Zeus

PM sent.

Still for sale?

That's a good point. I will be using the same referee as on my last two forms (application and renewal) Zeus

Steady on there!......Im in control of my bank account lol. I did suspect that it wouldn't be acceptable and that is the case as I have just phoned to check. The staff member I spoke with stated that a partner would be classed as family. I do have my original reference still in place and ready to provide it again......just wanted it clarified.

The below was taken from my licencing authorities guidance notes - The referee(s) who have agreed to act for you must have known you personally for at least two years and must be resident in Great Britain. Referees must not be a member of your family, a registered firearms dealer, a serving police officer or police employee. Referees must be of good character and any references they agree to provide must be given freely and not on payment. My question is, would my girlfriend be classed as family to the authority? We have been together over two years, have a mortgage together, and she is a social worker. atb Zeus

How did you get on TightChoke? I think I've found a field of peas....from a distance I though it had been covered in plastic but on closer inspection it looks like fleece/fabric. I knocked the nearest couple of doors and got the name of who's crop its and number. Made the call but the farmer was out so left my number....will visit tomorrow if no reply.

I need to brush up on my crop ID skills! Been looking at a field that has just had been uncovered from plastic sheeting....its surprising how much it has grown under it over the last few months. Good effort on your potential new perm!

A few fields in Worcestershire being cut yesterday. Going to keep any eye in for the crows.

Good call on having my details already printed out before I arrive. So much easier to just hand it over than p+×÷ing around looking for a pen and paper.

Thanks for comments and tips guys.

Accepted.....Im going to get another net soon, hopefully before my next outing. Aiming to get ex army net to break the pattern.

Cheers. I only have the one net at the moment. In what way does it frighten you? I obviously need to incorporate more green to it. Zeus

Cheers for the comments. One thing for sure is that decoy shooting, in my opinion, is'nt anything like clay shooting. Do most of you guys look out over your nets or through them? I tried both, when looking out over I found I could get a better all round view at a further distance and looking through it limited my view. The only draw back to looking over was that It made my back and legs ache being in that position. I need a higher stool I think to help. From my picture - how does my hide look? From a distance the only thing being obvious was the straight lines of the net. Zeus

So Saturday afternoon sore my first time attempting to decoy. I had no expectations of it being successful....for me I just wanted to practice and experiment with getting my gear together, packed, transported, inplace and set up. My hide, from the picture, needs improvement. I'm going to get a greener net to break up the pattern. I also used fresh foliage, maybe more in the future. As for the decoying I randomly placed out 6 decoys. I wasn't in a great spot or under a flight line. A few pigeons came in to the pattern.....sadly my shooting let me down. I also had a jackdaw which I practised with by using it as a fresh shot decoy. This worked as It brought two more in. Overall I learnt a hell of a lot in a couple of hours and appreciate how much more to learn. Ended the couple of hours on one pigeon and three Jackdaws. Poor shooting on my behalf....shot ratio of 7.5 to 1! Will I let this bother me? Not one bit as for me it was a great few hours being out there. Zeus

Here maybe? http://www.camonets.com/en/

Thanks again guys for the positive comments.

Yes Im in Worcestershire, about 12 miles from Worcester City.

As per title.....anything considered.

Thanks all. Its only a small perm so wouldn't want to over shoot it and maybe when the regular guy returns we could work something out. I managed to find the farmers name from a neighbour before hand which was a good opener. I just want to do a good job here, and not pee anyone off in the process. I will still keep on with the "door knocking" game. The farmer did put me onto another farm to try. atb Zeus

Following the advice of members here I have spent many hours driving round "door knocking". After the endless "thanks but no thanks" responses, I have had my first yes! A farmers has given me permission to shoot over three fields, which have just been drilled and have a lot of birds on (he's not sure if the contractor has done as good a job as usual drilling the the seed this time round). He said I could shoot when I wanted and to just let him know. The conundrum I have is that he also went on to say that his usual guy was on holiday for a while! I know it's a big no no to go out and intentionally steal someone's permission. In this situation is it right or wrong for me to shoot? Zeus

I know the original post didnt refer to lorry v cyclist but this makes interesting viewing. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wzL0Kyk4m-8

Cheers for the advice. Ive found a field that looks to be getting hammered by crows so will go for a one of chance with the farmer.

Cheers for the advice. I still need to get my pitch ironed out.....and yes insurance is in place.

Cheers. I will put across more about my experience gained from beaters days and vermin drives.

Cheers. Ive had a couple of great offers from members but sadly due to my work commitments I haven't been able to get out with them!! Frustrating!! Thanks to the guys that have offered, sorry I haven't been able to join you. I just think that opening with "Hey Im a novice" already puts you a step behind. Having got the first few "door knocks" under my belt it does seem easier each time to make an initial approach.