Simulated Driven Game Shooting in Scotland
Experience the thrill of a driven day, every day of the year
There is something about the sound of a driven bird curling over the treeline and dropping towards the Guns that never gets old — the crack of the shot, the pause, the call from the picker-up. At Elliott Clays, we’ve built a way of delivering that same feeling without the cost, the closed season, or the logistics of a real driven shoot.
Our simulated driven game shooting days use state-of-the-art mobile clay traps capable of launching up to 200 clays per minute — fast, deceptive birds that test even experienced shots. We set them up across the Birkhill Castle Estate to mimic the behaviour of driven pheasant, grouse, duck, and partridge in their natural habitat: curling out of a dense woodland ride, dropping over a glen, flickering between trees in the wind. It’s as close to the real thing as clay shooting gets.
Unlike the traditional game season, which runs from August to January and requires syndicate membership or an expensive day’s let, our simulated days are available year-round and require no game licence, no shooting experience, and no equipment of your own. We provide everything.
What Does a Simulated Game Day Look Like?
We run full-day experiences, structured to feel as close to the real thing as possible — without the mud and the 5am alarm. A typical day runs something like this:
- Arrival & Breakfast — Roll up to the estate and settle in with a proper Scottish breakfast. A chance to meet the other Guns and talk through what the day holds.
- Safety Briefing — George covers the rules and etiquette of the day. Beginners get a brief handling introduction so everyone starts the stands with confidence.
- 4×4 to the First Drive — We load up and head out across the estate. There’s something about rattling down a track with a 12-bore across your knees that gets the blood going.
- The Drives — You’ll typically work through four to six different drives across the day, each with a different terrain, different bird flight paths, and a different character. Pheasants threading through birch woodland, grouse skimming low over heather, high duck quartering the Tay valley sky.
- Lunch — A proper sit-down meal, either in the field or back at the estate buildings. Hearty, good food. No rushing.
- Afternoon Drives — More birds, more stands, more of that quiet satisfaction when a pair goes down cleanly.
- Dinner, Dram & Debrief — The day ends the way all good shooting days should — with something warming in hand, a debrief of the day’s highlights, and the quiet glow of time well spent.
Who Is It For?
Experienced Shots
Keep your eye in between seasons. Simulated game is the closest you’ll get to a real driven day in July, and the estate terrain at Birkhill produces birds that will challenge even seasoned Guns.
First-Timers
You’ve always been curious but never taken the plunge. This is the ideal introduction — no pressure, proper instruction, and an environment where beginners are genuinely welcomed.
Groups & Parties
Whether it’s a group of friends, a sporting syndicate, or a birthday weekend, a simulated game day is a brilliant shared experience. We tailor the day to the size and ability of your group.
Those Without Access to Real Driven Shoots
Real driven shooting is expensive and heavily gatekept. Simulated game offers everything that makes a driven day special — minus the waiting list.
Why Simulated Over Real Driven Shooting?
- Available 365 days a year — the real season runs August to January. We don’t.
- No licence or game certificate required — clay shooting is open to all.
- A fraction of the cost — driven game days can run to hundreds per Gun. Our simulated days offer the same experience at a realistic price.
- Inclusive — no experience, no equipment, no problem. We provide everything and welcome complete beginners.
- No bag limit pressures — you’re here to shoot well and have a good day, not to meet a quota.
- Year-round availability — plan a team day in March, a birthday weekend in June, or a corporate event in October.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any experience to take part?
Not at all. Our simulated game days welcome complete beginners through to experienced shots. George will give all newcomers a proper handling and safety introduction before the first drive, so you’ll feel confident from the very start.
Is all equipment provided?
Yes. We provide shotguns (12 or 20 bore depending on preference and size), cartridges, ear defenders, and eye protection. If you have your own shotgun and a valid Shotgun Certificate, you’re welcome to use it.
How many people can take part in a day?
Simulated game days work best with groups of 6 to 12 Guns, though we can accommodate larger parties by running multiple lines. Get in touch and we’ll build a day around your group.
What should I wear?
Dress for the Scottish outdoors — layered clothing, waterproof jacket, and sturdy boots (ideally with ankle support). We’ll be out in the field all day, so comfort over style. We’ll be in good company if it rains.
Is the day suitable for mixed ability groups?
Absolutely. Our trailers and trap settings are adjustable, so we can serve different drives at different difficulty levels. Beginners can cut their teeth on more straightforward crossing birds while experienced shots tackle the high stuff.
Get in Touch
A simulated game day at Birkhill is unlike anything else in Scotland. Call George or send an enquiry to discuss dates and availability.
Also consider a clay pigeon shooting session or enquire about a corporate day.