Skeet Shooting Etiquette

 

New shooters often ask questions involving skeet etiquette; however, as an NSSA Certified Instructor, I see to it that they have substantial information on the subject whether they ask about it or not. Skeet etiquette is every bit as important for shooters as any other topic in the sport. In fact, we feel the subject is so important that our instructional manuals have a section just for etiquette. We also teach skeet etiquette to the youth during the NSSA Youth Camps.

It is very important to respect others and to treat them as we would like to be treated. Below are the titles of the paragraphs in the etiquette section from the NSSA instructor manual. If you would like more information, contact an NSSA Certified Instructor for a copy, or better yet, why not become an NSSA Certified instructor so you can pass along this valuable information?

Paragraph headings

1. Skeet shooting is a sport.
2. Always try to make new shooters/members feel welcome.
3. Don’t handle anyone else’s gun without asking.
4. Use only factory ammunition in a borrowed gun.
5. Never be late arriving at the field.
6. Don’t put hold point markers on a competition field.
7. Always introduce yourself when shooting on a new squad.
8. Extend professional courtesy to the referee.
9. Never fire unannounced test shots.
10. Don’t subject other people to your bad reloads.
11. Don’t waste time and targets on station #1.
12. Don’t call too loudly.
13. Don’t waste time unnecessarily while shooting.
14. Don’t ask for the trap to be cleared unnecessarily.
15. Never shoot twice at the same target.
16. Never throw a tantrum on the field.
17. Don’t mess around after you miss.
18. If you eject spent shells from your over/under, always watch them land.
19. Do not pick up your hulls during a round.
20. Don’t coach your squad mates unless specifically requested.
21. Always stand out of sight of the person shooting.
22. No talking while someone is shooting.
23. Try not to distract shooters on adjacent fields.
24. Try never to be late for a shoot-off.
25. Be careful carrying your gun on your shoulder.
26. Be reasonably quiet behind the shooting fields.
27. No spectators on a shooting field.
28. Take only 25 shells for a practice round.
29. Never run anywhere at a gun club except in an emergency.

Shoot often and stay safe.

Barry Hartmann is an NSSA Master Level and NRA Certified shotgun instructor who can help you improve your skills at American skeet and wingshooting. To contact Barry, email him at threeat8@aol.com or give him a call at (918)803-2393.