Mike2479 Posted October 18, 2009 Report Share Posted October 18, 2009 I posted this in the wrong section last time so this is my second post "hopefully in the right section". I have 2 questions that indirectly are linked I am a 39 year old ex serviceman with many years of firearms experience, unfortunately this has been during military service and not "residential" myself and 2 colleagues both of whom are also ex forces are looking to take up shooting, initially (what I believe you class) as vermin or pest control pigeon, rabbit etc with .22 air rifles. After going through the expense of purchasing rifles, scopes etc and without doing an in-depth check, and yes our fault we know, it seems that there is nowhere that will allow us to shoot, if anyone has any ideas they would be greatly received. We are all competent and just want to get out and enjoy some sporting fun! This brings me onto my second question, a FAC! we have all received and completed our lovely applications forms from the Hampshire constabulary, joined the BASC, but again we have fallen foul to having nowhere to shoot leaving us unable to complete our applications as we have to get a land owner to sign off that we have permission, we are looking at again .22, but rimfire. We are based just outside Portsmouth in Widley, if anyone can offer some advice or knows of anywhere even on day ticket "if there is such a thing" that we can enjoy a day’s shooting it would be most appreciated or should some caring land owner see this post we would love to hear from you "we will keep your bunnies and other pests at bay". We are nocking lots of doors in the local area, but to date have had no success. I look forward to getting a response Michael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted October 18, 2009 Report Share Posted October 18, 2009 Assuming you have a fixed address, I would suggest you get a local map and select an area that you are prepared/able to travel within for your shooting. Its then a matter of working the area and visiting Farms and other landowners (ie. Golf Courses) and asking for permission. In my experience Farmers prefer shotgun owners for bird vermin control, but there are others on here that have obtained permissions without a SGC. You could also contact your local Gunshops and see if they have any ideas and you should also check if there are any FAC rifle clubs in your area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leeds chimp Posted October 18, 2009 Report Share Posted October 18, 2009 Assuming you have a fixed address, I would suggest you get a local map and select an area that you are prepared/able to travel within for your shooting. Its then a matter of working the area and visiting Farms and other landowners (ie. Golf Courses) and asking for permission. In my experience Farmers prefer shotgun owners for bird vermin control, but thre are others on here that have obtained permissions without a SGC. You could also contact your local Gunshops and see if they have any ideas and you should also check if there are any FAC rifle clubs in your area. its hard work getting permission fella...i have tried alot of places round me and not one yes.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magman Posted October 18, 2009 Report Share Posted October 18, 2009 Get a few ferrets always a good way to get your foot in the door , but i never told you this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MM Posted October 18, 2009 Report Share Posted October 18, 2009 Get a few ferrets always a good way to get your foot in the door , but i never told you this yup, thats how Rob gets his. He sticks the ferret down the farmers trousers, and wont take it out till he signs his slip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrispti Posted October 18, 2009 Report Share Posted October 18, 2009 Could try these first http://www.farehamrpc.co.uk/ http://www.havant-rpc.org.uk/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lez325 Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 Log onto Yell.com type in Cereal farmers in the area you wish to shoot on and hey presto a list of places to start asking! I did this in the Taunton area and I have over 25,000 acres now- more than I'll ever need - I do have a shotgun though along with several high powered rifles of various calibre- maybe an application for a shotgun Cert may be the better 1st step?? as said farmers know about shotguns but rifles are a different kettle of fish- good to see you joined BASC though- great start Im ex Forces too- its hard but persevere and you'll reap rewards Les :blink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudpatten Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 Had you been talking about shotgun shooting I might have been able to help you, but sadly can`t in respect of air rifles. However, it`s worth elaborating on what chrispti says. You`ve probably worked this out for yourselves, but obtaining shooting is as much about people as it is places. Visiting or joining a rifle club immediately puts you in contact with lots of other like minded souls many of whom will have cracked the conundrum you`re currently faced with. With a little bit of networking you can significantly increase your chances of finding somewhere to shoot. Living in one of the most densely populated areas of the country you`re up against a lot of competition and most farmers locally will simply not let an unknown stranger loose on their land with an air rifle, or shotgun for that matter. However, you only have to hit it off with a rifle club member to gain that all important personal recommendation, and then the doors should start to open. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrispti Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 This is Mike2479's one and only post, he then re visited 5 days later, probably to see if anyone has given him some land to shoot on, and not replied to any of the help and advice offered. Makes you wonder why you even bother trying to help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmyh1988 Posted November 12, 2009 Report Share Posted November 12, 2009 yup he got more productive help than what i did when i posted asking the same question ;-) but nevermind his loss i guess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrispti Posted November 13, 2009 Report Share Posted November 13, 2009 (edited) yup he got more productive help than what i did when i posted asking the same question ;-) but nevermind his loss i guess :blink: Ask if anyone would go clay shooting with you, get to know some faces at your local ground. Put an add up in your local gun shop. Join a gun club. Go knock some doors, theres **** loads of land around you in Romsey and all the way up to Salisbury. Put an invitation on here to see if anyone wants to come out with you for shoot on your bit of ground, maybe you will get an invite in return! Just a few things off the top of my head you could try Edited November 13, 2009 by chrispti Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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