mike_pasquale Posted December 19, 2023 Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 Hello, I've recently been duck hunting in the USA with my brother in law and really enjoyed it. He's really into it, and just before I went there he had shot a huge deer, which he's now cut up and put in his freezer, and they'll eat that for ages to come. I've come back wondering about how easy it is to do similar activities in the UK? I'm finding it quite hard to understand how things work here! I don't own a gun or a license. I can see that there are guides who take you out but I'm guessing that you would have to get your own license and bring your own gun for that- which I probably can't really afford at the moment. Does anyone know if there are ways for people who are interested to have a go at hunting - whether that's pigeons or other animals like squirrels or rabbits. I don't know if it sounds strange, but I'm mainly really wanting the experience of hunting something to then learn how to prepare it and eat it (and sadly we didn't manage to get anything on our duck hunt) - but it doesn't seem quite as accessible as a hobby here as it does there. Any advice would be hugely welcome - thank you! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
London Best Posted December 20, 2023 Report Share Posted December 20, 2023 On the deer side of things there are numerous guides/outfits who will take out a complete novice and provide use of a rifle (under strict supervision, of course). Shotgun-wise, the easiest way is to take up clay shooting. If that does not appeal because it is hunting you are interested in, then try and find some beating on a game shoot, where you will meet like-minded people and, eventually, the door will open to some field shooting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fellside Posted December 20, 2023 Report Share Posted December 20, 2023 You could also try joining a good wildfowling club. Often a member of the club will show you the ropes - especially re safety and tides etc. They will usually want you to have some gun handling experience first however. This is best achieved by getting some clay lessons. To be honest, you wouldn’t hit much without some practice anyway. The most vital prerequisite of course is that you are granted a shotgun certificate. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted December 20, 2023 Report Share Posted December 20, 2023 I’d start by joining a local clay shooting ground, and or an air rifle club. Some clay grounds also have air rifle facilities, then get some tuition in both. You could simply go out and buy an air rifle, but unless you have land to shoot on it’s pointless, so a club would be my first move. As LB suggests, beating on a shoot is a toe in, and then all sorts of opportunities open up as you meet like minded people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pushandpull Posted December 21, 2023 Report Share Posted December 21, 2023 PM sent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dead eye alan Posted December 21, 2023 Report Share Posted December 21, 2023 Your location may help if you are local to a member you may get an invite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldypigeonpopper Posted December 21, 2023 Report Share Posted December 21, 2023 11 minutes ago, dead eye alan said: Your location may help if you are local to a member you may get an invite. hello, yes as Alan mentioned where are you in UK ?, talking to a retired gunsmith there most of our shooting in UK is not like the USA, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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