Many of our autumn and winter client base may assume that the Roxtons team is rather quiet over the spring and summer months. However, this could not be further from the truth – we are flat out! As soon as the game season closes, preparations begin for launching our ‘chock-a-block’ simulated game season that continues to grow, year on year.
There is in fact much more to a Roxtons simulated game day than simply slinging some clays from a hilltop. A lot of hard graft goes into creating drives that are some of the highest and most varied drives in the UK.
Preparation is Key
The first step is to ensure of traps are serviced and functioning smoothly – this preparation is vital as they are the hardest working members of the team and see some hammer.
Our two hubs are our own managed shoot at Arden, located 15 minutes North of Helmsley and Urra, a distinctly different estate at the top end of the North York Moors. Arden features classic steep wooded valleys and looks to be designed for shooting. Urra has a more wild and rugged feel and produces a great variety in drives including fast-paced sim Grouse in the heather.
Next, we look to tweak existing, proven drives and test out some new ideas for additional ones to keep things fresh for returning teams. Once our plan is agreed upon, usually after heavy deliberation, we set to work clearing foliage for gun stands and paths ensuring the clay drives have the same special feel as the real deal. As our season runs from mid-April to end of June, we can use real drive locations without bothering birds. This is an interesting revelation for those who have solely shot these in winter, as the estate takes on totally different appearance in full green bloom.
We strive to show clays that simulate gamebirds in height, speed and line. However, some teams enjoy a slightly less serious presentation where we have a bit of fun. Which options we choose, are selected on a team-by-team basis.
More Than Just Shooting
Hospitality holds equal importance to shooting on our days. Great pride is taken in feeding and watering our guests to the same level as any game day. Our elevenses spots consist of a safari-style stretch tent, a thoroughly well stocked bar and an eclectic food offering.
Competitive spirit is injected post sustenance and lubrication by way of a team ‘vermin’ competition. This is laid out next to the tent and splits the guns into squads who will shoot against each other on a series of pesky vermin inspired clays. This year at Urra, we featured a simulated close-range rat that guaranteed giggling every time it appeared.
The Finer Details
When deciding the difficulty of our clays, we aim to ramp this up thorough the day. All of which can be tweaked on the fly by our masterful trap-smiths. A huge mention must go to “Loading Dave” and “Big-Pete” who have held together the behind-the-scenes show brilliantly.
One may be surprised to learn, that clays are very much weather affected. Wind is the obvious contender; however barometric pressure also has a very tangible effect on how they travel. If I was told this prior to running sim days, I would have said this was complete nonsense, but I have witnessed it first hand! You can run the same clay drive on consecutive days, with similar wind, same trap, same spring, same clays, same distance and it is amazing the tweaking that is required correct clay flight to our standards. Our chosen trap set up allows us to be adaptable as we do not rely of solely on pre-programmed remote-controlled traps. We prefer hand-aimed and fired turret-style traps from Bowman. I’ve had a few days on the traps this past season, and operating these does conjure images of being a tail gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress. These traps have a higher cyclic rate than most and therefore can cover a line of guns very effectively, whilst tailoring each clay to each individual peg.
We use a combination of standard and midi size clays in most drives, these being 110mm and 90mm respectively. At first glance, one might think these are far too small to simulate game birds. But if you were to remove all feathers from a pheasant and place a standard clay on-top of the front half of its body, a standard clay would cover its ‘kill-zone’ and the same with a partridge with a midi clay. Therefore, all the clays a gun manages to break on a sim day represent clean kills in the field – which is what I hope every sportsman strives would strive for.
I have been with very experience game shots on some of our mixed-size clay drives and some have struggled initially. This is due to the significant speed variation between both clay diameters. Not only this, but a midi can look higher than and can be over-lead easily. From our point of view, this variety is what simulates the real thing. With each clay requiring some level of thought on how to approach the shot as with any gamebird.
Charity Simulated Game Days
The simulated game team also run charity shoot days in the summer months. This summer we ran back-to-back days raising funds for The Luma Foundation and GWCT, held at the stunning Snilesworth Estate in the North York Moors. We set a circular route of 6 drives encompassing of all types of terrain on the estate including heather, rolling hills, steep valleys and tight woodland cover.
With these charity events we can really have some fun setting the drives and include some slightly less conventional clays to catch even the handiest teams out. The day rounded off with drinks, lunch and a rather energetic auction. The events were a huge success, with over £200,000 raised for two excellent charities.
Looking to raise money for a good cause? Our team are on hand to help you organise a fun and successful event:
info@roxtons.com | +44 1488 683222
Book Your Simulated Game Day for 2027
I can guarantee that any clay pigeon naysayers will be converted after their first day out. If anything, it is a brilliant excuse to get together with your shooting pals out of the season and have a jolly good laugh.
We can cater for teams up to 16 guns, with a select handful of roving syndicate dates – perfect for smaller groups or individuals looking to experience all the fun and action that simulated game days with Roxtons can offer. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, looking to put on a memorable stag/hen do or unique corporate team building event, to just friends looking to enjoy shooting in the summer months, our team can cater for any requirements.
Enquire about next year’s availability by contacting us today:
info@roxtons.com | +44 (0) 1488 683 222
