Discover the Sport
What is Clay Pigeon Shooting?
Clay pigeon shooting — also called clay target or clay disc shooting — is the thrill of the hunt, the precision of golf, and the rush of breaking a flying target into dust, all in one unforgettable morning out in the bushveld.
Book Your First ShootNo Experience Needed
Your First Session, Step by Step
Never held a shotgun? That's most of our guests. Here's exactly what happens when you arrive at our Muldersdrift range.
1
Welcome & safety briefing
Ten relaxed minutes on range rules and gun safety — the part that makes everything else feel easy.
2
Get kitted out
We fit you with a premium Italian shotgun that suits your build, plus ear and eye protection. All included.
3
Learn the basics
Your Master at Arms coach shows you stance, mount and swing — one-on-one, at your pace.
4
Break your first clay
We start you on slow, easy targets. Most beginners break a clay within the first 20 minutes.
5
Shoot a full round
Move through the stands and take on 25 clays with coaching between every shot.
6
Wind down
Compare scores, ask questions, and relax at the range — braai and refreshments optional.
New here? Start with
The Basics
Shotguns, flying clays, and a whole lot of fun.
Clay target shooting is a sport where you use a shotgun to break small clay discs — called clays or pigeons — that are launched into the air by spring-loaded machines called traps.
The clay flies fast and falls quickly. You have a second or two to read its line, swing through it, and pull the trigger. When you connect, the clay vanishes in a satisfying puff of orange dust. That's the moment everyone comes back for.
You'll hear it called clay pigeon shooting, clay disc shooting or clay target shooting — all the same sport, all welcome here.
The Three Disciplines
Trap, Skeet & Sporting Clays
Trap
Clays launched away from you from a single bunker — fast, low, and predictable.
Beginner tip: the easiest place to start — the clay's path barely changes, so you learn to mount and swing without surprises.
Skeet
Clays cross in front of you from two towers — pure rhythm and timing.
Beginner tip: great once you've broken a few trap clays — crossing targets teach you to lead the shot instead of aiming at it.
Sporting Clays Our Discipline
Different stations simulate game birds and rabbits — the closest you'll get to a real hunt.
Beginner tip: this is what we shoot at Muldersdrift — your coach picks forgiving stations first, so it stays fun from shot one.
A Brief History
From English country estates to the Olympic stage.
1700s
Where It Began
English country gentlemen shot live pigeons released from cages — that's where the name 'clay pigeon' comes from.
1880s
A Humane Idea
Glass ball targets filled with feathers replaced live birds — the first real step toward the modern sport.
1880
The Clay is Born
American George Ligowsky patents the saucer-shaped clay disc, designed to mimic the flight of a bird. It's still used today.
1900
Olympic Sport
Clay target shooting debuts at the Paris Olympic Games — and has been on the programme ever since.
Why People Love It
Why one shot is rarely enough.
Instant Feedback
The clay either breaks or it doesn't. No scoreboards, no waiting — just immediate, addictive results.
Social & Inclusive
Anyone aged 13+ can shoot, regardless of fitness or experience. It's as much about the people as the sport.
Mental Focus
A calm mind, steady breath, and sharp eyes. It's a meditation that happens to involve a shotgun.
Safe & Structured
One-on-one coaching from a Master at Arms means you're guided every step of the way.
What a Great Day Feels Like
It's the small things you remember.
- — The dry smell of the bushveld at sunrise.
- — The mechanical thwack of the trap as the clay launches.
- — The weight of a fine Italian shotgun against your shoulder.
- — The orange puff that means you got it.
- — The cheers from your group when you break your first one.
- — Cold drinks and a braai when you're done.
The Muldersdrift Range
Purpose-built stands, fine Italian shotguns.
Our Muldersdrift range has five purpose-built shooting stands, each throwing clays on a different flight path — crossing birds, rising teal, incoming targets and fast rabbits rolling along the ground. Beginners start on a gentle outgoing stand where the clay flies away from you, then move through the trickier angles as your eye settles in.
You'll shoot a premium Italian Bettinsoli over-and-under shotgun — balanced, soft-recoiling and far kinder to a first-timer's shoulder than a heavy farm gun. We match the gun to your build, fit you with ear and eye protection, and a coach stands beside you on every shot until you're confident on your own.
- — Five stands with varied clay flight paths, from beginner-friendly to competition grade.
- — Bettinsoli over-and-under shotguns, sized and fitted per shooter.
- — One shooter on the stand at a time, with a coach at your shoulder.
Picture the Sport
How the clays fly — and how you stand.
Two quick sketches before you arrive: the five flight paths our stands throw, and the stance your coach will walk you through in the first ten minutes.
The five clay flight paths
Every stand at Muldersdrift throws a different bird. Beginners start on the gentle outgoing target (1), then work up as their eye settles in.
The basic ready stance
Your coach builds this with you step by step — you don't need to memorise it. It's the same stance for trap, skeet and sporting clays.
Just Show Up
You don't need…
Experience
Most of our guests have never held a shotgun before. We start at zero.
Your own gun
We provide premium Italian shotguns, ammo, and ear/eye protection.
A hunting background
Clay shooting stands on its own as a sport. No hunting required.
Perfect aim
We coach you through stance, swing, and timing. Most people break a clay on day one.
The Honest Bit
What does a first session cost?
No hidden extras. A beginner session at our Muldersdrift range is made up of three simple items:
Range session
R200
Non-member rate, per person
Gun hire
R200
2-hour session, premium Italian shotgun
Ammunition
R220
Box of 25 rounds — one full round of clays
All-in for your first 25 clays, with full one-on-one coaching included:
± R620
Members pay R175 per session. Ammo pricing can shift with market conditions — we always confirm the exact total when you book.
Book Your First ShootShooting in South Africa
What South African beginners need to know
Licences and the law
Firearms in South Africa are governed by the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000). You do not need anything to shoot as a guest with us — you use our licensed shotguns under direct supervision. If you later want your own shotgun, you apply to SAPS for a competency certificate first, then a licence for the specific firearm.
Becoming a dedicated sport shooter
Regular shooters usually join a club affiliated to an accredited sport-shooting association. Logged participation over time supports dedicated sport shooter status, which is how most South Africans build a proper shotgun collection legally. Our club membership records every round you shoot.
Highveld conditions
At roughly 1 500 m above sea level the air is thin and the light is hard. Targets carry a little further and look faster than at the coast. Book a morning slot in summer to shoot before the afternoon thunderstorms, and expect cold, still, near-perfect winter mornings from May to August.
What to wear on the range
Closed shoes, a cap and a collared shirt or light jacket — an empty case can drop off the stand and the sun is fierce. Sunblock and water matter more than kit. Ear and eye protection, guns and ammunition are all supplied.
Close to Home
Clay pigeon shooting in Gauteng
You don't need to drive hours for a proper day on the range. Our home ground is Muldersdrift Game Farm, in the Cradle of Humankind on Gauteng's western edge — bushveld, big skies, and purpose-built shooting stands.
From Sandton
± 25 min
Via Beyers Naudé and the N14
From Johannesburg
± 35 min
Straight out on the N14 / R28
From Pretoria
± 40 min
Via the N14 through Krugersdorp
Sessions run on weekends and weekdays by appointment. Gun hire, ammunition, ear and eye protection and one-on-one coaching are all included — from about R620 for your first 25 clays. Tell us when suits you and we'll have a stand ready.
Book Now — Muldersdrift RangeCommon Questions
How clay shooting works for beginners
Do I need a firearm licence to try clay pigeon shooting?
No. You shoot under the supervision of our Master at Arms using our licensed shotguns, so no licence or permit is needed for a guided session.
What happens on your first clay shooting session?
You get a safety briefing, a fitting for a suitable shotgun, coaching on stance and swing, then a set of practice targets. Most first-timers break a clay within the first 20 minutes.
What equipment is provided?
Italian Beretta and Perazzi shotguns, ammunition, ear protection, and shooting glasses are all included. Just wear closed shoes and comfortable clothes.
How long does a beginner session take?
Intro sessions run 90 minutes to two hours, including briefing, coaching between rounds, and time to relax afterwards at our Muldersdrift range.
How much does a first clay shooting session cost?
Budget about R620 all-in: R200 for the range session (non-member), R200 gun hire for a premium Italian shotgun, and R220 for a box of 25 rounds. One-on-one coaching is included in your session.
Is clay target shooting safe for complete beginners?
Yes. Every session is personally supervised with strict range protocols, one shooter on the stand at a time, and guns kept open until you are ready to shoot.
What are the South African rules for owning a shotgun?
Firearms are governed by the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000). To own a shotgun you apply to SAPS for a competency certificate and then a licence for the specific firearm. Most regular clay shooters join an affiliated club and build towards dedicated sport shooter status, which we log for our members.
Is clay disc shooting the same as clay pigeon shooting?
Yes. Clay disc shooting, clay disk shooting, clay pigeon shooting and clay target shooting all describe the same sport: breaking saucer-shaped clay discs launched from a trap machine with a shotgun. 'Pigeon' is a leftover from the 1800s when live birds were used; the disc replaced them in 1880.
Where can I try clay pigeon shooting in Gauteng?
Our range is at Muldersdrift Game Farm in Gauteng's Cradle of Humankind area — about 25 minutes from Sandton, 35 from central Johannesburg and 40 from Pretoria. Sessions run on weekends and weekdays by appointment, and everything (gun, ammo, protection, coaching) is included from about R620.
Is clay pigeon shooting hard for a complete beginner?
No — it's one of the most beginner-friendly shooting sports. Your coach stands next to you, starts you on easy, slow targets, and adjusts as you improve. Most first-timers break their first clay within 20 minutes, and many break most of their 25 by the end of the session.
Next Steps
What would you like to do next?
Now you know the basics — here's how to actually get on the range.
Book a Beginner Session
Master at Arms guided. All equipment included. No experience needed.
Book your first shootSee What We Offer
Sessions, packages, and what to expect on the day at Muldersdrift.
Explore clay shootingBring a Group
Family days, birthdays, corporate team-building, and client entertainment.
Plan a group eventReady to Try It?
Book a beginner session and find out why one shot is never enough. We'll handle the rest.
