Earlier this summer, whilst taking a lesson with a BASC coach at the Kent game fair, Young Shot Matt Cumbers decided to try his hand at the BASC Safe Shot assessment.

The aim of the Safe Shot assessment is to establish whether the particular shooter could be considered safe, and to ensure they have adequate practical and theoretic knowledge on overall gun safety and awareness.

The first part of the test consists of a ten-question paper, which you fail if you get more than one question wrong. You are then assessed in a field situation where, using a stile, you have to demonstrate safe gun carrying whilst crossing obstacles. The final part of the test takes place in a clay-shooting cage, which enables the assessor to look at your ability to handle the gun, load correctly and shoot safely.

Thankfully I passed and gratefully received my bronze badge and congratulations from the BASC instructors involved.

The Safe Shot assessment is available at most of the game fairs attended by BASC and I would definitely recommend taking the time to try your hand, no matter how experienced you are. Not only does it refresh your memory but it also proves your safety and competence to any farmer, landowner, fellow gun or member of the public and in turn helps uphold the valued reputation of shooting.

To find out more about the Safe Shot assessment, please call the training team on 01244 573018.