Shooting isn't a hobby, it's a way of life
Discover Clay Shooting in France with CLAYMING
Welcome to CLAYMING, the Flemish sports club for clay shooting in France !
Our club is dedicated to the passion for this unique sport. We offer clay shooting in various disciplines, including sporting clays, compak sporting, DTL (Down the Line), and Universal Trench.
But why did we choose to focus on France ?
Read on to discover the advantages of clay shooting in the beautiful French landscape.
Challenges in Belgium and the transition to France
It is clear to every clay shooter that Belgium is facing challenges in terms of spatial planning, which has led to the closure or limited operating hours of many shooting ranges.
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CLAYMING has found the solution by crossing the border to France. There is still more than sufficient open space in France to integrate shooting ranges without causing disturbances. The French landscape provides the ideal environment for clay shooting, with stunning locations that perfectly complement our sport.
The hunting culture and shooting ranges in France
France has a rich hunting culture deeply rooted in society. This means that shooting ranges are in demand throughout the country for hunters to practice outside the hunting season. Clay shooting is an excellent way for hunters to maintain their shooting techniques and reflexes. In addition to its traditional use as training for hunters, the sport has also attracted a whole new generation of competitive shooters. The shooting ranges in France attract a diverse audience of both hunters and sports shooters, creating a friendly and dynamic atmosphere.
The (financial) benefits of clay shooting in France
One of the biggest advantages of France is the abundance of shooting ranges. This may seem surreal to Belgian shooters, but it is the reality. Moreover, the presence of many clubs in France has led to maintaining democratic prices, unlike in Belgium, where clay shooting has become almost an elite sport. Memberships and shooting sessions in France can be more than half the price compared to what is commonly known here. Additionally, the French Federation and their clubs make extra efforts to attract and retain young and female members, often offering even more favorable rates to them.
Support and guidance by CLAYMING
At CLAYMING, we aim to remove any apprehension and provide the necessary support for Belgian shooters to explore clay shooting in France. We understand that the language, specific rules, and procedures related to firearms and ammunition in France can be intimidating, but we are here to help.
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Firstly, you need to apply for a European Firearms Pass (EFP) from the competent Belgian authorities. The EFP is a travel document that is minimally required to travel with a firearm through other European countries. This document lists the firearms you possess, and demonstrates that you are authorized to possess these weapons in your country of origin. This way, you can prove in foreign countries that you have permission to possess the firearm.
Annually, you must have the EFP stamped at a Sous-préfecture (an administrative unit of the department that serves as a subregional administrative center). Although many shooters neglect this, it is essential to follow this validation procedure. The possession of only a European Firearms Pass does not automatically mean that you can legally use the weapons in France. Validating the pass with the French authorities ensures that you comply with the requirements of French legislation regarding the possession and use of your firearms.
If you bring your own weapons to France, you must ensure that they are transported in a safe and legal manner. This means that, like in Belgium, the firearms and magazines must be unloaded, stored out of sight in a closed and locked trunk (or in a manner where they cannot be easily accessed), equipped with a safety lock, and transported separately from the ammunition. The ammunition must be placed in lockable cases, bags, or pouches.
In France as well, you need a legitimate reason to justify the transportation of firearms, such as sport shooting or hunting. To support this, there are two possibilities:
1. You have an invitation to an organized hunt or sports competition, specifying at least the location and date. If you want to engage in recreational shooting, you must request and receive such an invitation from a French club in advance. You can already see that this is quite cumbersome...
2. Simpler, and also what we recommend, is to become a member of the French Federation (similar to VSK in Belgium), which always provides you with a legal reason. As a member, you can also freely purchase ammunition in France. However, always consult the current Belgian legislation regarding the ammunition you are "importing" back to Belgium. A small note regarding the ammunition, in France, it is still lead-shot and not steel !
It is important to note that laws and regulations can change. Therefore, it is advisable to contact the relevant Belgian and French authorities or shooting clubs (such as CLAYMING) to obtain the most up-to-date and detailed information about the administrative obligations for Belgian sports shooters who wish to shoot in France.
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Our experienced and knowledgeable team members will guide you through the process of obtaining the required documents, ensuring that you can enjoy clay shooting in France without any worries.
VSK, CLAYMING and ARRAS BALL TRAP shooting club
CLAYMING is an accredited Flemish Shooting Sports Federation (VSK) club, and our home base is the ARRAS BALL TRAP shooting club. This club offers a wide range of disciplines suitable for both beginners and experienced shooters. With 5 sporting clay courses, 8 compak sportings, 4 DTL layouts, 4 Universal Trench layouts, and a running boar, there is something for every shooter. Moreover, there are two 25-meter towers that provide an extra challenge. In addition to the sporting aspect, there is a cafeteria where you can relax and enjoy a drink between shooting sessions. ARRAS BALL TRAP is just an hour's drive from Kortrijk, and it is open 7 days a week, which is also an important factor.
Exploration
In addition to our vibrant home base in Arras, CLAYMING regularly ventures out to explore other clubs and their facilities in France. It is a unique opportunity to enjoy breathtaking shooting ranges that are often fully integrated into nature. Our exploration trips range from day visits to nearby clubs to multi-day trips with overnight stays, expanding our path southward and discovering new areas.
During our (multi-day) trips, we get to experience the diversity of shooting ranges across France. Each location has its own charm and unique features, making every experience an adventure in itself. We are spoiled with the beautiful French culture and hospitality, surrounded by lush nature and breathtaking landscapes. Shooting at these picturesque places provides an unparalleled experience that you definitely don't want to miss. These are moments when our club becomes even closer, creating unforgettable memories together.
Become a member of CLAYMING and discover the beauty of clay shooting in France
At CLAYMING, it's not just about the sport itself but also about creating lasting friendships and sharing unforgettable moments.
Whether you are an experienced shooter or just starting your clay shooting adventure, you are always welcome to be part of our close-knit community. Discover new horizons with CLAYMING and enjoy the perfect blend of clay shooting, nature, and friendship. Join our club and experience the sport in a unique and exciting way. At CLAYMING, we believe in sharing our passion for clay shooting with others, so we invite you to become a member of our club. Within CLAYMING, members support and provide individual guidance to help you develop and improve your skills.
Furthermore, al our shooting sessions with CLAYMING in France are recognized by VSK and count towards the annual validation in the sports shooter's booklet. All staff at ARRAS BALL TRAP have been authorized to stamp the booklets on behalf of CLAYMING and VSK.
Your journey to clay shooting in France starts here, with CLAYMING. We are ready to welcome you ! Join us and let clay shooting in France capture your heart !
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The various membership fees that you have to pay as a clay pigeon shooter annually are increasing... and we understand that at CLAYMING !
As a non-profit organization, we do not intend to establish a profit model but aim to be purely cost-covering in our (administrative) support to the members. Currently, with our current number of members, CLAYMING membership is €50,00 per calendar year. We plan to adjust the membership fee annually based on the number of members from the previous year. In other words, the more people join CLAYMING, the cheaper the membership fee will be the following year.
To support CLAYMING, you can also become a member as a sympathizer without participating in clay pigeon shooting activities.
We charge the contribution to VSK at the cost price of €22,00 to the members. By doing this through CLAYMING, you become a full VSK member and also enjoy an extensive sports accident insurance. For example, hunters who already have another coverage can choose to omit the cost of the VSK affiliation..
Don't hesitate any longer, join CLAYMING, and discover the breathtaking world of clay shooting in France.
CONTACT
CLAYMING vzw - BE_0746.527.836