TaxiDriver Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 How many people shoot alone ? Either pigeon decoying or out after rabbits and other vermin ? Several times now I've thought about selling up and giving up on shooting as I don't have any friends/colleagues local to me who share the interest and I just find it such a chore to get meself out on my own. Some of it being down to lack of experience and therefore confidence I suppose being new to it, Initially it wasn't helped not having the where with all to buy all the decoying gear. A couple of people in Suffolk/Norfolk have invited me out for a go at some pigeon shooting and whilst on holiday in Wales I was treated to an evening on someone else permissions after some rabbits, And to these peeps I'm very very grateful for the chance and encouragement to get out. Clay shooting wise I find it hard turning up on my own at my local shoot and doing a round of 80 over 10 stands on my own like Billy no mates, But have enjoyed every trip up to Norfolk for the PW Flushes So, can anyone else relate to any of the above ? Find it harder to get out on your own ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpk Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 I actually enjoy going out on my own but sometimes I shoot with my mates. I enjoy Wildfowling as it is a very solitary sport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzypigeon Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 stop being a girl and get out there......try wildfowling now that is a lonely sport....just you and the dog freezing your knackers off at stupid o clock in the morning Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houlsby Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 I Prefer shooting on my own! I usually take my mate lamping with me but in the daytime I like to escape on my own for a bit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poontang Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 Makes no odds to me. I'm happy on my own or going out with someone else, but I certainly wouldn't think about giving up if I had to go out alone all the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whytie2697 Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 I go out with a mate mostly but if he's working or not going out I wi still go out and set up on my own on one of my permissions my mate has the better ones though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Mat Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 Shooting with friends can make it more enjoyable, i only shoot one farm when the farmers son is back as we only shoot once every few months and its good to have a chat and a wander. When wildfowling i usually walk on with members of this forum, but after that we all spread out and its just me and the dog for a few hours! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconFN Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 I shoot alone as it's a way to get away from work, university, kids and people in general, to gather your thoughts and generally relax. Saying that, I have taken my kids once or twice but they are still a bit too young to sit in a hide for hours or walk 5 miles around fields. I only shoot air rifles so I would probably feel different if I enjoyed shotguns more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchman Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 when i used to wildfowl i would always be by myself and with a dog wouldnt have it anyway else.......but decoying pigeons much prefer to be with another shooter or two... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiffy Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 i shoot with a friend and alone when with the shotgun and on the odd occasion i get out with the airgun always alone. its nice to have a companion on shoots to have a laugh with.. nothing like someone taking the pi*s when you miss... but im happy enough on my own and sometimes its the only answer as i have a busy life i can just pop out for a mooch around when i have an hour or two spare and not have to worry about waiting on someone else or changing my plans to suit someone else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miroku moocher Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 i mostly shoot on me todd. i dont mind it but sometime i do miss a laff that you'd have being with someone else. as for quittin shooting over it'''',,NO WAY, I'M IN IT FOR LIFE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chr15j Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 I usually fly solo in cambs, keep meaning to find a buddy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blunderbuss Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 Mostly on my own, sometimes with company. I enjoy both in a different way. I find shooting on my own really relaxing and a good way to de-stress, whether sat in a hide or bimbling about with a shotgun or rifle. With a mate is good too, good to chew the fat and have a bit of banter. I'm glad I've got the option to do both, but if I had to always shoot on my own for some reason, it wouldn't stop me shooting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 Quite happy either way really.It's nice to wander about on my own now and then;just the dog and me,and perhaps sit down and chillout and watch the sun go down.There again,I really enjoy shooting with mate/mates as we all know each other very well and the crack is good. I would never consider giving up,for any reason;it is part of my way of life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blunderbust Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 I have to admit I like to get out with company but since moving south 4 years ago I have mainly been going out on my own. As has been said it is a good opportunity to get things sorted, but I again would not pack it in. Taxidriver, you are more than welcome to head up to my end of the woods and spend a day with me mate, we can be a right pair of lonely sad sacks together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welsh1 Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 I like to get out on my own and just amble about with the dog,or decoy,but i have a retired neighbour who will jump at the chance to get out with the shotgun,i do have one firm shooting partner,but he is out of the country at the moment,but we do some serious all nighters when he is here for fox. Personally i like an early crisp morning to get out and see what's there. Don't lose heart mate,the longer you shoot the more people you will get to know,it is surprising how many people you meet when out in a field.When you go to the clay ground have a look about and see if there is anyone else shooting alone and ask if they fancy a few stands,or ask in the club if there is anyone they know who might be interested in another person,some one will point you in the right direction. Failing that,you can pop down here any time mate and pop out with me,might get a bit expensive fuel wise though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun4860 Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 clay wise, come to the next PW charity shoot and meet more people maybe from your area... Its always good fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopper Bopper Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 I love hunting on my own when out with air rifle as I don't have to worry about some one else spooking the limited targets on my perms. Same with shotty when looking for charlie. i do agree with Taxi driver though, I would like a buddy to share successes and failures with and maybe even a bit more ground. For Gods sake don't give it up. This is a hard won sport. HB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bi9johnny Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 In 30+ years I have mainly shot on my own and the biggest reason I can say is honesty respect and trust. I have met thousand s of lads into shooting but it always seems one sided. I have what I consider very good perms approx 1000 acres its never been a bag numbers game to me happy with a rabbit and a pigeon or a dozen it makes no difference. My shoots are a 130 mile round trip again it makes no difference I will do the drive 2/3 days running if I wish to again it don't mean anything it is what I do. I am very social but I just not met anyone I think we'll he's a decent bloke ill share with him. I like to get to know people properly and do not like the " hello mate like your dog I shoot can I come with you" type at all so that's why I shoot alone for now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carpentermark Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 (edited) Just me, the dog, the gun, and nature......................................... it 'dont' get any better! Edited October 13, 2012 by carpentermark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sitsinhedges Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 I usually shoot alone mainly because sharing permissions is usually a one way street along with the fact that you can't usually rely on other people to shoot when you want them to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave-G Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 I'm an overnight shift worker and shoot overnight on some of my nights off. It's almost impossible to find a shooter who doesn't need to either go to work - or partake of something else 'tomorrow morning. I frequently swap late evening invites with a local guy on each others permissions and sometimes leave it at that or go out on my own afterwards. I prefer to have company and often just don't feel the need to out on my own now. Rabbit permissions are overshot anyway so the break does that aspect some good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brisa Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 Do most of my lamping with a mate but if i'm out with the shotgun for a dander during the day i'll be on my own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bullet1747 Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 I shoot alone, three sons one is to young one has found wot girls are for the last one comes some times I enjoy it to be fair , no hassle the odd **** walking were they shouldn't Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oz1982 Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 I would advise joining your local gun club. Also set up a facebook page called Shooting (Your town name) as it will come up if any locals type shooting into Facebook. I like shooting alone with my dogs love working with them. they are one of the reasons I love the sport so much!! I'm sure some on this forum would state, if you got your dog your never alone!! Clay shooting is easy to meet others go to one of there competitions a lot of them will be teams of 6 and you will be surprised how many turn up alone and make a team. Wish you the best of luck and I hope it works out. Whatever you do don't give up anything you love especially for something so easily sorted out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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