shoot and be safe Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 Magman, Maglad, the Good lady and I had been invited to the Weaver shoot, hosted by Reggiegun, back in the early part of last year after meeting at the North West Christmas clay shoot @ Catton Hall. Reggiegun (Paul) and his lad Ginger (Alix) came over to the Crown Shoot back in October to try their hands on our ground and today was our day to pit our wits on Reggie's patch. We met Alix at the Rendezvous and he escorted us up to the shoot. Paul was already there with a few others, and more arriving behind us. Bang on 09.00hrs we had the safety briefing and picked pegs. I drew peg 4 with rob picking 2. Not much chance of us poaching each others birds (a tradition Rob and I have when pegged next to each other). We got kitted up and set off on foot for the pegs. The first drive produced plenty of birds, but sadly the gun in front didn't let any past, dropping most of them with the first barrel. Rob managed 3 and a pigeon which he liked that much he carried it for 3 drives This was my view of the first drive. The second drive saw me in the hot seat and I managed to drop 4 for 6 shots. Not bad considering my arc of swing was slightly hampered by overhead electric cables. I managed to miss the cables but did drop a pheasant on them I enjoyed this drive The 3rd drive involved a long walk for the good lady and myself as my next peg was the furthest point away. Again this drive had a good number of birds and a long crossing hen met its fate 40 yards in front of me. Rob let young Jay have a shot on this drive after he looked after his pigeon. The only short walk for Amy and I saw us on peg 1 for the forth. A lovely cock bird presented a perfect driven bird right over my peg, but the horn to indicate the drive has started hadn't been blown, so like a good little boy that I am, I kept the gun down and waved at it as it flew past 3 seconds later the horn sounded Towards the end of the drive a hen got a 4 barrel salute from my neighbouring gun and I. It carried on and spoilt my ratio. Next it was back to the vehicles for a spot of refreshment. Rob popped the cork on the magnum of Prosecco, I added the sloe gin and Amy passed out the brownies. This also gave Rob a chance to show off his 2 prized shooting possessions, his AYA no2 and shooting stick Old Farrier gave him. After the Prosecco, sloe gin and brownies we were off to the 5th. This was a duck drive. Bismuth at the ready. One of the guns to my right dropped a super high drake, I would have said the best part of 80 yards directly over his head. A great shot and shot of the day for me. My attempt at a pigeon at the same height didn't get the same result and cost a fortune being bismuth. Now for a walk that Sir Edmund Hilary would be proud of, saw myself at the furthest point of the shoot and behind the covers. There was also another gun over the fence to my right who commented this is a busy peg. Sadly the wind was against us and the birds all went the other way. Another "short" walk to the other extreme of the shoot, saw me as a walking gun. I kept around 40 yards in front of the beaters as they drove the wood. Towards the end of this drive I saw maglad drop a nice hen. Well done Jay. Made up for your earlier miss Shortly after, the drive was over. The last walk saw the good lady and I back on foot to the other side of the cover for the last drive. I don't know if it was the walking or my poor shooting that let a pigeon, a couple of ducks and a pheasant pass by. Soon enough the guns were back in the vehicles and the final count and group photo was taken. The bag for the day was 51 pheasant 2 duck 1 pigeon and a fox. This was a great days shooting and we all enjoyed it very much. From right to left. Magman, Maglad, the Good Lady and myself. I would like to thank Reggiegun, Alix and everyone else involved in the shoot for making us welcome and giving us a great day with good company. You have a great shoot that flows and runs smoothly. It was a pleasure for us all to be a part of it. Thank you very much. Mark PS. The birds stayed on the roof of the Navara for the journey home and we have just had them in a tomato and olive pasta dish Once again, thanks to all involved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackpowder Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 Sounds and looks as if you had a brilliant day. Did it rain a lot that day everywhere seems drenched underfoot? Blackpowder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tam Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 :good: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shootgun Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 Great pictures and write up Mark, looks like you guys had a brilliant day out! Regards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sako751sg Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 Looks and sounds like a top day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildfowler12 Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 Very good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magman Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 (edited) Sounds and looks as if you had a brilliant day. Did it rain a lot that day everywhere seems drenched underfoot? Blackpowder Rained all day but never dampened are spirits A nice write up Mark and as you have said a great day and would like to thank both Paul and Alix for inviting us along to there shoot Edited January 4, 2015 by magman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoot and be safe Posted January 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 Rained all day but never dampened are spirits Nothing could dampen you and the pigeon love Yes it was a little damp under foot with plenty of mud sticking to our boots. Thanks for your kind comments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berettacocker Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 Well done, good day in pretty dismal weather! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reggiegun Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 Mark, What a nice write up, we'll done and thanks. Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ayano3 Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 Good white up mark. I see the champagne/sloe gin tradition is gradually spreading 😆 I'm in the process of patenting that. Sounds a good shoot. (Don't mention 80 yard ducks in the wildfowl section or you will be in the stocks). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old farrier Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 Hi Looks like a good day had by all 😃glad your getting some use out of the stick magman nest have missed the shot count on the day 😗2 to1 😗 Looks a lovely place to shoot Glad you all had a good day thanks for sharing it with us All the best Of Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berettacocker Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 Good white up mark. I see the champagne/sloe gin tradition is gradually spreading I'm in the process of patenting that. Sounds a good shoot. (Don't mention 80 yard ducks in the wildfowl section or you will be in the stocks).not a good mix, the " sloegasm " as it's known spoils a good glass of sloe gin IMO! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoot and be safe Posted January 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 (edited) not a good mix, the " sloegasm " as it's known spoils a good glass of sloe gin IMO!Only a cheap bottle of Gordons sloe gin.The House of Bruar sloe gin was in the hip flasks :drinks:I Edited January 4, 2015 by shoot and be safe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoot and be safe Posted January 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 Hi Looks like a good day had by all 😃glad your getting some use out of the stick magman nest have missed the shot count on the day 😗2 to1 😗 Looks a lovely place to shoot Glad you all had a good day thanks for sharing it with us All the best Of That was about my ratio until the pigeon and refreshments Everyone was impressed with the stick. Me included Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GREENGRASS Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 A great write up and images really made it, feels like I was their. Cheers GG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoot and be safe Posted January 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 (edited) Some other photos from the day. Reggiegun and the vixen. Little Indy retrieving my first shot The line of guns for the 3rd. I'm at the furthest point (barely visible far left of the photo) and magman is with Jay on the right. Frank Spencer was in attendance. "I'm a little teapot" Rob is definitely proud of his stick Amy showing her Christmas presents off Indy. And indy thanking me for buying it. Paul with Alix and Oscar Alix and Oscar. Oscar didn't want to leave at the end of the day. Thanks for all your kind comments but if it wasn't for Reggiegun making us welcome and putting on a great day, you wouldn't have anything to read I have great memories of the day and it's a pleasure to share them with you. Edited January 4, 2015 by shoot and be safe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bullet1747 Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 Don't do these type of shoots can't do with the dressing up thing ( not having a pop) one thing that does intrigue me is properly only a glass but don't think you should shoot after alcohol , every one to there own hope you all enjoyed ya day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tam Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 There's nowt wrong with traditional clothing & respect once that is lost we are all ****** good to see on the shoots where I have been recently the youngsters are following tradition Great pics Mark & Amy & Rob - could you at least smile or did you forget your teeth :ninja: Well done guys & keep up the posting We were near Barnard Castle on the day & the weather was kind (after me treating myself to a John Norris billy bargain Harkila Jacket B) ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reggiegun Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 There's nowt wrong with traditional clothing & respect once that is lost we are all ****** good to see on the shoots where I have been recently the youngsters are following tradition Great pics Mark & Amy & Rob - could you at least smile or did you forget your teeth :ninja: Well done guys & keep up the posting We were near Barnard Castle on the day & the weather was kind (after me treating myself to a John Norris billy bargain Harkila Jacket B) ) +1. And Harkila jacket, very nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tam Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 Billy bargain guys - http://www.johnnorris.co.uk/shop/ty_1086-*january-sale/15511-harkila-frontier-jacket-1131.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magman Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 Hi Looks like a good day had by all glad your getting some use out of the stick magman nest have missed the shot count on the day 2 to1 Looks a lovely place to shoot Glad you all had a good day thanks for sharing it with us All the best Of Stick is only allowed out on special occasions my shot count for the day was 8 shots for 4 birds + a pricked one so not far off Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old farrier Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 Stick is only allowed out on special occasions my shot count for the day was 8 shots for 4 birds + a pricked one so not far off Every day outs a special occasion 😃😃😃 All the best Of Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoot and be safe Posted January 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 Don't do these type of shoots can't do with the dressing up thing ( not having a pop) one thing that does intrigue me is properly only a glass but don't think you should shoot after alcohol , every one to there own hope you all enjoyed ya day"The dressing up thing" is done for two reasons.Firstly if you are prepared to shoot something, then you should be prepared to dress for the occasion and show respect for your quarry. I have seen guns turned away for being dressed inappropriately in the past. Secondly, I wear the tweeds for practical reasons. They are designed for the shooter with pockets in the right places, for cartridges and the like, and they protect you from the weather. It rained most of the day yesterday and it was only my jacket that was damp. No need for waterproofs. As for the alcohol. We had a magnum of Prosecco split between 18 people with a small amount of sloe gin in. That's less than a standard glass for each person. I'm not aware of any drink shoot limit but if anyone was deemed unfit to shoot any shoot captain would stop them. It's all part of driven shooting and long may it continue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tam Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 "The dressing up thing" is done for two reasons. Firstly if you are prepared to shoot something, then you should be prepared to dress for the occasion and show respect for your quarry. I have seen guns turned away for being dressed inappropriately in the past. Secondly, I wear the tweeds for practical reasons. They are designed for the shooter with pockets in the right places, for cartridges and the like, and they protect you from the weather. It rained most of the day yesterday and it was only my jacket that was damp. No need for waterproofs. As for the alcohol. We had a magnum of Prosecco split between 18 people with a small amount of sloe gin in. That's less than a standard glass for each person. I'm not aware of any drink shoot limit but if anyone was deemed unfit to shoot any shoot captain would stop them. It's all part of driven shooting and long may it continue Well said Mark :good: I have only worn Tweed's one day this season (too bloddy warm :( ) I was going to wear my Kilt at the Crown shoot last year but again way too warm it's all about respect & the shoots I have been on this year shows it will continue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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