Page 18 - RCS Brochure 2016-17.indd

RiSk ASSeSSMent
In my previous working life of running a hardwood importing business and sawmill I am possibly more aware than most
of the need for continual “Risk Assessments”. As well as describing our Shoot and shoot day, the following is a “Risk
Assessment” for anyone attending the Shoot as a gun or non-shooting guest.

We must all be very aware of the potential danger a loaded shotgun can pose if used in an unsafe manner and observe all
the basic safety rules of shooting in order to avoid any accidents. This is essential and will not in any way compromise
the success and enjoyment of your shoot day. I have tried to describe and assess the potential risks on a shoot day at
Ripley Castle, Mountgarret, Nidd, Hob Green, Cayton, run as Ripley Sporting and everyone’s responsibility to try
and avoid them.

• Everyone shooting on any area under the Management of Ripley Sporting must have a minimum cover of £10M third
party, public and personal liability insurance cover.
• Walking to the pegs is kept to a minimum. Although we try to keep the ground free from debris, as we are in the
countryside it is difficult to clear all obstacles. Slips and falls can occur, particularly on wet ground. so it is advised
to use a stick for extra balance.
• Guns and non shooting guests attend the Shoot at their own risk. Ripley Sporting takes no responsibility for damage
or injury caused by falling birds to their person or property, i.e. vehicles.
• Each day starts at 8.30 a.m. with breakfast (except on Boundary and Clear Up Days when no food is provided)
together with the brief for the day, the draw and cards distributed with the names of each gun. If you are running late
don’t rush, just phone one of the contact numbers on our last minute check list and someone will wait for you to bring
you to the drive.

• Gun safety is one rule where there is no compromise, if there is clear sky behind a bird it is normally safe to shoot,
however if in doubt do not shoot. Shoot only at birds you are comfortable with and give you pleasure and please
respect your neighbour’s birds.

• Guns should be unloaded and carried in a secure gun sleeve when not at the pegs. When you take your gun out of its
sleeve, check the barrels have no obstruction particularly in snowy and muddy conditions.

• When you close your gun, always keep the barrels pointing down and bring the stock up to meet them. Never raise
the barrels to the stock. If your gun is closed the barrel must be pointed at the ground or up in the air. If you wish to
rest your gun over your arm it must be broken.

• Safety glasses will be available each day for guns, loaders and visitors together with ear plugs if you have forgotten
them! I do strongly recommend you use these items.

• When you are at your peg have a good look around and acknowledge the flankers and pickers up and take great care
never to shoot in their direction.

• Our game species are pheasant, French and English partridge, duck and geese. We do not shoot woodcock or snipe.
• There may be the odd exotic species such as Reeves pheasants and Guinea Fowl which should not be shot. However
to keep everyone on their toes we are releasing a few white pheasants. As usual, if shot, a small fine will be levied
which will be donated to our Charity Fund.
• Please leave any legal vermin such as pigeons, crows, jays and magpies (that is provided a general licence is issued
to shoot them) until the game have started to come over, otherwise you may push the partridge back over the beater’s
heads and not over the guns.
• It is worth remembering there are an increasing number of protected species evident and must not be shot or shot at
under any circumstances. Maybe it would be worthwhile for all of us to brush up on our species identification before
joining a shoot day.
• We do not shoot ground game on a shoot day.

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