Clay pigeon shooting — also called clay target shooting or simply clays — is one of the fastest-growing shooting sports in South Africa. Whether you've fired a shotgun before or you've never held one, getting started is more accessible than most people think. This guide walks you through every step, from your first try-the-sport session to competing as a registered FITASC member with Compak SA.
What is clay pigeon shooting?
Clay pigeon shooting is a shotgun sport where shooters break flying clay targets launched from machines called traps. The discipline comes in several flavours — Trap, Skeet, Sporting, and Compak Sporting — each with its own layout and rhythm. Compak Sporting is the FITASC discipline we focus on in South Africa: five shooting cages, up to six trap machines, and a clever mix of target presentations packed into a small footprint.
Step 1: Visit a local clay shooting club
The single best way to start clay shooting in South Africa is to visit a club. Don't buy anything yet. Don't worry about a licence. Just browse our directory of affiliated clubs and book an introductory session with a coach. Most clubs run try-the-sport sessions where the shotgun, eye and ear protection, cartridges, and clays are all included for a flat fee.
You'll be coached one-on-one for an hour or two, breaking around 25–50 clays in a relaxed, safe environment. By the end of the session you'll know whether the sport is for you — and almost everyone discovers it is.
Step 2: Get the right kit (eventually)
Don't buy a shotgun on day one. Borrow from the club, shoot a few sessions with different makes and stock fits, and ask coaches what suits your build and shooting style. When you're ready, a good entry-level over-and-under 12-gauge shotgun for sporting clays starts in the R20,000–R40,000 range second-hand, with new competition guns running considerably more.
Beyond the gun you'll need quality eye protection (yellow or orange lenses for contrast), ear protection (preferably electronic muffs or moulded plugs), a shooting vest or cartridge pouch, and a shotgun slip for transport.
Step 3: Apply for your shotgun licence (SAPS)
Once you're committed, apply for a dedicated sport-shooting firearm licence through the South African Police Service (SAPS) under section 16 of the Firearms Control Act. You'll need a competency certificate first, which requires a recognised firearm-safety course, a unit-standard test, and motivation from a registered sports-shooting association. Most clubs and national bodies — including Compak SA — can issue the dedicated-status motivation once you're an active competing member.
The full process typically takes a few months. Your club is your best guide through it.
Step 4: Join Compak SA and shoot your first competition
Compak South Africa is the FITASC-affiliated national body for Compak Sporting in the country. Membership unlocks ranked competitions, official classification, and the path to provincial and national colours.
Visit our membership page to apply, then enter your first event through our competition calendar. Most clubs run monthly club shoots that are perfect for newcomers — relaxed, friendly, and a fraction of the cost of a major tournament.
Step 5: Get classified and start ranking
After a handful of shoots your scores will place you in a class (C, B, A, or Open) and on the national rankings. The goal of the rankings system is simple: every shooter competes against people at a similar level, so progress is meaningful from your first competition through to national colours.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a firearm licence to try clay shooting?
No. You can shoot at any registered club using a loan shotgun under the supervision of a coach or licensed shooter. You only need your own licence once you want to own your own gun.
How old do you have to be?
Juniors as young as 12–13 routinely shoot clays under supervision. For a licence of your own you must be 21, but plenty of South African champions started young at their parents' clubs.
How much does it cost to get started?
An introductory session at most clubs costs R500–R1,500 all-in. An entry-level kit (gun, ammo, vest, glasses, ear protection) can be assembled second-hand for under R30,000. Annual Compak SA membership and club fees are modest — see the membership page for current figures.
What's the difference between Compak SA and other associations?
Compak SA is the South African body for the FITASC discipline of Compak Sporting specifically. Other associations run Trap, Skeet, English Sporting, and DTL. Many shooters belong to several — there's no conflict, and the more you shoot the better you get.