BRNDL Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 (I thought this write up would compliment the pictures even though I have posted elsewhere in the forum) The evening before the shoot the farmer rang me to confirm details and ensure I was still attending, which I confirmed. He also asked if I could bring a +1 at short notice as he had been let down elsewhere. I obliged and invited my brother along who was happy to come for the day and help out. We rolled up at 08.30 on the dot as requested, parked up and greeted others who had gathered up in the barn. The kettle was already boiling and bacon butties were on route! What a great start! I took my dog and showed her around the other working dogs to ensure the formality of introductions were firmly embedded...this is your colleague for the day, not playmate! The last of the guns rolled up and a briefing was had. I was appointed jeep driver which was absolutely superb! The first drive was a short walk. The drives are through pine plantations so it was tough going at times, there was a reasonably thick canopy. I worked the first drive with my dog on the lead whilst beating along thought the wood lifting a few birds toward the line of guns..."bird bird" I shouted, which echoed around the pine wood like yodelling through a valley! I watched the bird rise through the trees and towards the guns. This was shortly followed by a volley of shots which signalled the beginning of the shoot, the birds were lifting and the guns were banging. This was a quick drive and didn't produce that many birds, possibly 8. Back to the barn where the kettle was on again and the bacon butties were in all their glory just waiting to be lavished in HP sauce! The next drive was a short cross country drive, so we loaded the jeep full of beaters with the dogs in the back...you could sense the excitement in both beaters and dogs, today was going to be a great day. We set off in tandem following the other 4x4s. Now, this land we are driving across is very significant and in some ways special to me. I have walked my dog up here for many years as the surroundings are truly epic and really hit home the words country side and agriculture. Both of which I appreciate endlessly. I have yearned to shoot here and drive across the land in a 4x4 with the low gear engaged, window down and dogs in the back for many years...today this came true for me.Moving on, the second shoot was really productive and we pushed some great birds for the guns. I decided to unleash my pup to work the cover and she did just that and performed very very well. I remember watching 3 birds she flushed (separate occasions) to the guns. Flush, sat, watched waited and listened, bang bang and down they went. One bird landed behind us at around 30 yards. I sent the dog out to retrieve as the cover is very thick and we had been losing birds. She went out on command and direction, picked her first ever pheasant and brought it back to hand...to say I was proud is an understatement. We did 4 drives in total and a walked up back to the farm. The day produced 43 brace. We received a little payment for he day and also 2 brace to take home. I returned home with a smile as long as the m1 motorway, 4 pheasants, a seriously tired pup and some cash. Oh, and an invitation to continue beating throughout the season. Things could not of turned out any better. Sorry for rambling, all the bestBRNDL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Longy0710 Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 great write up and lovely looking dog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scutt Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 good day for pup and you a.t.b. for the season Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDog Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 There is no 'rambling' in your post, just excitement. That was a good account of your day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.philmypower. Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 Great write up Chris, glad you've got yourself on a shoot beating, you'll never look back now. Keep up the good work pal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoot and be safe Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 Great write up, it felt like I was there Well done to yourself and the pup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattSoanes Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 Great write up, and great pictures. Looks very nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kes Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 Excellent, good to read and I hope the shoot becomes 'yours' and every day you go is as good. ATB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon6ppc Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 good write up pal,i seem to reconise them hills behind you,looks like you had a whale of a time,atb simon... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davecooper1 Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 Good write up mate...sounds like you had a good day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B725 Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 Well pleased for you and the dog did good too, all the training is now coming together,you are now at the stage where you need to keep a firm grip.Do exactly what you are doing but do not be afraid to hold back a little only to ensure the dog does exactly what you want, and you will have a good dog and many years of working together Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salop Matt Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 Excellent write up and a very enjoyable read ! My first day beating is a fortnight wednesday, sadly its the shoots last year as the land and rights have been sold. ATB Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BRNDL Posted October 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 Thanks Gents, I really appreciate the comments and suggestions. Yes Simon, the backdrop should be familiar to you. The shoot is at Lead Mines Clough, the area that I told you about on your WW2 thread. Truly stunning place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BRNDL Posted October 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 Excellent write up and a very enjoyable read ! My first day beating is a fortnight wednesday, sadly its the shoots last year as the land and rights have been sold. ATB Matt Good luck beating...if you don't enjoy it then book in to see the quack Monday morning as something is clearly wrong!! Haha Mingle in and ask for more beating, that way once your current shoots folds you still have another to help out with. BRNDL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BRNDL Posted October 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 good write up pal,i seem to reconise them hills behind you,looks like you had a whale of a time,atb simon... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aga man Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 nice write up BRNDL. you certainly look the part fella and your dog is a credit to you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magman Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 Enjoy the beating line as much as pulling the trigger , top day there as you all ready no Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
demonwolf444 Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 Enjoy the beating line as much as pulling the trigger , top day there as you all ready no +1 happy to turn up to beat and happy to shoot, always a good day out on the land. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco Stu Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 Nice one Sid! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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