Sam Woodward Posted April 22, 2006 Report Share Posted April 22, 2006 Hi My name is Sam Woodward, I have been clay pigeon shooting for about 12 months now and let’s just say I am well and truly hooked. However I am VERY keen to have a go at shooting the real thing, the thing is apart from shooting a few pigeons in a disused mill when I was about 15 ( a long tome ago) I have no idea of how to get started or what to do once I start. Can you advise me of what to do next? Thanks Sam Woodward PS Have both air rifles and a shotgun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
il cacciatore Posted April 22, 2006 Report Share Posted April 22, 2006 (edited) You'll need to get yourself some permission. To do this go round farms and ask the land owner if you can have permission to shoot vermin (ie, rabbits, crows, woodpigeon, canada goose etc.) Always make sure the person your talking to owns the shooting rights to the land. Go well dressed and not in camo gear (might sound obvious but... ) and tell them what weapon you intend to be using. Obviously youll have to word it properly and this takes a few attempts to finesse, usually after a few knock backs. If you know someone that knows a farmer then this is always your best option. It would be a good idea for you to aquire insurance and to do that by joining a shooting organisation that offers that as part of the deal. Look in the useful links thread in 'guns and cartridges' section for links to alot of organisations. Make sure you have a game licence as well which can be obtained from your main post office branch and costs only a few quid but could save your licence if your caught shooting game without the game licence. Asking for permission needs a brass neck. Its one thing I really dont like doing but you need to if you want to get land to shoot over. It might take some time but you will eventually get somewhere to go. When I first started I couldnt find anywhere to shoot but now I'm snowed under with land. If you see a farm with a pest problem then dont hesitate to ask them and mention that you have seen the vermin. Hopes this helps. Edited April 22, 2006 by il cacciatore Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave-G Posted April 22, 2006 Report Share Posted April 22, 2006 I think pigeon control is probably easier to gain than other vermin species. It's fair to say that pigeon shooting has more for the farmer who's crops get devastated than one who has a few bunnies and squirrels around the edges of their land. Someone more familiar with pigeon watch will be along soon to give details of nppc farms - If I understand it correctly there is an abundance of farms available to members who dont need to see the farmer - just "join up"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikky Posted April 28, 2006 Report Share Posted April 28, 2006 sam ...where in manchester are you from and where do you shoot clays Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Woodward Posted April 30, 2006 Author Report Share Posted April 30, 2006 (edited) I live in Stockport and shoot at Worsley mostley Edited April 30, 2006 by Sam Woodward Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sutty Posted April 30, 2006 Report Share Posted April 30, 2006 Sam, Some good advice above , just a case of getting out there and knocking on a few doors. It will come eventually,stick at it, get the land and then we can talk Tactics and gear etc. Good luck Sutty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefman Posted May 30, 2006 Report Share Posted May 30, 2006 Hi SAM, I know this post is quite old but an experience I had this week compelled me to reply to your post. I am fortunate enough to own my own land to shoot on and also shoot on two friends Farms ,However This is the intersting bit. I was driving down a lane about 3 miles from from my home when I saw a field covered in rabbits(about 5 acres).In the field was a sign telling everybody it was private property,no tresspasers etc etc.Quite forboding realy. At the bottom of the sign was a phone number and the name of a company which I recognised as a scrap metal dealer from Portsmouth. I believe this land has probably been bought in speculation to build on. I thought what the heck and phoned the number. I was positive cheerfull and sounded knowledgable to the gentelman on the phone. I suggested that I could clear the rabbits , as I did so for others nearby. He was over the moon that I was offering to clear pest's free of charge. He has also suggested I come and clear the rabbits from his extensive gardens at his home nearby. Written permission is pending,which is essential if you wish to lamp. The moral of this is do not be disheartened be positive polite and proffessional,you will get permission to shoot. As others have suggested you need some neck. The key is timing;identify a problem and offer a solution. Everyone of us has had to start somewhere and gain that first bit of shooting. Reefman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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