First Walked Up Shoot

[Q West]

I've got my first walked-up shoot on Monday (mostly pheasant) and was hoping the more experienced among you could give me some worthwhile tips (other than don't shoot any of the dogs or beaters).

For example, at what height would it be a sporting shot?

Thanks

[scolopax]

Always try to walk with your gun broken and do not take rangey shots, you can get lots of runners with walked up shooting as most of the vitals are protected on a going away shot, hit em hard with a tight pattern of 5's of 6's. As for sporting shots, well its all about safe shots with walked up shooting, be very aware of where all your companions and their dogs are at any given time, if a bird falls behind the line then everybody stops whilst it is retrieved. Height wise, anything safe. Try and make sure there are plenty of dogs in the team ref : my previous comment on runners. Oh and take a game bag, or even better a rucksack, for the quarry, much easier to shoot when you have both hands available!

[wannabe_keeper]

Hiya,

 

Just be vigilant, if walking through crops then keep a straight line and ensure no-one strays in front of the line. Safe shot angles are usually around 45 degrees. 2 or 3 good dogs to collect the game and plenty of communication is always essential (2 or 3 way radio's a good idea).

 

Let us know how the day goes!

 

 

WK

Edited December 10, 2010 by wannabe_keeper

[al4x]

I've got my first walked-up shoot on Monday (mostly pheasant) and was hoping the more experienced among you could give me some worthwhile tips (other than don't shoot any of the dogs or beaters).

For example, at what height would it be a sporting shot?

Thanks

 

 

you should have a decent introduction by whoever is organising it at the start to say what can and what can't be shot etc, with walked up days they aren't just going away birds and a bit will depend if you walk any towards half the guns etc. Low birds are usually exactly that under 20ft or so and too close to you. not only unsporting but you can get the pillow effect where you blow loads of feathers off them which you want to try and avoid. Its unlikely you'll be shooting ground game but if so then obviously be careful of the dogs, otherwise be safe and enjoy it should be a good day

[Swamp Beast]

I've got my first walked-up shoot on Monday (mostly pheasant) and was hoping the more experienced among you could give me some worthwhile tips (other than don't shoot any of the dogs or beaters).

For example, at what height would it be a sporting shot?

Thanks

 

watch out for houses/buildings and bear them in mind when firing; shot will travel a fair distance and nothing worse than hearing the rat-a-tat of shot landing on a roof a few hundred yards away. Angry householders can cause no end of problems for future shoots and a visit from the polis can spoil a days shooting. If in doubt dont fire, let the other guys know your new to this and Im sure they`ll keep you right. Just remember safety 1st and enjoy your day.

[Alycidon]

Be safe, ultra safe, no one will notice or care if you don't hit anything all day but they will be red hot on safety issues. As a novice they will be watching you for the first hour at least to make sure you are safe.

 

No need to walk with an open gun when you are expecting birds to appear unless others in the party are, just make sure there is plenty of sky around anything you shoot at and be aware of where your muzzles are pointing at all times. Guns and equipment, use what you are used to, felt wads preferably, shot size 5 to 7, the bigger the better though.

 

Dont be greedy, if you have had a shot or two step back and let others have a turn, dont shot birds that will make better birds for another gun, perhaps a standing gun somewhere. Being safe and sporting is the way to be invited back, being unsafe and greedy will get you nowhere.

 

Above all enjoy yourself, tip the keeper £20 and generously thank your host for his company, now all you have to do is arrange some sort of return invite !!. Perhaps a slap up dinner for him and his partner.

 

A

[davecooper1]

Agree with all the comments made, follow them and enjoy your day

[border Scott]

If you are travelling yourself, make sure you now where to meet and be on time. Its likely to be pretty informal but i would check and see if there is any dress code ie. a tie or no camo. Chances are you will be able to wear what you want but its worth checking. Also make sure you have your insurance up to date. At a lot of the walked up days i go to the keeper always asks if we are all insured and have game licenses (Scotland). Its always said with a smile or a wink but its a freindly warning before we start. Listen at keepers briefing and enjoy your day. Chances are you will pick up some good contacts and get invited back.

[Jega]

First off mate, let the shoot captain or leader know that your a newbie ,remember you may not be the only inexperienced gun on the line and it will give the leader an opportunity to spread you out a bit among the more experienced guns, and we were all nervous newbies at some point in the past . .Next dont be afraid to ask lots of questions before you start, the things your not sure of like, ettiqute,correct behaviour,minimum shot height and general rules of the shoot .

At the end of the day thank everyone for allowing you on to the shoot and tip the beaters .I always find a bottle of Scotlands finest goes down well with the shoot captain/leader .

Now stop fretting get out there and bloody well enjoy your-self.

[Q West]

Thanks alot guys, I appreciate all the advice and tips. Will let you know how I get on.

[Q West]

Hi all,

Yesterday went really well. Dave the keeper and his team of beaters and picker'uppers put on a super day, even though the mist was as thick a pea soup.

I got a Woodcock with my very first shot of the day, which was followed by a duck (unfortunately the duck was lost in frozen pond).

The first two drives were a bit slow in numbers, think we only had 6 or 7 birds.

After lunch we enjoyed two brilliant drives, with birds shown at good height.

I missed a couple of sitters and left a few which i thought where to low.

Final bag of the day was 54 (2xWoodcock, 1xJay, 1xDuck, 7xPigeon & 43xPheasant)

 

Thanks again for all the great advice, it came in very handy.

 

It's a shame that I've only now, so late in the season, enjoyed my first game shoot.

 

[al4x]

Its addictive nice to hear you had a good day. Small farm and syndicate days are really good fun

[scolopax]

It's a shame that I've only now, so late in the season, enjoyed my first game shoot

 

Nah, the best of it is just starting, make the most of the remaining 7(?) weeks, you can cram alot into that time if you have deep enough pockets or very generous friends. Enjoy.

[Swamp Beast]

Hi all,

Yesterday went really well. Dave the keeper and his team of beaters and picker'uppers put on a super day, even though the mist was as thick a pea soup.

I got a Woodcock with my very first shot of the day, which was followed by a duck (unfortunately the duck was lost in frozen pond).

The first two drives were a bit slow in numbers, think we only had 6 or 7 birds.

After lunch we enjoyed two brilliant drives, with birds shown at good height.

I missed a couple of sitters and left a few which i thought where to low.

Final bag of the day was 54 (2xWoodcock, 1xJay, 1xDuck, 7xPigeon & 43xPheasant)

 

Thanks again for all the great advice, it came in very handy.

 

It's a shame that I've only now, so late in the season, enjoyed my first game shoot.

 

 

 

Good stuff - is there not a ban on woodcock and duck in england just now? I was out on saturday and saw loads of both but we cant shoot them for the time being, and with a prema-frost in place and more snow this week I reckon the ban could be on well into and including january!

[al4x]

Good stuff - is there not a ban on woodcock and duck in england just now? I was out on saturday and saw loads of both but we cant shoot them for the time being, and with a prema-frost in place and more snow this week I reckon the ban could be on well into and including january!

 

 

no ban at the moment and lots of England hasn't been that bad, we've had normal conditions for the best part of a week and I believe the voluntary restraint the BASC asked for has been lifted in England for the moment.

[Jega]

Well done mate ,really glad you had a great day .It sounds like the guys who run that shoot know there stuff,once again well done.