No Feathers, No Close Season: Why Simulated Game Days Are Booming

No Feathers, No Close Season: Why Simulated Game Days Are Booming

Imagine standing on a peg as a fast, high target appears over the trees—but instead of a pheasant or partridge, it is a clay.

Simulated game days combine the challenging targets, countryside setting and social atmosphere of a traditional driven shoot without using live quarry. They have become a popular way for game shooters to practise during summer, while also offering newcomers an enjoyable introduction to the sport.

What happens on a simulated game day?

Rather than moving between stands at a clay ground, participants are normally positioned on pegs while targets are launched from traps hidden around woodland, valleys or open countryside.

The clays may imitate:

• High pheasants
• Fast partridges
• Crossing birds
• Driven grouse
• Curling or dipping targets

Most days include several drives, refreshments and lunch, creating a complete country-sports experience rather than an ordinary round of clays.

Why are they so popular?

Sim days allow shooters to enjoy their shotguns throughout summer while practising foot position, gun mount, timing and target selection before the game season begins.

They are also welcoming to people who may feel uncertain about live game shooting. Newcomers can experience driven targets, peg etiquette and the social side of a shoot without live quarry.

Other benefits include:

• Plenty of varied targets
• Beautiful countryside locations
• A relaxed and sociable atmosphere
• Useful pre-season practice
• A generally lower cost than driven game shooting

Can clays really imitate game?

No clay can behave exactly like a wild bird. Clays gradually lose speed, while live birds may accelerate, change direction or react to the wind.

However, carefully positioned traps can create convincing curling, dipping and towering targets that challenge even experienced Guns.

The key is not to fire at everything. Choose targets carefully, maintain a smooth technique and treat the day as quality practice rather than a race to use the most cartridges.

Thinking of attending your first sim day?

Check exactly what the organiser provides and whether you need to bring your own gun, cartridges, certificate and insurance.

Hearing and eye protection are essential, along with comfortable country clothing, suitable footwear and waterproofs for unpredictable British weather.

Every participant should listen carefully to the safety briefing and follow the organiser’s permitted shooting angles at all times.

More than summer practice

Simulated game days are unlikely to replace traditional game shooting, but they have earned their own place in the shooting calendar.

For some, they are valuable preparation for the coming season. For others, they are simply the perfect way to enjoy challenging clays, beautiful countryside and good company.

No feathers, no close season—just an excellent day’s shooting.

Always confirm certificate, insurance, gun and cartridge requirements with the organiser before attending.