FAQ

Commonly asked questions.

The questions we hear most. If yours isn't here, drop us a line via the contact page.

What's the difference between a sim day and clay ground?+

Both are available through ClayDays but there are some differences. A clay ground is typically a shooting venue where guns walk between stands to try different targets and is a great way to practice or learn how to shoot. A sim day is more of a day out and is designed to mimic a game shoot, often with hospitality, drinks and a team of people shooting from various positions.

Do I need to bring my own gun?+

No. Most sim shoots or clay grounds will have guns available to hire.

Should I sort insurance before I go?+

Yes, you'll need public liability insurance. You can get this through BASC or the Countryside Alliance. It's also worth checking with the venue — they may have a setup or recommendation to help you get sorted.

Can I bring a friend who doesn't want to shoot?+

Yes, that's usually fine — just let the venue know in advance. Some may charge a bit extra for hospitality.

What's a sim day?+

You might hear it called simulated shooting, clay pigeon shooting, sim days, or simply clay shooting. These are all different terms for the same activity. A sim day mimics a driven game shoot — teams of guns, multiple drives, hospitality between, the works.

How experienced do I need to be?+

Most ClayDays venues welcome shooters of all levels — beginners through to seasoned game shots. If you've never picked up a gun, ask the venue about coaching as part of the day. If you're an experienced game shot, sim days are a great way to keep your eye in over the summer.

How are the scores worked out?+

Every shoot on ClayDays uses our barrel-camera scoring system. A camera attached to your gun records every shot, and our software tells you in real-time whether it was a hit or a miss. You'll see scores on the stand display through the day, and your full scorecard plus footage in your inbox a few days later.

Can I get a refund if it's cancelled?+

Yes — if the venue cancels for any reason (weather, etc.) you'll be refunded in full. The venue's own cancellation policy applies to no-shows and last-minute cancellations from your side.

Do you cover venues outside England?+

Yes — the calendar shows shoots across the UK, including Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.