Safety first

The importance of personal protective equipment cannot be understated, so Jasper Fellows breaks down some of the basics

- Jasper Fellows

We should all be proud of the fact that there have been no recorded firearms-related fatalities on British shooting grounds for more than 30 years. But don't let this lull you a false sense of security. Even the best-aimed shots can still cause permanent injuries to eyes and ears. Thankfully it's never been easier, or cheaper, to stay safe on the stands.

Eyes

I bet anyone who's suffered the excruciating pain of a fast-moving clay shard making contact with their eyeball, or has been diagnosed with cataracts as a result of too much UV exposure, wishes they'd worn eye protection. When it comes to eyesight, hindsight won't help - foresight is what's needed.

It's not uncommon for shooters and spectators alike to be struck by an errant clay fragment; usually it's just a light dusting or a few fragments of clay coming back for revenge. No matter the size of the shrapnel, one of the last places you want it is in your eyes.

Exposure to sunlight, more specifically UV radiation, is another commonly overlooked hazard that's especially pertinent to shooters because we spend a lot of time staring skywards searching for elusive targets.

Casting shade

A two-stage approach to vision protection is best. A solid pair of good shooting glasses and a peaked hat are key. It may seem near impossible for a clay fragment to fly between the gaps of the glasses and into your eye, but is that a gamble you are willing to take?

Thankfully, any cap will do and most clay grounds sell branded caps at reception, so you can support your local ground while staying safe. Shooting glasses are more complicated, but understanding the basics will help you protect your vision and perhaps even boost your scores.

Impact protection