Should I Allow My Child to Start Clay Pigeon Shooting?

Chances are that you are probably asking this question because your child has gotten to know that mummy or daddy goes to shoot things out of the sky with a cool gun and wants to come too. Or your child has watched one too many videos and read books about clay pigeon shooting and has decided that they must just start this interesting sport. They could probably have even seen that you have gotten one of the best clay pigeon throwers. Their decision has you as a parent or guardian worried and you have come online to seek help.

The most important thing is that you should never force them. Be honest with yourself. Did your child merely express a fleeting interest in this sport which you blew up to be more than it is? Does your child have a new interest every week? If yes, turn around and let them be. Forcing a child is a sure-fire way to get them to get to lose interest. Wait till they develop an interest and if they do not, it’s is fine.

However, if you do not belong to that group, you should know that it entirely depends on some variables. Some parents let their children start shooting at the age of three. They usually start shooting up little things like puddles. If a child can reason and hold a gun, it is fine.

However, there are some things you must first consider. Do you have enough resources to ensure they go to a safe club designed for children? While they can start at virtually any age, it is not advisable to let a child less than 10 years of age handle a shotgun.

If you are not a professional yourself, can you employ a professional who will monitor them at all times? As a child, they should not be left alone with the shotgun for the littlest amount of time. You should also consider limiting a child only to a gun club. As an adult, you can choose to shoot in your enclosed backyard but a child should only shoot in a place designed for shooting for safety purposes.

If you are able to meet up to these requirements, you should let your child start shooting. If not, wait till they are of age.

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