Clay pigeon shooting competition checklist

A clay pigeon shooting competition needs more than rifles and targets. You must secure the range, confirm permits and insurance, organise a safe layout, and give every participant clear timings and route information. Work through the plan in stages: book the venue first, finalise registrations and the match schedule next, then check equipment, catering and weather during the final week. On the day, allow enough time for safety inspections, station marking and equipment setup before the first squad shoots.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Reserve shooting range
Check permits
Check insurance coverage
Set competition format
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Assign volunteers
2 people
Create the match schedule
2 people
Order catering
Confirm equipment rental
Print participant list
Prepare scorecards
2 people
Send route information
Check the weather forecast
Do the shopping
2 people
Fill coolers
2 people
Check equipment
2 people
Load competition equipment
3 people
Inspect the site and safety
2 people
Build party tents
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Mark shooting stations
3 people
Set up competition rifles
2 people
Set up clay pigeons and cartridges
2 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Set up the catering buffet
3 people
Test sound system
2 people
Prepare the safety briefing
2 people

Event

Register participants
3 people
Hand out race numbers
2 people
Give safety instructions
3 people
Guide the practice round
4 people
Escort competition groups
6 people
Record scores
3 people
Refill clay pigeons
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks and sandwiches
3 people
Clear used dishes
2 people
Check final standings
2 people
Present prizes
3 people
Serve dinner
4 people
Guide participants at departure
2 people

Aftercare

Store competition rifles safely
2 people
Count remaining ammunition
2 people
Gather competition materials
4 people
Collect waste
3 people
Take down tables and chairs
4 people
Take down party tents
4 people
Clean the grounds
5 people
Wash dishes and supplies
3 people
Return rental items
2 people
Send the final results

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 75
Bar stoolsqty 6
Clothes racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Competition riflesqty 6
Clay pigeonsqty 600
Competition patternsqty 700
Pattern holdersqty 12
Launch machinesqty 4
Shooting vestsqty 12
Ear defendersqty 80
Safety gogglesqty 80
Shooting range signsqty 6
Bollardsqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 4
Scoreboardsqty 6
Bib numbersqty 80
Stopwatchesqty 4
Whistlesqty 4
Rain covers for scorecardsqty 20
Prizesqty 6

Safety

First aid kit
Fire blanketqty 2
Fire extinguisherqty 2
Flashlightsqty 6

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving traysqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8
Chilled tablewareqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom and dustpanqty 3
Mop setsqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Book the shooting range and check permits and insurance coverage before sending invitations. Confirm the competition format at the same time, because it determines the schedule, staffing and equipment you need.
Close registrations early enough to print the participant list, prepare scorecards and assign volunteers. Collect dietary requirements at registration rather than trying to identify them when catering arrives.
Complete an equipment check before loading the competition rifles, launch machines, clay pigeons, cartridges and safety gear. Count ear defenders and safety goggles against the participant list, with spares available for late additions or damaged items.
Set up and inspect the site before competitors arrive. Mark shooting stations, place signs, bollards and barrier tape, and keep first aid, fire safety equipment and flashlights accessible rather than packed in a vehicle.
Check the forecast during the final 48 hours and protect scorecards from rain. Build party tents, arrange tables and chairs, fill the coolers and test speakers, microphones, extension cords and power strips before the briefing begins.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book a clay pigeon shooting range?: Book the range as soon as you have a likely event date, ideally at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. This gives you time to confirm permits, insurance, competition format, catering and equipment rental before invitations go out.
How many clay pigeons and cartridges do I need per competitor?: Use the number required by your chosen competition format, then add a reserve of about 10% for broken clays, practice shots or replacements. Confirm the final quantity with the range or equipment provider before ordering.
When should I send the match schedule to participants?: Send the confirmed schedule and route information 5 to 7 days before the competition. Include arrival time, briefing time, squad or station details, clothing and safety requirements, and a contact number for delays.
How early should competitors arrive before shooting starts?: Ask competitors to arrive 45 to 60 minutes before the first squad. That allows time for registration, safety checks, equipment fitting, volunteer instructions and the competition briefing without delaying the start.

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