First syndicate place

[pg123]

Got a meeting Sunday morning with the keeper on a small shoot that has a space available. Only details I know at present is its £400 (full gun) for 6 days. The shoot puts down 350 birds with a mix of pheasant/duck/partridge.

 

Any advice on what questions I need to be asking is welcome.

[markm]

Ask to see records from previous years, what money was spent on and returns. If It can't be provided, I would suggest walk away. Talk is cheap.

 

If its standing, that's cheap. Who beats and who pays? If that's in with the price it's a bargain.

 

If its walk one stand one, the teams can only be small or the numbers don't seem to add up unless the rents big, if there is 12 guns for example.

 

Why only 6 days.?

[CharlieT]

With a 50% return, which would be extremely good and shooting 6 days that would be 30 bird days shared between the number of guns and works out at £15 per bird shot.

 

 

My question would be:

How many guns and on what basis. ie standing for every drive or beat one stand one.

Are beaters employed, if so at what extra cost.

Are you expected to commit to work days.

Previous years returns.

[pg123]

 

Why only 6 days.?

 

The shoot is run by members who mostly have young families (which would inclued me) and shooting every 3rd Saturday leaves plenty of time for the kids. Also the shoot is run on just one single farm so I would guess there is a limit of the amount of holding cover.

[scotslad]

<p>I'd say charlie T's about right with the questions<br />

 <br />

only thing i'd add possibly how long syndicate been running,<br />

type off people who are members, i imagine more a social outing so want a decent bunch,<br />

do u have feeding/bird looking duties,<br />

approx bags or range off expected bags, say big day 35ish small day 10-15is?</p>

<p>need  a trained dog,<br />

allowed to bring guest's, friends/family even just to watch<br />

any unseen extra's ie meal/bacon butties/beaters money etc<br />

ask for a quick drive round the ground to see lie of land and way drives lie/pens, type of birds that will be shown<br />

 <br />

really just common sense if he comes across as a decent guy u should be ok<br />

 <br />

I run a small syndicate on a simiar scale and price, when i show a potential new gun round i do not bring a copy off the shoots accounts and i would not show them 1 either. The boy's get a copy at the end off year meet but i would not be handing it out to anyone.<br />

I don't know how many guns are in the syndicate, but it's not cheap to put even just 350 down so the moneys not far away, ur only £65 a day cheap in shooting terms</p>

Edited May 11, 2013 by scotslad

[pg123]

Cheers for all the excellent advice guys. I have drawn up a list of questions but I am starting to look like I'm going to a business meeting!!! I am looking round the shoot at lunch time and will post how I get on.

 

I have been watching for such a syndicate place for about 8 months and **** law 2 have come along within 3 days. Have to admit my mind is in turmoil over which too choose.

[scotslad]

It might become clearer when u have seen the ground. 1 piece of ground may look far nicer or potential to show better birds

possibly ask some of other members names incase u know any (if u shoot at a clay club. local area)

 

I'd probably just go with the syndicate which i thought had the best group of guns and would be the most enjoyable

 

I would say wot ever u decide let the other shoot captain/keeper know so they can look for someone else

 

good luck wi it

[pg123]

Well just come back from the first shoot. Cracking opportunity, 7 guns all driven, 25 bird days plus wild duck, woodcock & snipe. Easy access (5 minutes from Motorway), no requirement for a 4x4 or a dog. £10 in to beaters beer fund at end of each day.

 

Only snag is they shoot weekdays and not Sarurday which causes me an issue.