CraigD The decline in junior membership of wildfowling clubs ,one of the most reasonably priced forms of shooting, is well documented. This decline is mirrored in youngsters membership numbers in fishing associate membership and in golf club membership here in Scotland. There are just more options available to teenagers now. The trend seems to be that they participate when younger then fall away from the sport in their mid teens. With fishing there is a tendency for people to return to it in later life probably because it is such a relaxing sport.
I get my information from the newspapers reporting on the killing of school pupils by their school friends,Columbine springs to mind. Im sure there are others ,look them up on your computer.



Access to shooting is the main problem for kids especially those with no family tradition of shooting. Also the commercialisation of shooting to accommodate rich foreigners has led to a reduction in small rough shoots that were the norm 50 years and more back. Saying that there are opportunities if kids are keen, if they beat during the season it is the norm to have beaters shoot days just before the end of the season and pigeon shooting on estates out of the game season can be acquired. Mainly its lack of interest coupled with lack of opportunities.

Universities and colleges have their clay pigeon clubs, I ran one for three years.
I dont know of any ammunition sponsored youth events though I was involved in the past in the BASC run young shot days through local wildfowling clubs which are supported by ammunition manufacturers.

It would be great to be able to encourage more kids ,I dont think the Donald Dallas book idea would necessarily be a crowd puller though.

If you are to be believed Do you have a rational reason as to why I would lie ?