Sunday, 13th April 2025 marked a milestone moment for me—my first official 50-bird shoot after completing my Skill at Arms sign-off. The morning air was crisp, the skies were clear, and I couldn’t have asked for better company than Brandon, Matt, and Jez, all familiar faces from the club. Spirits were high as we gathered at Lecq Clay Target Club, ready to test our focus, reactions, and consistency over five challenging stands.
Led by Paul, the shoot was structured and smooth, offering just the right mix of guidance and freedom. As someone fresh off their Skill at Arms qualification, this was the perfect opportunity to apply what I’d learned in a real setting. Each stand presented its own puzzle—fast crossers, deceptive loopers, and those always-tricky quartering birds that love to test your timing.
Brandon, Matt, and Jez brought a great mix of experience and banter, keeping things relaxed but competitive. We encouraged each other, compared notes between stands, and celebrated the good shots as much as we laughed at the near misses. It was everything a Sunday morning shoot should be—focused, fun, and full of small victories that build bigger confidence.
Huge thanks to Paul for running the session with his usual calm precision. His tips and observations, even mid-round, helped settle nerves and sharpen focus. I walked away with a solid score, a few things to work on, and—more importantly—the sense that I’ve officially started the next chapter of my clay shooting journey.
Looking forward to many more Sunday mornings like this.