West Midlands Shooting Ground (often referred to as "Hodnet") is one of the UK's oldest and most prestigious shooting venues, established in 1934 in the picturesque woodland of North Shropshire. Known for its meticulously maintained, golf-course-like grounds, it caters to everyone from complete novices to elite international athletes. The standout feature of this venue is its unique natural topography—a north-facing high escarpment that allows the ground to present extreme, high-flying targets without the need for unsightly industrial towers or cranes, while also protecting shooters from the glare of the sun.
The venue's exceptional layout makes it a regular host for top-tier national and international events. It frequently stages major clay shooting championships such as the CPSA English Open, the British Open All Round, and the BUCS Student Championships. Furthermore, adapting to modern shooting trends, WMSG has expanded beyond shotguns to host prestigious precision rifle events, including the PRS UK series and the highly anticipated 2025 Rimfire World Championship, solidifying its status as a world-class arena.
The technological and hospitality infrastructure at WMSG is exceptional, providing a seamless ecosystem for both sport and leisure:
Stands & Equipment: Features around 80 different shooting stands equipped with an impressive fleet of 150 to 200 Promatic traps, offering English Sporting, FITASC, Sportrap, and simulated game layouts.
Automation: Fully integrated with the Promatic Claymate telemetry system, allowing licensed shooters to practice autonomously using a "Solo Delay" feature without needing a trapper.
Hospitality: A unique Scandinavian wooden log cabin capable of hosting 100 guests, complete with an open fire and "The Hungry Frog" cafe, which provides premium corporate catering and banquet options.
Retail & Gunsmithing: A massive on-site Gun Room stocking over 400 shotguns and rifles, supported by four resident gunsmiths offering professional gun-fitting and repair services.
Training at WMSG is highly flexible and guided by an elite coaching staff, which includes two-time FITASC World Champion Duncan Lawton. Whether it’s an absolute beginner needing a comprehensive introductory package to overcome the fear of recoil, or a seasoned competitor seeking to master complex, wind-affected trajectories on the woodland escarpment, the team provides tailored individual and group tuition. They also offer dynamic "Flush" scenarios (simulated bird flurries) that are highly popular for corporate team-building events.
The ground’s diverse offerings make it the ultimate destination for various groups and provide several distinct competitive advantages:
Who it’s for: Beginners looking for stress-free, all-inclusive packages; professional shooters needing world-class target variety; corporate groups seeking luxury B2B networking and team-building; and families wanting a safe, premium countryside experience.
Key Advantages: Unmatched natural escarpment for extreme target heights; north-facing orientation for perfect visibility; total practice autonomy via the Claymate card system; and an all-in-one ecosystem where you can test, buy, and fit a gun on the exact same day.
WMSG employs a clear and structured pricing model. For newcomers, all-inclusive lessons (covering gun hire, clays, cartridges, and instruction) start at £35 per person for 25 targets and scale up to £80 for 60 targets, with an optional team "Flush" available for £15. For license holders, autonomous "Open Practice" on Tuesdays is highly competitive at just £0.35 per clay target, while pre-booked escorted practice is available at £0.40 per clay.
Address and Opening Hours:
Address: West Midlands Shooting Ground, Hodnet, Market Drayton, Shropshire, TF9 3LH, United Kingdom.
Opening Hours:
Shooting Ground: Tue 10:00–16:00; Wed–Sat 09:00–16:00. Sun & Mon — Closed.
Gun Room: Tue–Sat 08:30–17:00. Sun & Mon — Closed.
