into the field of fire, if you have any concerns stop shooting, it may be necessary to relocate the trap.
- Stop shooting if horses are observed even if they are not in the firing line, some sites are adjacent to bridle paths.
- Be aware of roads, footpaths and buildings and ensure you are not shooting in their direction.
- Fibre wad cartridges must be used at all venues.
OPERATING TRAPS
- Traps can be very dangerous, treat them with respect.
- Never walk in front of a trap.
- Only members who have been instructed in the safe use of the traps may set up, move, reload or make adjustments to them.
- When reloading or adjusting an automatic trap positioned in front of the guns, make sure the trappers and the guns which may pose a danger to you are aware of your intention and that the guns are unloaded before approaching the trap.
- Automatic Traps should be made safe (un-cocked) with battery disconnected prior to any adjustment, reloading or transporting.
- Ensure manual traps are un-cocked before re-positioning or transporting.
- When setting up a trap always ensure the clay will fall in a safe location, away from people and vehicles.
- When clearing a trap, for instance when re-loading or packing away, make sure no people (pickers up) are in the path of the clay. If in doubt shout 'Heads up' and make sure they are aware of the incoming clay.
GENERAL RULES
- You must abide by the law with regard to the possession of shotguns and cartridges.
- The consumption of alcohol before or during shooting is strictly forbidden.
- Members and Guests are expected to help pick up and pack away the traps at the end of the shoot.
- Members and Guests should pay their dues promptly at the end of the shoot to the Treasurer or his/her representative.
- Show respect for the land we are shooting over, for adjacent property, livestock and crops. (do not drive round fields unnecessarily, especially when wet).
- Leave farm gates as we find them.
- Do not leave litter (spent cartridge cases, paper cups etc).
- Ensure all refreshments supplied by Caroline are paid for promptly