Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT US

What is The Eden Shooting Club?

The Eden Shooting Club is a unique private international shooting club. Unlike other venue-

dependent clubs, the benefits of membership can be utilized wherever you travel, opening 

up a world of opportunities, which most members understand were previously unattainable.

How does membership work?

The club owns the most luxurious private castle in one of the world’s most iconic sporting 

destinations, the “home of golf”; Pittormie Castle, St Andrews, Scotland. This unique asset 

provides an unrivalled standing in sport. In addition to eight suites within the Castle, 

members and their guests enjoy access to twenty magnificent two, three and four-bedroom 

private residences, plus some of the finest facilities in Europe including: pool, gym, spa, short 

game center, par-3 holes, Michelin star chefs, a variety of bars and restaurants, a fleet of 

range rovers and club vehicles, gun rooms, concierge, plus magnificent grounds within the 

Pittormie estate. From here members have access to the very finest shooting experiences in 

Scotland, all carefully crafted by our on-site Shooting Director and his team.

The club hosts a schedule of events each year at combinations of the world’s finest private 

clubs providing members the opportunity to invite guests to top estates and plantations, 

while mixing with quality, like-minded shooting enthusiasts, who belong to the world’s top 

clubs. Finally, via the club’s unique Secretariat and web portal, the club provides members 

with unparalleled access to exceptional private clubs, grouse moors, shooting estates and 

plantations all over the world.

Membership comes in the form of a License to use. Instead of being responsible for the 

upkeep of the estate, plantation or preserve, members benefit from a small annual due and 

simply pay as you use. Members can simply browse the private portal or speak directly to 

staff, to unlock the largest collection of great shooting experiences in the world. We’ll book 

everything for you and you only pay as and when you wish to shoot.

Why is The Eden Shooting Club right for so many people?

Membership gives you access to not just one club, in one location, but a global collection 

of the finest private estates and plantations. Each destination has been carefully selected 

and ranked as one of the top 200 in the world, offering a substantially higher caliber of 

experience that’s not attainable at public or mid-level shooting destinations.

The cost of keeping your own wild quail plantation, grouse moor or shooting estate 

continues to spiral, while bad weather and other forces can reap havoc on your ability to 

enjoy top quality shooting experiences if you only have one option to shoot. Unlike other 

clubs, we believe that not only is variety the spice of life, but it’s vital to hedge your bets 

and have different options available when needs arise. It’s natural to want to try new and 

wonderful experiences. There are so many great experiences out there to enjoy and it’s a 

waste to not avail yourself to such opportunities.

Apart from providing access to the very best shooting experiences, the financial argument 

cannot be ignored. Most hunters fail to shoot more than 20 days a year outside their home 

club. If you shoot 20 days at $1750 a day, even with our annual dues, it would still cost 

less than a fraction of keeping your own estate or having your own syndicate! At The Eden 

Shooting Club you don’t have to acquire an equity stake, meaning you do not have hundreds 

of thousands of dollars at risk, plus you are not liable for any assessments! Also, you only 

incur additional expenses as and when you make a reservation to shoot.

In 19 years of operation, The Clubs of Eden have developed the finest collection of 

destinations in the world – constantly adding new opportunities globally, continually 

enhancing the experience we deliver to members and their families.

We pride ourselves in providing access to only the very best, ensuring exceptional service 

and experiences, which delivers lifelong memories. The Eden Shooting Club’s unrivalled 

global reach is an asset which is unique in hunting - one which richly rewards those that take 

advantage of what the club can offer.

What types of experiences can I enjoy as a member?

As a club we focus on the highest echelons of shooting - purely 5-star. As a member you will 

be able to enjoy a multitude of shooting experiences around the world:

PITTORMIE CASTLE: 

Pittormie is widely recognized as the most luxurious private estate in 

Scotland, providing accommodations, facilities and service levels unavailable anywhere 

else. With this world class facility and access to shooting on Scotland’s finest estates, your 

experience will rank as one of the finest in existence. 

EVENTS: 

Enjoy once in a lifetime opportunities to shoot combinations of the world’s finest 

estates and plantations with friends and peers. Events are broken into different types to suit 

every aspect of your life: the Classics, Father-Son (Parent-Child), couples events, etc.

SECRETARIAT: 

Whether you wish to shoot somewhere special locally, nationally or 

internationally, the club is able to deliver the finest private experiences on earth. Access 

to the finest quail plantations, grouse moor’s or shooting estates is highly coveted and 

completely restricted. Whether you’re hosting clients, board meetings or off-sites, buddy 

trips, special family trips or fulfilling a personal indulgence, the Secretariat is a unique 

dimension which delivers opportunities that were previously unimaginable.

Where can I shoot?

You can shoot locally, nationally and internationally. With The Eden Shooting Club the world 

is your oyster – not only can you look up destinations by species, city, state, or country, but 

you can also learn amazing facts, which make each experience special. The vast majority of 

hunters only know a fraction of the world’s best clubs, estates or plantations and are amazed 

by the quality and quantity of information that’s now available at their fingertips. You can 

either search online or speak directly to our experts that have shot all over the world. You 

can read the comments and ratings of other members who have enjoyed each experience 

and even contact them if you have questions.

What are the destinations like?

There is a great difference between the A grade destinations and the B and C grade 

destinations that go to make up the vast majority of experiences available via outfitters and 

agents around the world. You don’t need to be part of an elite peer group to access public or 

nondescript semi private clubs. If the destinations in our system fall below a certain ranking 

we simply take them off the list. We are not paid like magazines to promote properties and 

we certainly don’t recommend experiences that are not worth your time.

What sort of personal service can I expect?

Our Secretariat team are passionate with an expert knowledge of travelling the world to 

shoot the greatest destinations. We take care of hundreds of members every day who are 

living the dream. As we get to know you better, the service we are able to provide grows 

all the richer. We pride ourselves on an exceptional, bespoke and private service that will 

enable you to unlock our portfolio and discover a world of adventures and experiences. If 

you let us know how many days a year you would like to shoot, roughly where, the types of 

species you want to hunt and the number of guns, we can make lots of recommendations. 

Upon reservation we will ensure a smooth introduction taking care of all the small details.

Not only do you have staff available on call as you travel but you also have everything 

confirmed in writing each and every time you make a reservation.

How does The Eden Shooting Club ensure excellence?

Our portfolio only adds the finest private clubs and destinations in the world and always 

have you and your family’s needs, expectations and desires in mind. Our strict criteria 

for partner properties means that we only work with the best, meaning you can expect 

continuity in product standards around the world. We only serve a similar type of member so 

we understand their expectations.

How does the club provide access?

In some cases we share contractual relationships of reciprocity through our own club at 

Pittormie in St Andrews, Scotland. At some destinations we have contractual relationships 

to use their properties, sometimes on an exclusive basis. At other clubs we lay out tens of 

thousands of dollars to host events to provide opportunities for our members. On others we 

simply have the right to use the property on an ad-hoc basis as part of a relationship with 

the owner who, in many cases, is a member of the club. We are not an outfitter or agent, but 

a fine private club where members mix with other members and enjoy the value of these 

connections. This unique strategy has allowed us to take our place among the hierarchy of 

clubs with whom we reciprocate. 

Top shooting clubs do not like Secretary’s from other clubs ringing up trying to get their 

members access. The best clubs are designed to look after their own members, not outsiders 

and if you are not an “accompanied guest” or “unaccompanied guest” of a member, you 

are breaking the constitution of the club. Today, top shooting clubs permit unaccompanied 

visits when introduced by members as they both help the finances of the club and enhance 

the privileges given to members. Sophisticated hunters who belong to fine private clubs 

understand how things work and already know that it’s impossible to simply phone up other 

clubs and get access. They understand and appreciate what The Eden Shooting Club delivers.

Are there any restrictions as to how many times I can use the club?

Members can use the club 360 days of the year (as the Secretariat are closed for five days 

including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.) Just like at your home club 

there are rules as to how many times you can be a guest at a specific destination. Some 

clubs state that a non-member may only visit twice in a year for example. We are sensitive 

that we do not violate any other clubs rules and expect members to be conscious as to 

such sensitivities.

How much time do I have to commit to really get value?

Over a ten year period, provided you use the club a minimum of 5 times a year you’re going 

to get amazing value from participation. The reality is that things change, so it becomes 

practical to have something more flexible that suits reality. Instead of doing the same old 

things year after year, it makes much more sense to try something different as and where 

you travel next, or can travel to.

But more importantly, what price can you put on a few of the finest experiences each 

year with family, friends or clients? Whether you are entertaining clients, using it for work, 

travelling with your partner, bonding with your kids or simply enhancing the trips with 

your buddies, you only need to use the club’s services 5 times a year and it will become 

invaluable. Over the next ten years it will save you a small fortune and quickly become the 

best club in your arsenal!

TIME TO TRAVEL

How far out can I make a reservation?

Bookings can be made up to 12 months in advance. When visiting clubs or estates as an 

unaccompanied guest this is easier and in general it’s possible to confirm things further out. 

But as you have hundreds of options, you may start planning as soon as your account is set up. 

If in rare cases you are ever being hosted, hosts typically cannot confirm their schedule until 

within up to 6 weeks of any date - so you will have to work with their schedule not just yours.

What is the booking process?

It’s simple. In order to make a booking you must contact either the reservations departments 

at Pittormie Castle, the Events Department or the Secretariat by either phone or email 

or within The Eden Club web portal. You can either give them booking instructions over 

the phone or complete and return the booking form via email that will be sent to you. All 

bookings are only confirmed after you have made your enquiry and we have confirmed 

availability. Staff will tell you what’s required in the form of guests names, guns, species etc. 

and confirm with you the terms and conditions associated with the booking to make sure 

that it is clear. But all reservations have to be made with an immediate payment, so a credit 

card will be required which is non-refundable.

What are the typical fees and other costs?

Most international private clubs and estates charge specific prices per bird with a minimum 

or maximum number of birds per day. Unaccompanied guest fees may be higher at some of 

the world’s most desirable private clubs. In some cases where a host is required, a club may 

demand that a staff member accompanies the group and the cost is charged to the group. As 

a rule of thumb if you are hosted at a club we advise members to pay for the host’s cartridge 

fees and take care of lunch as a minimum. The club makes no money from organizing 

shooting experiences. In most cases you will give your credit card directly to the club/estate 

without any commissions or service fees being charged by us.

Can I arrange for gun transportation?

Absolutely, your Secretariat team will work with you to ensure that any assistance you 

specifically need is provided so that guns are ready upon your arrival. Please note that 

depending upon where you are travelling some loaders are not full time employees and their 

availability and ability cannot be assured by the club.

Do I need to pay in full or can I place a deposit?

The Secretariat will advise you of the requirements at each destination but as a fair 

assumption all bookings must be paid in full at the time of reservation.

How do I pay for my shooting and accommodation?

We simply take your credit card details, reconfirm your contact details, such as your phone 

number or email address to ensure everything’s up to date and request permission to provide 

the details to the destination – then you are good to go! As a member it will be assumed that 

you’re paying the bill for your whole group, so you will be liable for any associated costs or 

cancellations. Any payments made in respect of reservations or accommodations are non-

transferable, if you change your mind.

Do I need travel insurance and cancellation insurance?

We urge members to protect themselves against losses due to unexpected last-minute 

cancellations or no-shows. We have a strict cancellation policy detailed in the member’s 

terms and conditions document. When a situation does arise for a member, it is always 

easier when they have travel insurance as the policy will typically cover their cost of stay. 

We urge all members to seek advice from their insurance and travel advisors before 

travelling to an Eden Shooting Club event. 

What is the cancellation policy?

The club operates a 100% cancellation policy. One of the reasons we are able to create 

relationships with other fine clubs for you to enjoy is we do this by making payment upon 

reservation, on a non-refundable basis.

If we have to cancel can we send someone else in our place?

Yes. In the event that you cannot attend you can send someone else in your place. However, 

you will be 100% responsible should anything happen. Any incidents of bad behaviour or 

rudeness to staff may result in you losing your membership.

Can I send un-accompanied guests?

The club follows a strict policy that members must accompany guests whenever using the 

Secretariat. However, you may send unaccompanied guests to Pittormie and the events.

Can I arrange accommodation, food / drinks and other basic items?

Absolutely, the staff will work with you to ensure that any items you specifically  

need are delivered.

FAMILY NEEDS

Does The Eden Club work well for my family?

One of the best parts of the club is that it makes vacationing with wives/partners and 

children who also love shooting, more fun! Together you will create lifetime memories and 

share some of the most valuable vacations attainable, which are enriched by certain factors

Wherever you are jetting off to, the journey, people and service help make the experience. 

From simply planning your next vacation together, ticking off some of life’s great experiences 

on your own personal crusade, or sharing the experiences with others, it’s what makes 

membership special.

CHARGES

How much does it cost to join?

Membership of The Eden Shooting Club for 2016 is USD $30,000 as a License (non-asset). 

This can be paid in one sum, or in three annual instalments of USD $11,000.

What are the annual dues?

Annual dues are either:

a.   USD $3,500. then you pay as you go. 

b.   USD $1,750 – if you are incapacitated and cannot shoot for the year - meaning you  

    maintain your membership but cannot use the facilities other than Pittormie Castle.

How much do the events cost?

If you add up the typical things you would spend money on: birds, breakfast, lunch and 

refreshments on the shoot, cocktails, gift bag, dinner with some nice wine plus 20% 

gratuities, it would come to an almost identical price. The only difference is you are paying in 

advance and don’t have to get your credit card out every five minutes. Some events are more 

expensive than others but that’s dictated by the fees of certain species and accommodation 

- but you certainly wouldn’t be able to do the same for less.

How much does it cost to stay at Pittormie Castle?

As a private club, members have access to preferred pricing. For example in Shooting Season 

(September - January) a basic room runs from £175 ($220) to £375 ($500) for rooms and 

suites, to £625 ($900) for a two or three-bedroom 2,000 sq. ft. private residence. There is a 

£50 per day minimum spend on food levied against each guest which will be fully explained 

upon booking.

Are there any extra costs?

Other than the 3% admin fee if you pay by credit card, there are no extra hidden costs to 

your membership. As a member you simply use the club’s portfolio on a pay as you go basis. 

The only additional costs you may incur are for services and experiences outside of your 

actual accommodation booking, such as beaters or loaders or gratuity at a destination. At 

Pittormie we don’t charge gratuities, it is left to members to add something if they wish.

How do I pay for my other services?

You can pay for all items on all major credit cards, subject to a 3% surcharge or wire the 

funds into our account. Our staff will confirm details with you at the time of booking.

MEMBERSHIP

How can I join?

Membership is exclusive and by-invitation. It is not openly advertised or available outside of 

the following channels:

Type A: Introduction via a member of The Eden Shooting Club 

Type B: Owners, or introduced members of participating clubs that form part  

     

of The Eden Shooting Club global portfolio.

What is the membership process?

Anyone wishing to be considered for membership needs to complete and submit an 

application form. The Eden Club will contact their home clubs and request two personal 

references from similar individuals who can attest to their suitability for membership. The 

club’s due diligence can take a few weeks as we look into the history of each candidate 

to make sure they will fit with our membership. Applicants will be asked to meet other 

members as part of the vetting process. If an application is declined no reason will be given.

What type of people belong to the Club?

The club looks for people who you would like in your own home for dinner; sophisticated, 

well-mannered, kind and generous people, who are nice to be with. The club’s membership 

is drawn from different countries around the world and comprises hundreds of the world’s 

most discerning travellers. A few royal families, heads of state, former Presidents and some 

of the world’s most prominent businessmen come together with successful entrepreneurs, 

C-Level executives and distinguished private investors / family offices, making participation 

a privilege. The membership are an amazing group of people who benefit from a unique ‘peer 

to peer’ network of members and ambassadors, which as most members will attest is one of 

the most valuable aspects of membership!

What are we obligated to?

You can walk away at any time without any further obligation, should you ever wish to 

resign. There are no assessments, no capital calls or any ongoing commitments on your part. 

But during your time as a member you will be expected to be an ambassador, upholding the 

vision and principles of the club! All members join clubs for camaraderie, naturally wishing to 

reciprocate with other wonderful people they meet around the world - that’s what being a 

part of a club is about! Taking one’s place and enjoying the privilege is not an obligation, it is 

natural and central to the club’s vision.

Can I resell my membership?

License memberships cannot be re-sold. They can be transferred to a family member, as 

outlined in the Members Plan document.

HOW DOES THE CLUB COMPARE TO OTHER CLUBS

Socially?

Not only will you meet some of the most pleasant and kind people in the world, but you 

will also see they are successful and likeminded, living full and interesting lives. Everyone is 

comfortable in their own skin, so they don’t have to compete or try to sell you something. 

You will meet fascinating individuals from all over the world, many of whom will become 

lifelong friends.

Fun and kindness are the cornerstone of our club – both in the way that members, and 

members and staff interact. Misery and meanness are not only unwelcome, but they are also 

not tolerated, as is a sense of entitlement. The club fosters a spirit of wholesome enjoyment 

where everyone feels included and appreciated. We look to make everyone feel special and 

part of the club. Not only will you make friends with other members, but when travelling you 

will look forward to connecting with other members for drinks, dinner or shooting, unlocking 

the true value of membership!

Variety?

Instead of shooting the same destination week after week, year after year, with the odd 

exception when you get an outfitter or agent to arrange the obvious public destinations – 

there is an alternative. You can avoid the embarrassment and inconvenience of pestering 

contacts to help get you access. If shooting a variety of quality destinations each year is 

something that appeals to you and you have the time, The Eden Shooting Club membership 

is distinctly incomparable from any other membership available!

Quality of experiences?

What we are talking about here is access to the finest experiences available. Access just 

can’t be bought like a commodity. Entree to the pinnacle of shooting experiences is hard 

for a reason, with many barriers to overcome. The rarefied treasures of the world deliver 

the greatest quality of experiences, which you will soon notice are dissimilar from the rest! 

If quality is important to you, membership of The Eden Shooting Club is like night and day 

compared to anything else!

Does the Club have any Preferred Partnerships that provide me with 

any benefits?

The Eden Shooting Club is part of The Clubs of Eden which has separate clubs for Golf and 

private Residences. The club may add other partners from time to time to enhance your 

membership privileges. Please ask your membership director for a current list of benefits 

that are available to members of The Eden Shooting Club.