Join us on the estate for a tailored clay shooting experience with expert instructor Mark Baxter. Set in the fields surrounding Middleton Lodge, these one-to-one sessions are designed to suit all levels of experience, from complete beginners to confident shots.
What you’ll learn
Each lesson covers the foundations of shotgun shooting, with a strong focus on safety and technique.
- Eye dominance — understanding how your dominant eye guides your shot
- Shooting stance — how to stand and position yourself for control and balance
- Gun handling — including how to carry your shotgun, remove and return it safely to its slip, and the principles of ‘muzzle awareness’
Mark will also guide you through gun fit and movement, showing how to align the shotgun with your hands, arms and head. You’ll practise with two clay traps; one sending the clay high and towards the stand, the other away, helping you learn to track and break targets with precision. Lessons begin with the use of ‘snap caps’ (dummy cartridges), allowing you to get a feel for the movement of the gun and timing your shot, before progressing at a pace that suits you.
What to wear
We recommend dressing for the outdoors, with sturdy boots or shoes suitable for uneven or muddy ground (and a bag to carry them in afterwards). A cap or hat is advised to protect your head from any stray clay fragments, along with warm layers to keep you comfortable throughout the session. A waterproof jacket is also essential, as the North Yorkshire weather can be unpredictable.
Good to know
Bookings must be made 48 hours in advance and payment is required upon booking. We advise booking early to save disappointment. Participants must be 10 years old and above. These are one-to-one lessons — should you wish to book a group lesson, please let us know in advance.
Terms & conditions
Full payment is required at the time of booking. Should you wish to transfer your booking to another guest’s name, please contact our reservations team directly. Cancellations made up to one month before the event will receive a 50% refund; after this point, tickets are non-refundable.
How to book
Please call our Reservations Team on 01325 377977 (option 1) to book. Full payment is required at the time of booking.
