Caroline Nokes, Conservative MP for Romsey and Southampton North, has had her first experience of clay shooting thanks to the UK’s largest shooting organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC).
The lesson took place at the Acorn Shooting School near Stockbridge in Hampshire. With coach Des Sturgess Ms Nokes learnt about gun safety, how to handle a shotgun and tried her hand at a number of different targets.
Ms Nokes said: "Clay pigeon shooting is a sport which is enjoyed by people of all ages, and in which Great Britain competes alongside the best in the world. It is also a great way to introduce young people to responsible and safe use of guns. Furthermore, it’s brilliant fun and I can’t wait to go again; not least of all because, much to my surprise and the surprise of my instructor, I actually managed to hit some clays! BASC is a leading organisation in promoting conservation of habitats and environmental sustainability and I had a wonderful discussion about the preservation of grey partridges and the environment they need."
Sam Edwards, BASC political affairs officer, who accompanied Ms Nokes during the lesson said: “Ms Nokes shot very well, hitting a good number of clays during the lesson. She was very interested to hear more about shooting sports and conservation, particularly within her constituency.”
Ms Nokes interest in trying shooting for herself was sparked when she tried the ST-2 clay shooting simulator which BASC took to Westminster in December 2012.