Top rules for the field

Tricky scenarios and unsporting behaviour; when it comes to pickingup David Tomlinson has seen it all and has some advice on how to act

Last week I considered the basic rules of pickingup, as outlined by BASC in its excellent code of practice (Perfect picking-up, 4 October). There wasn’t the room to discuss some of the more tricky subjects that the code touches on, so here are some further comments.

One of the most contentious issues in the shooting field is that of pickersup gathering all the birds a Gun may have shot, despite the fact that they may have a dog that they would like to use. As BASC’S code reminds us: “Guns often bring their own dogs, and if they wish to pick-up their own shot game, allow them to do so before they move to the next drive. However, check that all their game has been collected.” That makes it sound simple, but it is not always so straightforward.

Before a shoot starts it is sensible to check with both the gamekeeper and the shoot captain on what they want you to do. They may well know both the Guns and their dogs, and have a pretty good idea of how competent the latter are. If it is a commercial shoot you may be told to pick-up as many birds as possible, but to leave a couple of dead birds for the Gun’s dog. If in doubt, ask the Gun yourself. Most would like their dog to have one or two retrieves of birds they have shot, but it is rare to find one who doesn’t want you to collect the runners or game that may otherwise be lost.

Be sure to watch the Gun’s dog, or dogs, to see how good they are. You might well find yourself standing

32 • SHOOTING TIMES & COUNTRY MAGAZINE behind the owner of a field trial champion, but you are more likely to see dogs that take an age to do a simple retrieve. If that is the case, be prepared to step in and either help, or look for unpicked birds that may have been left behind.

I remember standing behind a young man on a let day who had a perfectly steady Labrador. It sat patiently during the drive, off the lead, but I was surprised to note that its owner didn’t send it for any retrieves. On asking why I discovered that the dog was a pet that didn’t retrieve, but liked to come out for the day. It certainly looked the part, even if it didn’t do anything.

“killing wounded game is the least enjoyable part of picking-up, but if you can’t do it you shouldn’t be there”

Unpicked birds

On another shoot I was involved in some tricky picking-up behind a Gun, handling my dog in a marshy field where she knew I couldn’t join her. She would never come out until she was happy she had checked the marsh thoroughly. The Gun I was picking-up

Once the Guns have left the drive, check behind the pegs before moving on