Masson

I'm more put out by his response than the fact that he did ask - a little bit of contrition and then healthy planning of a newbie section would've been great, but a bit much to ask it seems. And the original question did not give room for discussion or opinion, which are some of the most important things in a forum. It was a request for a factual list. He didn't say "I see on the list that the season differs by x days for z animal. Anyone care to talk about why?" If there was a very comprehensive newbie section and the replies to this thread had been "Check the newbie section" would we still be having this issue?

I should hope I won't find opinions on the BASC site. But then when is "a list of verman/game you can shoot" going to be an opinion rather than a fact? I totally agree that if it's emotive or an area where input from a number of people will benefit, a post is ideal and the whole point of a 'forum'. If it's factual, surely finding the source rather than getting someone's take/opinion on it is a safer option, and then maybe clarify with others if you have doubts? I'm a newbie, too, so I can't say much, but what if each new person posted the same questions each time? That's a lot of posts for the people with the answers to cover.

This is a super post - great links. GJUK - it might be faster for you, but what if no-one replied? Would you bump, asking again, and wait some more? The post that HW682 linked to was posted not long before you joined and might well have be found with a site search. I'm not telling you not to do anything, but just suggesting a little time spent yourself can be more rewarding.

Being a newbie, I can see that side of the issue, but I can also appreciate the other - When you were learning to drive, you read the highway code to understand road signs etc. And if you had your licence to drive and started asking where you could drive and what speed you could do, people might worry It's all too easy to just ask on a forum in this age of "Give me the information now - I want it handed to me" - that's a bit strong, but you see my point? After 50 people asking the same thing it must get annoying at times. Maybe some stickies or a dedicated newbie section with links to areas on the BASC site and tips on finding out information on your local police information source?

Can your doc countersign, as have you really known them personally for the last 2 years?

I think it's worth speaking with the FLO, telling them that the doc thinks you're okay to have one and see what they say - it won't add that much time to your process and will save some wondering over the next few weeks (or months!)

That is gold! Whilst I do feel sorry for you, at least you can go and ram that letter down his throat.

Peck makes a point - the chap was probable livid that his employee had promised you something for free when it's normally £20. The manager should not have taken it out on you at all though, so he really was a ***.

That was pretty grim. Not wanting to hi-jack, but this one has the best backing track ever http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=t4VHtOIQSeQ&...feature=related

If there was an actual list officially kept, then you could see if you were on it - you can see any comments held on official documents. I think that if the chap had a list in his head or tacked to his wall about people to give a hard time to, it would be next to impossible to find out about it.

Trouble is you wouldn't actually buy anything, you'd be waiting for prices to drop or looking for the cheapest place. If you're happy with the price when you buy it (which is made up of your need vs the actual cost) then shrug it off and don't second guess yourself.

Thanks for the replies - makes it much easier. Probation Officer? I wonder if my probation officer will sign it Kidding!

I'm looking to fill in my application, but I am really at a loss as to who I can use to counter sign it. I have known some people for some years, but really don't know if they qualify. Any advice will be very welcome

I do think it's a sweeping statement to say that people who bag 100+ pigeons are doing it for the pleasure of killing. If land owners want pests, be it pigeon or foxes, controlled, then people can do this any way within the law, including enjoying the sport of shooting. Whether or not you agree with that is by-the-by.

If it's in a sleeve and the chap/chapess isn't playing silly *******, I don't think anything of it. That said, someone at my local ground stood there, shot his clays and walked off, leaving the spent shells on the floor - that really did not impress me. I know that with a semi there isn't much that you can do, but at least pick them up afterwards, surely?

I've only been twice - both times at Four Counties. First time, 10/50 or 20% And one smiley face Sencond time, 19/50 or 38% No smiley faces at all, but came close. When I can get an SGC (live in a rented house atm) I'll get some lessons.

No one is suggesting that you need to a champion clay shooter to shoot live birds. But, as Henry started off by saying, 2 weeks from not knowing about leading a target to then going out on pigeon? That's a jump, isn't it? Clays can help get the eye for lead, distances, mouting etc - not to the point where you're a star at it, but to get the basics of gun use and basic technique.

I rent at the moment, so it's not really practical. I'll pick the next house on how sturdy the walls all.

Well, that counts me out from ever having a cab in this house - the walls are rubbish, even the external ones. Bah.

It's an ugly cat............

You're into pirate porn?? Yar, ye like that, does ye? Avast! Stroke my rigging and show me ye crows nest. Ah har! What do ye think of me mast? Thar she blows!

I use hands free, and F to anyone who tries to tell me that I shouldn't as it's still a distraction - it's no different from talking to someone in the passenger seat. If anything, it's less distracting to be on the phone, as I don't try to look at my phone when I'm using it.

I'm considering a older, normal, 5-door, 7 seat Shogun. Anyone have any pros and cons? I'd need it for light off road and normal road use. Sorry to hijack

I'm quite interested for this to become a great thread for new people (especially me!). I can see why Highlander made his comment - the OP's aversion to doing anything useful with the birds other than the fact that it would be 'good sport' might not go down too well with everyone here. tomleatel, pigeons are a major pest. I had no idea how much of a pest till I started reading here and elsewhere (basc) about it all. If you want to shoot them, I think that you should at least have an idea of who could take them off you before you go, whether or not you have to do anything to them before hand will be down to your arrangement. A very important thing is getting the permission for land. While you work on this, it might be an idea to try and find someone in your area who currently shoots and ask if you can shadow them (even without your gun) for a bit to see how they set up, bird knowledge/habits, that sort of thing. You might also see how easy it is to prep them for yourself. To find someone, maybe start a dedicated post as not everyone would open this one, but a specific post for Kenters might get their attention. Don't forget that when you ask a farmer for permission, if he already has enough people then you know that there are people local who might be able to take you under their wing for a wee bit. And to all of the people looking to jump on the "don't attack the noob" wagon, don't forget that there are many stickies which cover a lot about the basics, including basic equipment, which people really should read before asking, or long standing members see the same thing being asked too many times. My tuppence.

And btw Al4x, great avatar.