As the general public leans into reducing, reusing and recycling to keep the planet clean and green, the clay shooting world hasn’t been left behind. Read how.
When you think of clay shooting, caring for the environment might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, the world of clay shooting takes its responsibility to Mother Nature seriously and is actually making significant strides to minimise its impact on the environment.
While lead bullets and plastic cartridges still prevail in most clay shooting spaces, both manufacturers and club owners are taking steps to keep the world’s shooting grounds as ‘green’ as possible- with some innovative results!
In this blog, we'll link you up with the general background information you need to understand clay shooting competitions.This is the seventh entry in Castellani’s blog series all about clay shooting. Here’s everything you need to know about clay shooting and the environment.
Shhh…Clay Shooting and Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is an environmental issue that’s often overlooked, but if you’ve ever disturbed the neighbours while plinking on your property you’ll know that some people get up in arms about protecting quiet air space.
Since many shooting grounds are located in serene rural areas, it’s something shooters often have to deal with. Shooting grounds are stepping up to the challenge by implementing measures to reduce noise pollution. They're using noise-absorbing fencing, along with ultra-green options like planting thick trees and shrubs to absorb sound, and building large earth bunds to keep things quiet and peaceful.
Clay Shooting and Biodegradable Materials
The biggest issue of environmental consciousness in the shooting world? Biodegradability. Cartridge manufacturers have crafted biodegradable wads, now widely used in game shooting and gaining popularity in clay shooting, too.
Additionally, many shooting grounds are getting into the recycling game, ensuring that plastic cartridge cases don't end up harming the environment. Ongoing research and development in technology has even led to some innovative companies producing cartridges with compostable wads and cases.
The recent movement away from using lead shot in game and rough shooting means brands are working hard to use steel and other non-lead materials that meet the needs of modern shooters. While lead is still commonly used in clay target competitions worldwide, some savvy grounds are finding ways to catch those spent lead pellets and dispose of them safely.
Some examples of this are UK cartridge case recycling services and Bioammo, and the future is bright.
If you’re stepping into the world of clay shooting, Castellani can equip you with everything you need to succeed. View our product range for industry-leading equipment, take a look at our blog for more free tips and resources, or get the full Beginner’s Guide to Clay Shooting.
