Ashcombe Shooting Ground and Adventure Centre will be familiar to many readers in the south-west. For more than three decades, clays have been flung across this beautiful corner of Devon. But change is afoot. A new team, headed by the well-known clay aficionado Don Brunt, has taken root on the Ashcombe Estate, and its efforts to further improve the venue is already showing fruit. “Ashcombe Shooting Ground first opened 30 years ago under the stewardship of the Staples family,” Don explains. “They did a great job in creating the foundations for what we hope Ashcombe will become in the future. The current team came to Ashcombe last year. While the Skeet, Rabbit Skeet, High Tower and Compak facilities were all in place when we arrived, we have been working on widespread improvements across the ground.” Change He continues: “The Sporting course, for example, has seen extensive renovation, with additional shooting positions added to take the total number of stands up to 25. Over the years, our team has been fortunate enough to experience targets throughout Europe, America and the Middle East, and we hope to emulate some of the best presentations we have encountered elsewhere here in Devon. “Equally, we understand that an important part of the legacy of Ashcombe is that it appeals both to our regular locals and to those wanting to travel further to experience everything we have to offer. As such, we strive to ensure that the mix of targets includes plenty to suit all abilities – from ranges of 15 yards out to beyond 50. We also adjust our targets on a regular basis, with 15 or more stands altered each month to keep the experience fresh.” With so many targets and disciplines on offer, it can be hard to know where to start. Thankfully, Ashcombe’s card system makes it simple for licence-holding visitors to enjoy everything on offer at their own pace. “Pay & Play practice shooters are welcome to enjoy the entire ground,” says Don, “though when we have our English Sporting, Super Sporting or Skeet competitions running, the practice offerings do contract a The variety show Ashcombe’s Skeet arena is ideal for more competitive Shots 46 – 2 Shotgun Club Call Jasper Fellows_Philip_PA.indd 40 28/06/2023 15:55 Great subscription deals at sportinggunsubs.co.uk AUGUST 2023 SPORTING GUN 41 little. But we aim to have at least 150 practice targets open at all times. All of these targets can be accessed using our card system, with each set of buttons including a delay option for those who wish to shoot solo.” Events Speaking of competition, Ashcombe offers a packed calendar of events. “We host CPSA registered Sporting, Super Sporting and Skeet events every month,” Don says. “Plus, we’re always looking for ways to bring exciting special events to the ground. As this issue goes to sale, we will have just hosted two events in partnership with Browning – the Maxus Masters and the Browning Sporting Masters. “These events were generously supported by Browning, who offered …Continue reading »