We talk you through how to use our Multi-Clay traps to replicate each of the most popular quarry species on your simulated game shoot.
In our last article we established the Supermatch 8 to be our best all-round trap for simulated game. Its unrivalled power throws clays through the air to such a distance, when they arrive at the shooting line they are still going at an incredible pace. Choosing a multi-clay model, is the most cost-effective way to use different clay sizes to replicate a variety of quarries.
Here is our interpretation of how to use our traps to the best of their ability.
Clay traps to simulate driven pheasant
The standard clay at 110mm in diameter is the largest available to represent the size of a pheasant. To replicate the variation in size and speed of a pheasant, including midis in the carousel would create a more authentic presentation.
Grouse trailer frame with JCB attachment
Some shoots throw midi targets because they can’t get standard clays to fly far or fast enough for simulated game. With our Supermatch 8 being the most powerful trap on the market, it allows you to use standard clays to replicate larger game, cater for novice shooters or people who struggle to see smaller targets.
Clay traps to simulate high pheasants
High targets are very popular. If you have land with natural topography that lends itself to creating this type of drive our SPM8’s will launch clays into the sky without a problem. If you have flat land, then we suggest looking at a trailer / frame that can be lifted or fixing traps onto a scissor lift / high tower.
Our 3 trap game trailer is side firing and comes with manitou slots so it can be raised into the air. In the past we have fabricated platforms for multiple traps and welded JCB attachments onto the frame. Bespoke equipment can be made to suit any shoots needs.
Simulated driven partridge
Often thought of as the faster quarry, partridges are slower than pheasants, but their size and agility create fast paced shooting. We recommend using exclusively midi clays to simulate a partridge drive.
To make the drive as realistic as possible you could adopt some of the following strategies.
1. Vary the spring tension between your traps to alter the clay speeds.
2. Hide an individual trap close to the guns or send a clay across the line to provide variety of direction.
3. Tilt the traps for curling clays and simulate the birds turning away from the guns.
Typically, DTL bases offer minimal tilt which, allows the user to true the clay, however we have designed our simulated range of DTL bases to incorporate 40° tilt left and right as you would find from a normal sporting trap.
Simulated grouse shooting
Grouse are a hard quarry to replicate, mainly due to safety factors and the number of traps needed to represent a covey of birds.
Again, we suggest using midi clays but sending them from the traps at a lower trajectory. The SPM8 wound up to full spring tension will create an ultra-fast target and let you hide the traps out of sight. We recommend bringing your traps close together to fire clusters of clays that will best represent grouse however you will have to reduce the width of the shooting line or fire over a few grouse butts.
Grouse Trailer ‘FIRE ALL’ button
While game trailers or a fleet of individual traps will replicate grouse well, a specific grouse trailer is the ultimate machine for the job. Game trailers and individual traps move independently therefore its easy for them to move out of sync. Our Grouse trailer has six traps that move in unison and fires a group of six clays that best represents this quarry when they fly in tight packs.
Simulating ducks and other wildfowl
To simulate wildfowling, you need to get the traps elevated up to throw a high bird so you can replicate waterfowl coming into land or flighting from a pond. ABT bases are more restricted compared to DTL bases with manual elevation adjustments that can operate at 75°.
Position the traps so the clays approach the guns and float down into the pond or fire the clays away at different trajectories. Using a mixture of clay sizes will be good to replicate the different varieties of waterfowl found on a pond, but more than that, it will increase the difficulty and excitement of the drive because the clays all act differently in the air, dropping and taking off at different speeds and angles. Our Big Foot DTL has a sporting DTL base which offers the most flexibility in elevation and tilt for a simulated trap with DTL movement.
Clay traps to replicate pigeons
As for waterfowl, the same applies for simulating pigeons coming into roost or decoying over stubble fields. Placing guns amongst the trees will create some exciting snap shooting and make them use different skills in order to dust the clays!
To replicate decoying over stubble, we would have the clays coming in from different angles landing near to some decoys whilst also setting up some crossing or quartering away targets to represent those missed birds that are trying to get away. Standard or midi clays would be perfect for this type of drive.
Simulated rabbit drives
If you want a rabbit drive, you need rabbit traps. We’ve talked to a few shoots that offer this and heard of guns being reluctant to shoot this style of drive. However, feedback is, when they try it, they absolutely love it!
Imagine being stood in a field with 6 rabbit traps dotted around you, firing clays at various speeds and angles… some trickling by, some bounding along and others running across the whole breadth of the shooting line! Imagine the banter when that one clay sneaks past everyone completely intact!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this article. Our SPM8 comes in a variety of ‘set-ups’, specifically designed for simulated game. They all have the ability to replicate live quarries, therefore, choosing one that’s right for you depends on the type of land you’re using, how many guns you want to entertain, storage, budget and most of all personal preference.
For further information please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Many thanks Team Bowman
