BASC South West has piloted several Young Shot Progression days which have been resoundingly successful. Jamie Stewart BASC Director for the South West of England says BASC currently offer a range of activities for our Young Shots which may include clay shooting, airguns, gundog handling, falconry, fly-fishing, deer stalking. These days are extremely popular and very successful in the objective of introducing young people to our sport in a safe and friendly environment. With over one thousand Young Shots in the West Country we wanted to take them to the next level with out losing any of there enthusiasm and I believe the Progression days achieve this in spades.

We planned these days around the BASC Proficiency Award Scheme and the Firearms Awareness and Sporting Rifle courses. By removing the test elements aimed at adults but at the same time retaining all of the knowledge transfer and feed back, required in todays educational framework, we have established a base from where the Young Shots can progress to become safe and competent participants in the sporting field.

In order to achieve a dedicated learning plan the progression days are limited to twenty four candidates, sixteen for shotguns and for eight rifles.  Shotgun coaches are allocated two candidates each who then enjoy a two hour practical session on the clay line with an inbuilt written feedback session. After a break for lunch they are then given a two hour session on shotgun history and development and legal status augmented by safety and maintenance demonstration. Rifle coaches retain the group of eight and also have a two hour session on the range with a similar classroom based session after lunch.

Young shots leave the day with a portfolio containing feedback from the coaches and a dedicated leaning plan to achieve before the next Progression day. Progression  consist of three days spread over the year, the third day will end with a safe shot test and thereafter the group will be given simulated days, clay and deer stalking respectfully. The culmination of this programme will be an evening of introduction where each Game, Wildfowling or Deer Stalking Syndicate/club will have the opportunity of recruiting the Young Shots into there respected Syndicate /club to the benefit of the clubs growth and the continuation of Young Shots sporting career.  

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