Five minutes with Eley Hawk sponsored shooter, Emma Parkinson.

 

Discipline/quarry:

English Skeet and Olympic Skeet.

 

How long have you used Eley cartridges?

Since I started shooting when I was 18! Six years ago now.

 

Favourite load(s) and why:

Eley Select 24 gram. They are so smooth and you hardly get any recoil, which is perfect for when you’re shooting a lot of targets in competition. 

 

What do you love most about Eley cartridges: 

When I started shooting, I tried a variety of different cartridges from different brands as I really struggled with recoil. However, once I tried the Eley Selects I fell in love with the brand, while low on recoil, they are powerful enough to give the most amazing breaks which fills you with confidence during competition!

 

Gun(s) Used:

My dad’s 20-year-old Browning Ultra S with 30" barrels.

 

Greatest shooting achievement:

I have competed for the England team for three consecutive years and am currently Lady Number 1 in the CPSA UK Rankings for ESK. I am also an International Champion.

 

Competitions won in the last five years:

Home International Lady Champion & Winning Team.
Lady No.1 in CPSA UK Rankings and No.8 (and only female) in Senior Rankings.
Scottish Open Lady Champion, Junior Champion and Overall Runner up.
Welsh Open Lady Champion and overall runner up (124ex125).
Area ESK Champion (100ex100).
Inter-county Champion.
County Champion.

 

Favourite ground/shoot:

Probably Nottingham as they have the most fantastic sky background so the targets stand out a mile away. Or Doveridge where I shot my first ever 100-straight at an Area Championship!

 

Fondest shooting memory:

Winning parent and child in both the British and the English Open ESK Championships in the same year with my dad.

 

Most valuable tip/advice:

Be positive and believe in yourself. Don’t listen to anyone being negative because as soon as you think negatively about a certain target or ground, you’ll plant a seed of doubt which will constantly be in the back of your head when you’re competing, so always stay positive. Even if I’ve had a bad day at the office, I always make sure I pick out a positive of the day before I leave. Remember, if you can dream it, you can do it!

 

Follow Emma on: 

Facebook 

Instagram

 

 

 

Five minutes with Eley Ambassador and World Champion Clay Shooter Amber Rutter.

 

From the tender age of 10, Amber Hill has been breaking down the walls in ladies' shooting. Sponsored by Eley since the age of 12, with her natural flair and ability she rapidly established herself in her chosen discipline Olympic Skeet.

In 2013, Amber made her own shooting history by becoming the youngest ever winner (aged 15) at the ISSF World Cup. She prevailed over Italy's Diana Bacosi in a shoot-off 15 clays to 11 to secure a gold medal and establish a junior world record at her very first attempt.

In 2015 she blasted her way to the european finals In Baku to win the Gold medal and secure her quota place for the 2016 Olympic games 

In honour of this and her amazing talent, Eley Hawk launched the Amber cartridges, specifically designed to meet her exacting requirements, and in 2016 she has been seen shooting them at all the major competitions including the Rio Olympic Games 2016.

In 2021, Amber won the ISSF World Cup in New Delhi and made selection for Team GB in the Tokyo Olympics. 

 

 

Five minutes with Eley Hawk Sponsored Shooter, Leah Southall.

 

Discipline:

ABT, UT and OT.

 

How long have you used Eley cartridges?

4 years

 

Favourite load(s) and why:

VIP Trap and DTL Gold. They are both very smooth cartridges with minimum recoil, yet they produce fantastic kills. 

 

What do you love most about Eley cartridges:

The smoothness of the cartridges and the fact that there is no muzzle flip for that all important second barrel.

 

Gun(s) Used:

Beretta DT11 black

 

Greatest shooting achievement: 

Making the England DTL team at 14 years old, and making the GB UT Junior team aged 17 after only shooting UT for a few months.

 

Competitions won in the last five years:

English Open DTL third overall, 1st in ladies, 1st in juniors.
English Open Single Barrel 1st in ladies, 1st in juniors, 1st in A Class.
English Open UT 1st in ladies.
OT British Shooting Shotgun Series 1st in junior ladies.
English and British Open Double Rise 1st in ladies.
Plus many more.

 

Favourite ground/shoot:

Park Farm Shooting Ground

 

Most valuable tip/advice:

Everyone will have bad days, but it’s how you deal with the bad days that enables you to become a better shooter. 

Get the right coach for you. Don’t go for the one which everyone goes to or you think is the “best.” The one who is the “best” may not help you reach your full potential, so look around and go with the one who has your best intentions at heart.

Get a gun that fits you. It doesn’t need to be expensive, but don’t go for an overly cheap one if you are looking to take shooting seriously.

Get a cartridge you can trust and that you know is consistent and reliable.

 

Follow Leah on:

Facebook

Instagram

 

 

 

Five minutes with Eley Hawk game shooting ambassador Gerwyn Jones. 

 

Discipline/quarry: 

Grouse, pigeons, pheasants, corvids, wildfowl and partridges.

 

How long have you used Eley cartridges?

Many years! The first cartridges I ever fired – when I was just 8 years old – were Eley Grand Prix.

 

Favourite load(s): 

The whole Zenith range, but particularly the new Zenith Pro Eco Wad. Great patterns and devastating performance at long and short ranges.

 

What do you love most about Eley cartridges: 

For me, consistency is the No. 1 factor.

 

Gun(s) Used: 

Perazzi 

 

Greatest shooting achievement:

I love shooting, and every day out is a wonderful achievement. 

 

Favourite ground/shoot: 

Any grouse moor!

 

Most valuable tip/advice: 

Make sure your gun fits, and ALWAYS wear hearing protection.

 

Follow Gerwyn on: 

Facebook

Instagram

 

Five minutes with Eley Ambassador and Leading Game Chef Jose Souto.

 

"I am thrilled to be an ambassador for Eley. Their commitment to sustainability and innovation is truly inspiring. Eley's development of eco-friendly steel shot and its forward-thinking approach in the market is remarkable. Their history, openness, and dedication to educating partners are just a few reasons why I am proud to represent them."

Where did your passion for shooting stem from?

"My passion for shooting began in Spain, spending summers with my uncles. I remember the excitement of hunting quail, partridge, and rabbit. The thrill of the hunt and the camaraderie with my uncles were unforgettable. This early exposure instilled a lifelong love for shooting and even led me to falconry. I particularly enjoy the unpredictability of walk-up shooting, which aligns with my culinary interests, providing a variety of game for my kitchen."

Why Eley Hawk?

"I chose to work with Eley because of their rich history and innovative mindset. They were the first to really educate me about cartridges, opening their doors and explaining the intricacies of their production. What stands out about Eley is its proactive approach in developing lead-free cartridges, and staying ahead of future regulations. Their willingness to share knowledge and their dedication to sustainability makes them a perfect fit for me."

What is the importance of shooting and eating game?

"For me, shooting is not just about the sport; it's about the ethical and sustainable harvesting of game for food. It's crucial to efficiently and humanely kill game to ensure it's safe for consumption and free from toxins. The camaraderie and enjoyment of shooting are important, but ultimately, it's about providing food. Shooting game for the table brings a deeper purpose and connection to the food we eat."

How have perceptions of game changed over the years?

"Over the years, I've seen a shift in how people perceive shooting and game harvesting. There's a growing awareness of the need for sustainable and ethical practices. The focus has shifted towards ensuring that game is harvested for food responsibly and humanely. This change in perception is encouraging, as more people recognise the importance of sustainable food sources."

What does the future landscape of shooting and game harvesting look like?

"The future of shooting and game harvesting depends on our community's ability to present itself positively and responsibly. We need to take proactive measures to avoid negative press, such as stopping the persecution of birds of prey and managing predator populations to maintain ecological balance. I hope that more people will recognise the value of game as a sustainable food source. Our efforts today will shape the future landscape of our sport and its role in sustainable food production."

 

INSTAGRAM

 

 

Five Minutes with Eley Hawk Sponsored Shooter, Phoebe Bodley-Scott.

 

Discipline/Quarry:

Olympic Skeet.

 

How long have you used Eley cartridges?

3 years.

 

Favourite load(s) and why:

24g 9s – 24g is the maximum permitted shot charge by the ISSF. 9s should give me the best patterns at skeet distances.

 

What do you love most about Eley cartridges?:

I use Eley Olympic Blues. I love how the 24g 9s feel on my shoulder… and I just love the smell!

 

Gun(s) used:

I use a Beretta DT11 Skeet Competition gun with 28” barrels and a modular stock.

 

Greatest shooting achievement:

At the 2023 European Championships in Croatia, I shot a 120/125 qualifying score. This was a new European and British record for a Junior Women.

 

Competitions won in last five years:

2023 European Championship Junior Team Bronze

2022 British Shooting Grand Final Women’s Gold Medal

2022 Junior World Cup Team Gold

2022 Home International Senior Ladies’ High Gun

Commonwealth Shooting Federation Senior Ladies’ High Gun

 

Favourite ground/shoot:

I’ve trained a lot at the National Clay Shooting Centre and now train at Doveridge Clay Sporting – two really great shooting grounds.

 

Most valuable tips:

Be patient, it takes time!

 

Follow Phoebe on:

INSTAGRAM

 

Five Minutes with Eley Hawk Sponsored Shooter, Owain Humphreys.

 

Discipline/Quarry:

Olympic Trap

 

How long have you used Eley cartridges?

4 to 5 years

 

Favourite load(s) and why:

Eley Superb 24g 7’s. A fantastic cartridge as I like the soft recoil and there isn’t much muzzle flip which is handy for the second barrel. Also, it has a very consistent pattern.

 

What do you love most about Eley cartridges?:

They are affordable, great for any discipline, and provide excellent performance, giving me the confidence to excel at competitions. They are reliable and are soft on the shoulder.

 

Gun(s) used:

DT11 trap

 

Greatest shooting achievement:

Welsh Olympic Trap Open Champion 2023

 

Competitions won in last five years:

Welsh Olympic Trap Open Champion 2023

British Shooting Junior Men Gold Medal at the Grand Final 2022

Team Silver at the Nordic Championship in Finland 2022

Home International Olympic Trap junior

high gun at Griffin Lloyd August 2021

Home International Olympic trap winning junior team at Bisley August 2019

British Shooting shotgun series silver medal in July 2021

 

Favourite ground/shoot:

I enjoy shooting at all the venues I compete at, but my favourite ones are certainly Griffin Lloyd Shooting Ground and Fauxdegla Premier Plus shooting ground.

 

Most valuable tips:

Olympic trap is 90% mental and requires full concentration for each shot. However, it is important to always enjoy shooting as it allows you to relax, have fun, and even perform better. When you start, it is imperative to have an experienced coach to help guide you through the ropes of clay pigeon shooting. Always have a gun that fits you properly.

 

Follow Owain on:

Facebook

Instagram

 

 

Five Minutes with Eley Hawk Sponsored Shooter, Sam Usher.

 

Discipline/Quarry: 

I mostly shoot English Sporting, Sportrap and Fitasc throughout the clay season, I then turn my attention to pigeon and pheasant shooting in the off-season.

 

How long have you used Eley cartridges?

I moved over to using Eley cartridges for my clay shooting in late 2022.

 

Favourite load(s) and why:

I use Eley Superb plastic 7s for my clay shooting. I find the breaks they give me at all ranges are second to none, as well as being one of the smoothest cartridges on the market. I haven’t found another cartridge which can give me both the breaks I want while being so smooth on the shoulder.

I also use the Pigeon Select for all my pigeon shooting and move to the Zenith ECO wad for any High Pheasant days I’m lucky enough to go on. 

 

What do you love most about Eley cartridges?:

The consistency throughout the range, both on the clay and game side of things. I feel they have a cartridge which fits every discipline and quarry out there.

 

Gun(s) used:

Krieghoff K80 Parcours

Fixed choke 3/4 & full

 

Greatest shooting achievement:

2022 British Open Sporting Champion 

 

Best results in the last five years:

2022 British Open Sporting Champion

2021 British Open Sporting Runner up

2022 Clay shooting Classic 1st AAA

2021 Westfield Gold Cup Champion

2020/21 South West Sportrap Champion

Multiple County Titles

 

Favourite ground/shoot:

My favourite shooting Ground is Ian Coley Sporting, the new facilities they have built at the ground are incredible. The staff are also very helpful and the atmosphere is great on a sunny summer's day. 

 

Follow Sam on:

Instagram  

 

 

Five Minutes with Eley Hawk Sponsored Shooter William Gilbert.

 

Disciplines:

Olympic Trap, Automatic Ball Trap, Universal Trench and Double Rise.

 

How long have you used Eley cartridges?

All 13 years of my shooting career.

 

Favourite loads and why:

Eley Hawk VIP Trap 7 ½ 24g and 28g. They are smooth cartridges that produce great patterns and breaks.

 

What do you love most about Eley cartridges?:

Eley Hawk has a long-standing proven pedigree and is a market leader. Eley Hawk makes massive innovations to the technology in cartridges and produces an excellent range that suits all disciplines and abilities. The quality is consistently high, which gives me the confidence to perform to the best of my ability.

 

Guns used:

Beretta SO5 Trap Gun, Beretta SO5 Sporter, and a W.W. Greener hammer gun.

 

Greatest shooting achievement:

Winning the British Open Automatic Ball Trap Championship in 2022, at the National Shooting Ground, Esker in Ireland. I became the youngest person to win and shoot 100 straight at the British Open.

 

Competitions won in last five years:

 

2023

Norfolk Double Rise - Overall and Junior Champion.

Norfolk ABT - Overall and Junior Champion.

Norfolk All Round and Dennis Rudd Memorial - Junior Champion.

East Midlands Double Rise - Junior Champion.

East Midlands Olympic Trap - Junior Champion.

University of Nottingham Shooting Competition - Individual Runner-up and member of runner-up Men's Team, winning Open Team and winning Flush Team.

 

2022

Liverpool University Cup - Overall Champion.

Oxford University Challenge - Winning Men’s Team.

East Midlands Inter Counties ABT -  Winning County Senior Team and Overall Champion.

British Open ABT - Junior and Overall Champion.

ABT HCIT- Winning Country and Senior Team Runners-up.

BICTSF Olympic Trap Grand Prix - Junior Champion.

Norfolk ABT - Junior and Overall Champion.

East Midlands Olympic Skeet -  Junior Champion.

East Midlands Olympic Trap - Junior Champion.

British Shooting Shotgun Series Round 2 - Junior Men’s Champion.

BICTSF English Open UTR - Junior Champion.

British Shooting Masters Winter Series, Round 2 - Joint High Gun.

 

2021

East Midlands Inter-Counties ABT - Junior Champion.

Norfolk All Round and Dennis Rudd Memorial - Junior Champion.

ABT HCIT - Junior Champion, Junior England Champion, Winning Junior Team, Winning Country.

Audrey Smith Charity Memorial DTL - Junior Champion.

East Midlands Olympic Trap - Junior Champion.

English Open ABT - Winning Regional Junior Team.

Norfolk ABT - Junior Champion.

Norfolk Double Rise - Overall and Junior Champion.

Norfolk DTL - Junior Champion.

 

2020

Norfolk Olympic Skeet - Junior Champion.

Norfolk Double Rise - Junior Champion.

Norfolk All Round - Junior Champion.

English Open ABT - Winning Junior Team.

Norfolk DTL - Junior Champion.

 

2019

East Midlands ABT - Junior Champion.

National Inter-Counties ABT - Junior Champion.

ABT HCIT - Winning Junior Team.

English Open Double Rise - Junior Champion.

Norfolk Double Rise - Overall and Junior Champion.

Norfolk ABT - Junior Champion.

English Open ABT - Colt Champion.

Norfolk County DTL - Junior Champion.

 

2018

Norfolk County Handicap by Distance - Junior Champion.

Norfolk County Double Rise - Junior Champion.

National Inter-counties All Round - Colt Champion.

East Midlands Inter-Counties DTL - Junior Champion.

Norfolk ABT - Junior Champion.

Norfolk County English Skeet - Junior Champion.

Norfolk County All Round - Junior Champion.

East Midlands Region ABT - Junior Champion.

 

Favourite ground/shoot:

I can’t only select one ground for this. My favourite grounds are Nuthampstead Shooting Ground, The Priory CTC, East Yorkshire Clay Shooting Ground, and Doveridge Clay Sports and Leisure. All of these grounds put on excellent targets and are incredibly welcoming.

 

Most valuable tips:

See it, shoot it. Only focus on the next target, and never take it for granted.

Listen to what the people around you tell you, and watch others shoot. You can learn a lot from examining how they shoot, and they can often tell you where you are going wrong. Shooting happens from the ground up. Find a comfortable stance that allows you to transfer your weight from one foot to the other and build on that.

 

Follow William on:

Facebook

Instagram

 

 

Five Minutes with Eley Hawk Sponsored Shooter, Tristan Hockey.

 

Discipline/Quarry: Sporting, Sportrap, Skeet, Compak

My main discipline is Sporting and Compak but I also shoot a lot of Sportrap and Skeet.

 

How long have you used Eley cartridges?

Three years now and would not change from the Eley VIP Feds they are awesome.

 

Favourite load(s) and why:

VIP Federations in a 12G 8 and 6.5, also Superbs are very nice.

 

What do you love most about Eley cartridges?:

Ever consistent they have never let me down, smooth and their pattern is superb.

 

Gun(s) used:

Custom Salvinelli 12G

 

Greatest shooting achievement:

Winning several English and British titles in Sporting and Sportrap and Skeet as a Junior and Colt and representing GB in Spain 2022 for the Compak team.

 

Competitions won in last five years:

Grand Masters 2022 Register Sporting

Blaser Cup

Essex Masters 2022

Compak Masters British 2021

British Grand Prix – Gold u18s

Kent DTL Champion 2018 & 2019 among others.

 

Favourite ground/shoot:

Dartford Clay Shooting Club & Highlodge.

 

Most valuable tips:

Never let your head drop, and train and shoot as much as you can.

 

Follow Tristan on:

Facebook

Instagram