shoot and be safe Posted February 27, 2016 Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 I've been given the nod of a place on two syndicates (both offering the same for the same money). With one, I would be joining a established team that has been shooting together for a good few years with the keeper being the previous keeper's son (previous keeper still involved with the shoot). I have visited this shoot and met a couple the members. I registered my interest with the keeper back then and received the nod earlier this month. The other is a complete new team starting out this season. The keeper has been on the estate for over 10 years and the previous syndicate have disbanded following their own shooting desires. I don't know the details of why they have disbanded but they have booked a let day on the shoot this coming season, so one would presume that there is no negative history between the team and shoot. I only found out about the syndicate place following a enquiry about a let day on the shoot last week. From my initial enquiries, I'm led towards the second option but a little apprehensive with it being a complete new team. What are your thoughts? Any pitfalls to watch out for? Any positives/negatives from joining a established team? Any positives/negatives from joining a brand new team? Any questions you would ask the shoots to help you decide? Thanks in advance chaps, I'll leave it to you. All the best. Sabs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodp Posted February 27, 2016 Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 Both ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reggiegun Posted February 27, 2016 Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 I would stick with the first, team of guns all re joined, no massive changes etc. it's horses for courses mate, with season like we have just had who knows what next season will bring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoot and be safe Posted February 27, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 Alas, my boss wouldn't like me if have 20 Saturdays off during the season. It was bad enough last season trying to get 10. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoot and be safe Posted February 27, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 I would stick with the first, team of guns all re joined, no massive changes etc. it's horses for courses mate, with season like we have just had who knows what next season will bring.Cheers Reggie.The security of the established team would make for a more fluid day (they should know where the pegs are and only need to point me to mine). With the other we would all have to be shown to pegs and that could slow the day a little. That being said, from the 2 hour conversation with the keeper of the second option last week, the day doesn't finish until the last person leaves the shoot lodge, it has been a very social occasion in times gone by. Thanks for your thoughts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilR Posted February 27, 2016 Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 I think I'd go for the first syndicate as it's established, however I would also like to see how the shoot performed from the shoot records for a couple of seasons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoot and be safe Posted February 27, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 I think I'd go for the first syndicate as it's established, however I would also like to see how the shoot performed from the shoot records for a couple of seasons.I know the first option is well established. They sell many days a year and have 2 separate syndicates on the shoot and I know deep down is the safer option, but the romantic in me likes the idea of driving up the leafy lane to the big house, load the guns into the gun trailer, a tot to pick pegs then driven around all day. Then back to the shoot lodge and enjoy the hospitality. The only problem is the £40+ taxi ride home.Should also mention the first option is drive around in your own vehicles, duck will feature heavily in the bag, then once the last drive and formalities are over, you are back on the road and home before dark, so not much of a social side to the day. My other option is to forget the syndicate options and travel to different shoots again like last season. Thanks for your thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted February 27, 2016 Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 Is not shooting in a completely new team the same as you were experiencing by visiting different shoots last year ----- on your part at least , so joining the second syndicate really is no different and remember you will only be shooting with a " new team" on the first shoot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoot and be safe Posted February 27, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 Is not shooting in a completely new team the same as you were experiencing by visiting different shoots last year ----- on your part at least , so joining the second syndicate really is no different and remember you will only be shooting with a " new team" on the first shootI like your thinking It's like one of those heart or head moments I shall ponder on it for another week or two, who knows the decision may be taken for me by which one is still available. If all goes wrong I'll just book a load of days again. Thanks for your input Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieT Posted February 27, 2016 Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 For me the social side and the bonhomie is equally as important as the shooting. Fro the snippets you have said, I think I would be swayed towards the new shoot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoot and be safe Posted February 27, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 For me the social side and the bonhomie is equally as important as the shooting. Fro the snippets you have said, I think I would be swayed towards the new shoot. I realy enjoy the banter on a shoot day, the shooting part is well down on my list as to why I go shooting. If it was just a case of pulling the trigger then the first option would win hands down. It's going to be a gamble which ever way I decide to go, much the same as any other paid day away I've had I suppose. Thanks for your view. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Livefast123 Posted February 27, 2016 Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 If you don't have banter, you don't have a day in my opinion. The social side for me would be importent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brixsmaid Posted February 27, 2016 Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 What about half gun in each, then hope there's a full gun available in you preferred option next season - bit of a gamble but ....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoot and be safe Posted February 27, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 If you don't have banter, you don't have a day in my opinion. The social side for me would be importent.Totally agree Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoot and be safe Posted February 27, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 What about half gun in each, then hope there's a full gun available in you preferred option next season - bit of a gamble but .......I asked about a half gun on the first when offer the chance of a full gun, none available on the first option at the moment. Good thought though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
millrace Posted February 27, 2016 Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 Sounds like you describe option 1,, kinda formal just like paying for a day turn up here's how we do it pay attention time to go home,,,, option2 more like what a syndicate shd be,, blokes slagging banter beer missed shots craic and a bit of shooting ........option 2 for me also more chance of some input to improve develops things as more yrs pass..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westley Posted February 27, 2016 Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 I asked about a half gun on the first when offer the chance of a full gun, none available on the first option at the moment. Good thought though Would they not allow you to 'share' your full gun, on the basis that you find it difficult to get so many Saturdays off ? You then find your 'other half' (so to speak !). That way you can share the cost and possibly still have a couple of away days. Is this 'as well as' your existing shoot ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoot and be safe Posted February 27, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 Would they not allow you to 'share' your full gun, on the basis that you find it difficult to get so many Saturdays off ? You then find your 'other half' (so to speak !). That way you can share the cost and possibly still have a couple of away days. Is this 'as well as' your existing shoot ? It's a option to share the place on the second option but I would have to ask for the first.I'll still have a couple of away days as I've already provisionally booked them. This is the only syndicate this season. Thanks for your thoughts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leadbreakfast Posted February 28, 2016 Report Share Posted February 28, 2016 What about the crown shoot? Are you not on that anymore. As for the syndicate I'd go for the second option Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rimfire4969 Posted February 28, 2016 Report Share Posted February 28, 2016 Second for me, just sounds like a better day. If there was not the banter i would bin my syndicate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDog Posted February 28, 2016 Report Share Posted February 28, 2016 I prefer not to join a syndicate just in case I don't like it for some reason whether it be dangerous shooting, low birds or poor company. By taking odd days as a single gun I am not tied in anywhere and if I don't like it I don't go back. Can you imagine shooting with the Pigeon Watch Roving Syndicate every fortnight? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brixsmaid Posted February 28, 2016 Report Share Posted February 28, 2016 I prefer not to join a syndicate just in case I don't like it for some reason whether it be dangerous shooting, low birds or poor company. By taking odd days as a single gun I am not tied in anywhere and if I don't like it I don't go back. Can you imagine shooting with the Pigeon Watch Roving Syndicate every fortnight? Guess that works well for you, I've often beeen tempted to try odd days but like the moral support of knowing someone, obviously I'm a bit of a shrinking violet. Out of interest, on balance, how has it averaged out, many good days against bad?? Really interested in your experiences of this route to shooting - no need to name names, good or bad!! Do you find you need to do a lot of research before signing up, for a day? I get offered regular pay for single gun days through "Outside Days" and the like on a various shoots down here and have just never been man enough to give them a go erring for know quantities with people I know! PM me if you prefer! Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoot and be safe Posted February 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 28, 2016 What about the crown shoot? Are you not on that anymore. As for the syndicate I'd go for the second option The second option is more appealing to me at the moment Second for me, just sounds like a better day. If there was not the banter i would bin my syndicate.You can't beat a good bit of banter on a days shooting, the gun bus is usually a great way to break the ice and get the banter going. I believe a big part of the day is lost when driving around in your own vehicles. I prefer not to join a syndicate just in case I don't like it for some reason whether it be dangerous shooting, low birds or poor company. By taking odd days as a single gun I am not tied in anywhere and if I don't like it I don't go back. Can you imagine shooting with the Pigeon Watch Roving Syndicate every fortnight? There speaks the voice of reasons It's probably the reasons that you mention that I didn't say yes straight away to both options when they came my way How many days are you planning for us on the PW roving syndicate, that may help sway my decision to just travel around again which is what I will probably end up doing anyway. Thanks for your views, much appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoot and be safe Posted February 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 28, 2016 Guess that works well for you, I've often beeen tempted to try odd days but like the moral support of knowing someone, obviously I'm a bit of a shrinking violet. I'm probably the same and you can't beat shooting with someone you know. Out of interest, on balance, how has it averaged out, many good days against bad?? I didn't have a bad day on any of my days away last season, yes some were better than others for various different reasons, but all good Really interested in your experiences of this route to shooting - no need to name names, good or bad!! http://forums.pigeonwatch.co.uk/forums/topic/320192-sabss-shooting-tales-1516/?fromsearch=1 Do you find you need to do a lot of research before signing up, for a day? Word of mouth is always the best review of a shoot, some shoots have their own websites with testimonials left by guns. Guns on pegs is also another way to get reviews on a shoot (if they are on there). I get offered regular pay for single gun days through "Outside Days" and the like on a various shoots down here and have just never been man enough to give them a go erring for know quantities with people I know! Take the plunge and just enjoy the day for what it is. I would stick with set days (you know what the expected bag is) and know what you are expected to pay for. Just watch out for overage, it can ruin a day (although not many shoots charge it in my experience and those that do will/should advise you when you are getting close to the bag). Go for it and enjoy yourself PM me if you prefer! Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDog Posted February 28, 2016 Report Share Posted February 28, 2016 Google Earth tells me quite a lot about a shoot and I always use it to see what terrain we will be shooting over. Flat ground is a definite no no. Emails are essential. My terms of attending include no overages and that should be made clear to the shoot organiser in advance. Some guns get carried away and the bag can be achieved by lunch time if guns are not circumspect. On the whole I have been disappointed with the shoots I have attended as a single gun. The exceptions include a day in the Scottish Borders three years ago when I saw pheasants and partridges which were in range but difficult, and the PW Rovers day at Burnt Norton in January which was fun. As for PW Rovers days next season I imagine that Burnt Norton and a day here in the Lincolnshire Wolds will be all that I get involved with. I can sort other days out local to here next January if the demand is there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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