Richard Day

You're both absolutely right about the season guys; being the first time out shooting this year, I completely forget that the pheasant season had ended 11 days previously-knuckles duly rapped! I was actually out with the rifle on a new permission when I saw the pheasant. Luckily, as mentioned above, I didn't take a shot. Although this thread is about hunting with catapults, I only hunt with my trusty HW35, having access to 150 acres of bunny-blessed farmland.

Pheasants can easily be taken on the ground too, as hen pheasants tend to duck low to the floor when they feel threated, rather than lift which the cock birds seem to do more readily. I had an opportunity to take one yesterday, and would have apart from the fact I couldn't tell it was a pheasant (it was crouching low) and didn't want to risk hitting a bird of prey.

I've spent ages practicing in the garden with my catapult as I quite like the portability and indiscretion of the old 'pocket poacher'. There's a lot to be learnt from archery when shooting a catty, such as anchor points on the body and visualising trajectory line. This video taught me a lot about aiming: I use the 12mm steel bearings sold on eBay for £4/100.

Amazed by the response; a very welcoming forum and even a PM inviting me along to shoot...think I'm gonna like it here!

Welcome; one new member to another!

Cheers fellas!

Hi all, I'm Rich, and new to the PW forum. I'm a thirty-eight year-old airgunner, forager and general lover of all things country-sports. I've spent a long time shooting targets and plinking, and would be out taking some Woodies and Rabbits and other vermin, were it not for the lack of a permission to shoot on! I'm keen to meet other shooters/ hunters around these parts (or further afield; I have transport) for shooting, beer and enjoying the outdoors, so feel free to get in touch! Rich