How To Get Started In Clay Target Shooting

  • The first thing you need to do to get into clay target shooting is get the licence process started.

  • There are a number of steps to this but we have tried to simplify it as much as we can for you below.

  • As part of getting your licence you will likely be joining a clay target club. A club like us! To see what it takes to become a member, see the new member tab above or follow this link. Our main concern is safety. Because of this part of becoming a member involves a safety induction.

  • To get your own shotgun there are a number of steps, especially if it is your first. See gun sellers themselves for their exact process. Keep in mind we do not allow any camouflaged firearms or any firearms with slings.

The Best Process

WVCTC Club House
  1. Contact your local police station and get the firearm licence application form from them.

    Alternatively, you can download it here.

  2. Starting at section 1, fill in all that you can without needing any extra information. You shouldn’t need anything for section 1,2,3 and 5. You might be able to fill in section 9 if you currently have a different firearm licence.

  3. Next we will tackle section 4, ‘medical history‘. If the answer is no to all of the questions, simply cross as required and move on to the next step. Otherwise you will need to obtain a medical report from a doctor who is treating you or is familiar with your situation. They will need to outline the suitability of you to hold a firearm licence and possess firearms. Once you have this, attach it to the firearm licence application.

  4. Section 6 is next. You will need to attend a firearm safety course. You can ring this number, and speak to Rob, simply mention that you are looking to complete at firearm safety course at WVCTC and he will be able to get you booked in! At the completion and pass of this course you will be presented with a certificate of completion. Scan this and attach it to your application.

  5. Section 7 requires that you find a suitable referee. In the instruction page for the section they list all acceptable referees. You will need to get them to certify the copy of your 100 points of ID. You need at least one primary identification sources and at least one secondary source. While they are there, they will also need to sign section 7 itself, verifying that you signed the section with them. They will also need to list their type of authority and how long they have known you. Attach all of the verified ID copies to the application.

  6. Part 8 requires proof of your genuine reason to hold a firearm licence. Joining our club will give you all the required information to send in, in accordance with the application.

  7. For us to accept your application, we will need to do a number of things, first we will need you to fill in this form and bring it to a safety induction. (this is seperate to the firearm safety course and is more practical).
    Ring or email to book in for the safety induction, our team will talk you through the process. We will need you to come to the club in person. At the end of that you will be provided with a letter detailing your membership at the club, it will need to be scanned and attached to the licence application. The organisation name will be ACTA and the branch will be Werribee Victorian Clay Target Club.

  8. If there are any other applicable reasons, fill in their section as required.

  9. Once that is all done, double check ALL details are correct, tick off the checklist as you complete each item. Then complete section 10 and the application is done.

  10. There is an online section to the application that you can find by following the links provided on the Victoria police website. If you have completed the physical form, you will have everything you need to complete the online application.

  11. Send the physical forms to the address listed on page 1 of the application form.

  12. Wait for the licence to be processed, if you are successful you will receive a payment request via mail. Pay the fee as specified in the letter. This needs to be done before taking the next step.

  13. Go to an approved VicRoads photo point and have your photo taken. Your plastic licence will then come in the mail in the coming weeks.

  14. Remember. Even once you have your licence and you decide to go out and buy a firearm, there is still the mandatory waiting period after purchasing the firearm of 28 days before you will receive your permit to acquire. This 28 day wait will not occur for future firearm purchases.