Beaters dresscode?

[TomV]

Im starting beating this season, is there any sort of dress code or is it just for the guns?

[Raja Clavata]

Depends on how formal a shoot it is. As a general rule best to avoid cammo.

[Salop Matt]

I normally wear mole skin trousers, wellies , leggins, a tshirt and green jumper and coat over that ( a gamefair £20 special tweed imitation) and my stick !

 

Leggins and wellies are the only real must !

[Benellimelody]

Full realtree - only jokin - you wont go wrong wearing what SS suggested

[al4x]

Im starting beating this season, is there any sort of dress code or is it just for the guns?

 

 

just the guns really, I tend to go reasonably smart as I'm a bit of a tart at times but others it will be wellies, wax leggins and a jacket usually realtree if its cold must if its wet.

waxed leggins are a real bonus if you buy the 3/4 length as they protect you from brambles and cover crops can be soaking wet. Being 3/4 length you also get more movement and they don't make you sweat as much as full over trousers

[Dunkield]

Better to go slightly smarter on your first day and get a feel for how the others dress, no one will mind that, if you go too scruffy or looking a bit 'tactical' it may raise a few eyebrows.

[al4x]

thinking about it here is one shoot I go on to give you an idea

 

[Grandalf]

Wellies, leggings as described earlier, dark coat (waterproof but preferably not camo), dark hat (waterproof) and

A STOUT BEATING STICK! (thumb-stick or five feet of ash will do nicely).

I can't remember how many people who have turned up at my shoot without a stick. The shoot will provide you with a flag if you need one - probably untill you get the hang of things they wont want you flagging.

Good Luck and hope you enjoy it.

[TomV]

Thanks to all for the info. Off to the midland fair this weekend so an ideal chance to get a few bits and pieces

[Dekers]

Hi Viz is being trialed at my shoot this year...really.

 

The shoot owner thinks it will be safer (never had any problems that I am aware of) but after all, the idea of the beaters is to get the birds up, seems to have some merit, I think it will be interesting on the first day!

[Martin g]

As already said, the wax 3/4 length leggings. I got mine off flea bay for £15. I also found a pair of thick leather gardening gloves from garden center handy for getting over barbed wire fences worth getting.. Cant wait myself for the season to start, saturdays cant come quick enough.. Enjoy the season fella

[Dunkield]

As has been said get the basics and then see how it lgoes on your first day, all shoot will be slightly different I reaslise that the more of these threads I read.

Last saturday I was beating in walking boots (which weren't needed as it turned out) trousers and a shirt, and I was still too hot.

The old boys with their waxed cotton gear on were melting by the end of the day.

Obviously that gear + wellies come into there own later in the season.

 

And sticks are useless for partridge drives accross open fields, a flag is the only useful tool, so again see what the others use and follow suit.

[Albertan_J]

I'd just say dress for the weather and leave your cammo stuff at home. Have a pair of seeland keeper trousers that are the mutts nuts for beating no messing on with waterproofs, gaiters or leggings. I think the advice given of dressing up for the first day then seeing what the other lads are wearing is the way forward.

[TomV]

looking forward to the midland show to pick up some bits and pieces for beating

[UKPoacher]

Where I beat the lads turn up wearing what could be taken for a scarecrow's cast offs. Our guns aren't as well dressed as al4x's companions. A couple of years ago one beater turned up with a fluro' yellow workman's coat on. Third drive in he spooked a covy of partridges the wrong way while walking into position and nearly had the coat inserted where the sun wouldn't shine on it.

[Scully]

Good for you TomV;you're gonna love it,especially if you have a dog.But even without one you'll still enjoy it.

I'm a member of a very small informal shoot where we beat one,stand one,which is fabulous,but I get p****d off when our dates clash with those of another big shoot where I beat but don't shoot.The crack is great,most of the guns are down to earth(you always get the odd plonker) we stop for a break where the guns supply us with gala pie and coffee laced with Baileys(don't knock it 'til you've tried it!)We don't get paid but we all retire to a local pub where tha guns pay for all our meals and drink,and we get a few brace of pheasant and ducks apiece.The beaters day is not to be missed!

If you're going to the Midland it's probably too late to tell you this,but buy,or better still,make yourself a good, heavy 'priest'.(Not the kind that's fannying around London at the moment!) :unsure:

[Guest cookoff013]

it may also pay to have a second set of clothes, especially "dry ones"

cook.

[TomV]

Good for you TomV;you're gonna love it,especially if you have a dog.But even without one you'll still enjoy it.

I'm a member of a very small informal shoot where we beat one,stand one,which is fabulous,but I get p****d off when our dates clash with those of another big shoot where I beat but don't shoot.The crack is great,most of the guns are down to earth(you always get the odd plonker) we stop for a break where the guns supply us with gala pie and coffee laced with Baileys(don't knock it 'til you've tried it!)We don't get paid but we all retire to a local pub where tha guns pay for all our meals and drink,and we get a few brace of pheasant and ducks apiece.The beaters day is not to be missed!

If you're going to the Midland it's probably too late to tell you this,but buy,or better still,make yourself a good, heavy 'priest'.(Not the kind that's fannying around London at the moment!)

 

Thanks for your comments, I am really looking forward to my first shoot day next month! Picked up some waterproof over trousers and 2 shirts from the midland show. I certainly have a priest which I made, which I also use for pigeon shooting and ferreting. Hope its going to be a good season!

[Thestoat]

Most of my shooting life has been based around big commercial & family grouse moors since the age of 12, although i have been involved in pheasant shoots from time to time.

 

In my opinion the beaters are far more well dressed on pheasant shoots compared to grouse moors. Has any body else noticed that.

 

Basically I believe the keepers are not really bothered on what you wear as long as its not hi viz, although it has been evident on some occasions & can has catastrophic effects on a covey of grouse. The keepers I know are far more happy to have a full squad of beaters, who turn up on the day, from any background, as long as they conduct themselves in an appropriate manner.

 

I have never known the gentry to complain or comment about beaters clothes and they are much more likely comment on the friendliness and effectiveness of the beaters/team whatever they are dressed in.

 

Nevertheless, it will always be appreciated if you come smartly dressed, but the main thing is to turn up and on time!

[Hucky]

It might be worth asking what the lands like - where we beat its a mix of brambles, woods and when its wet, water almost up to knee depth. Warm wellies and an old dark coat and trousers are the 'dress' code for us lot, but it is nice to look a bit tidy in the pub later, so a pair of shoes and shirt makes me feel a bit more part of it on the day. Don't forget your stick - I find 5' is about right for prodding around and tapping, oh and a hat, keeps the falling shot off your head, and if its wooded a peaked hat makes it easier throught the twigs / brambles. Hope you have a great time, we can't wait !

[snozzer]

On our shoot, its pink basque and knee length leather boots. Oh hang on that sort of beating

[TomV]

Do beaters generally get a brace of birds at the end of a shoot day?

[Dunkield]

Where I beat they don't.

But we get £25 which is far more use to me.

[AlistairB]

I get £20 and a brace where i beat, i can then buy additional pheasants for £1 per brace.

 

AB

[TomV]

£1 a brace seems very reasonable, id be happy to pay that