New Syndicate

[webber]

We met up at the hall for a bacon butty and coffee at around 9am, and then split off into two teams to walk the boundaries of the estate, the object being to push back any pheasants that may have strayed so far, and to have a shoot at any pigeon or corvids that may offer a shot.

 

McF, Miklus and myself were accompanied by Doc Savage who was standing in for a gun who had notified his absence in advance; and Ian my game keeper friend. Ian had only attended for the walk and company, but thanks to the generosity of one of the guns ended up shooting.

 

Despite a thoroughly knackering walk in absolute glorious weather, not a shot was fired by our team, although B team did manage a few shots, bagging a couple of pigeon and a crow. Fortunately we disturbed very few pheasants, which I believe is a good indicator that the various methods that we have employed to try to hold the birds are having the desired effect. Before setting off in the morning I pondered as to what to wear. I put on a light weight shirt and trousers, then replaced them with my usual waterproof membrane trousers and a heavier shirt, big mistake. Whilst out on the hike I managed to stick a 3 inch scratch onto the gun stock, its made a mess of a beautiful gun, but I think that some suitable oil will reduce the effects considerably. I was annoyed with myself as I had left a new roll up gun slip in my gun room at home. I also ripped my trousers on barbed wire. The shoot needs stiles in a few places.

 

Although we had been attending the shoot on a regular basis for a few months we had been concentrating on pen duties, and improving the environment for our birds. As new members we had no idea as to the potential that lies within the shoot. We met up back at the hall around 11.30 for a well earned drink, McF who is in B team also was beaming with enthusiasm as he had also seen much untapped potential in the area of the shoot covered by them.

 

The two teams encircled one of two fed duck pits, and with guns spaced at about 80 yards apart, the beaters and dogs approached the pond to get the duck up, the duck flew well, I managed 3, Ian 1, and Miklmus brought down one from a height which would have ensured snow on its head, but for the excellent weather. Several guns congratulated Mike on the shot, I took a great deal of pleasure in witnessing the event as only a few years prior it was I who had taught Mike to shoot.

 

We encircled a second, smaller pond, although the duck did not fly quite as well as the previous ones they still provided some sporting shots. Miklmus, Doc Savage, and me all managed one a piece, I understand that McF and Ian also connected, but I did not witness their success. The overall bag was 25 Duck, 2 Wood Pigeon and one crow, however the crow was not picked. Unfortunately the sweep was not won, however had the crow been collected, Ian would have picked up £20.

 

We retired to the hall for a most excellent lunch of shepherds pie, a few drinks and most excellent company. Its a far cry from the **** that we endured at the Delph last season. The 5 of us accompanied by Macca one of our pen team members then went up to our pen area , re located a few feeders and topped up most of the feeders utilising around 12 bags of wheat. I asked Ian for marks out of 10 for our efforts on our pen, and was most pleased when he awarded us 20. Maybe he's a better game keeper and taxidermist than he is mathematician. I arrived home at around 6pm too tired to wait for an evening meal; I ate a couple of sandwiches from my bag and by 7:30 was in bed, aching all over, but very satisfied. All the signs bode well for a successful season ahead.

 

webber

[Alanl50]

Sounds like you had a really good time, its nice to able to shoot with goods mates!

Alan

[Doc Savage]

Absolutely fabulous day thanks again for the invitiation - weather company and shooting was brilliant

[unclemicky]

Webber thanks for the good read , sounds like a success story to me and there should be many good days out still to be had due to the hard work thats been put in , well done mate to you and your group

[Cranfield]

There is always a greater buzz and sense of anticipation in the coming game season when you are on a new Shoot.

 

Good luck with it webber and we look forward to reading some tales of a successful season.