Your checklist for the end of the game shooting season.
Driven game shooting is over for another season, and if you’re already missing your time in the field or feeling at a loose end, there’s plenty you can do to stay involved and keep your skills sharp. With the weather outside still cold and the light evenings of spring a little while away yet, it’s the perfect time to maintain your kit, take stock and plan for the months ahead. At Thimbleby Shooting Ground, we know that many of our customers split their time between game and clay shooting, and we’re here to help you transition smoothly from one season to the next. Whether you’re already preparing for next season or looking for ways to keep your shooting skills sharp, here’s our essential post-season checklist.
- Get your shotgun serviced
A full post-season service is essential to keep your shotgun in top condition. Even with regular cleaning, residue from a long season of shooting can build up, and hidden wear and tear may go unnoticed. A professional gunsmith will strip, inspect and clean your gun thoroughly, ensuring it remains reliable and safe for next season. Remember, we host James Reynolds, The Woodworking Gunsmith, here at Thimbleby Shooting Ground. He does a fantastic job – just chat to any of the Gun Room team to find out more.
- Maintain your shooting gear
After one of the wettest autumns and winters in recent memory, your clothing and accessories have probably worked hard this season. That means your kit might need even more attention than usual before you pack it away for the spring. Here are some ways to give your gear some TLC after exposing it to that combination of mud, rain and long days in the field:
Let tweed jackets, breeks and hats dry naturally and then brush off any dried mud and spot clean stains as per the manufacturer’s instructions. If you store them away, make sure they are dry and not exposed to mould or squashed against a damp external wall.
Reproof wax jackets and treat leather boots and gloves to maintain the waterproofing. You can also check for wear and tear at this stage, in case you want to get anything repaired. Again, if you’re packing them away for the summer, make sure you’re storing them somewhere that’s dry and away from direct heat sources.
Inspect ear and eye protection to ensure it’s in good working order – if you have ear defenders with active noise protection then check the information booklet to see if there are any recommendations for storage. Of course, you might be using both for clay shooting throughout the year, but if you’re packing them away then it’s worth a five-minute check.
- Stock up and plan ahead
With the season fresh in your mind, why not get organised for next year? You could see if there are any game cartridges on sale that you can snap up now and store ready for next season.
You can also confirm syndicate renewals and start researching and booking next season’s shoot days. This is also a great time to check your shotgun certificate expiry date and start the renewal process if needed…
- Keep shooting through spring and summer
The end of the game season doesn’t mean your shooting has to stop. We have lots of ways you can stay engaged and keep that eye in until next season rolls around. You might even decide to iron out a few bad habits and elevate your shooting so your strike rate is the envy of the gun line.
Simulated Game Days – Our very popular Simulated Game Days let you experience the thrill of driven shooting with realistic clay targets and top-notch hospitality in the stunning countryside and moorland of the Thimbleby Estate. Plus, we’ve added two new Glorious Grouse Days which are the perfect warm-up for the Glorious Twelfth! Take a closer look at the details and the dates in our last blog.
Lessons and coaching – Whether you’re refining your technique ready for an upcoming competition or getting ready for next season, our experienced instructors are here to help. We offer one-to-one lessons, game-focused sessions and tailored tuition for all skill levels. Take a look at the full offering here.
Competitions and events – Our team has been working hard on our 2025 events calendar, and we’ll be sharing all the details very soon. But rest assured, there is a raft of competitions, demo days, socials, BBQs and a lot more coming your way with events suitable for all abilities. Keep an eye on our website and social channels for updates.
So, with lots of great memories and (we hope) a freezer full of tasty game to keep you going until next season, there’s plenty you can do to fill the time until the new season opens later this year.