THE PERKS OF PICKING-UP

It’s a joy to see the hidden beauty of private estates

here is much more to picking-up than simply handling a dog. For me one of the great attractions is being able to explore private estates where I would otherwise never be able to go, to see hidden landscapes and explore ancient woods. To be able to do so is a great privilege and one I have always appreciated.

As a countryman I always enjoy seeing how land is farmed and managed, what crops are planted and which breeds of livestock are kept. Standing quietly with your dog while waiting for the drive to start gives you a great opportunity to observe wildlife — perhaps a mixed flock of tits or even something as rare as a hawfinch or lesser spotted woodpecker. Game cover often holds mixed flocks

Tfor was dogless, so I naively thought that he would have picked-up by hand the birds that fell close to his peg. As I made my way back I was astonished to see several dead birds on the ground where they had fallen.

Such behaviour is rare, but does happen on commercial shoots where the Guns are paying per bird. An unpicked bird is one that won’t be charged for. This is why the code states: “Once the Guns have left the drive, check behind the pegs before moving on.” Leaving shot birds is unsporting behaviour, but it is sensible to be aware that it does happen.

Killing wounded game is the least enjoyable part of picking-up. However, if you can’t do it you shouldn’t be of finches, so I find myself looking for the flashing white rumps of bramblings among the chaffinches.

Once the drive starts it invariably gets more interesting as the beaters push birds and animals in your direction, while if you and your dog stand still they seldom seem to notice you. This can have its dangers, as once a red stag narrowly missed crashing into me, and I don’t think it even saw me as it galloped past, its rack of antlers laid flat across its back. I’ve had similar but less worrying encounters with roe, fallow and muntjac. Hares often seem so obsessed with looking behind them — something the positioning of their eyes lets them do — that they will run straight towards you. I usually carry a camera and such brief encounters often provide a brilliant if fleeting opportunity for a photograph.

Tawny owls are the most secretive and nocturnal of birds, and I rarely see one except when picking-up. They roost during the day in ivy-covered trees, holly bushes or similarly secluded spots from working your dog on a shoot. The BASC code gives no advice on despatching wounded game, so if in doubt ask an experienced picker-up for a lesson. I believe that a heavy priest is most effective. Hold the bird at the base of both wings so it can’t flap, and then hit it hard at the back of the head with the priest. Death should be instant.

Check your dog

BASC’S code reminds us that “the health and welfare of your dog is paramount”: I’ve yet to meet a pickerup who has thought otherwise. There is such sensible advice as to check your dog frequently for cuts or thorns and treat them promptly, and to be aware that seedheads can get into which they are reluctant to move unless flushed by the beaters. On a couple of occasions these owls have landed just feet away from me, before suddenly becoming aware of my presence and silently moving on. Frustratingly, I have yet to get a photograph of one.

Such experiences are an essential part of picking-up and help explain why, on a driven day, I have always found working my dog more satisfying than shooting.

SHOOTING TIMES & COUNTRY MAGAZINE • 33

Guns may wish to use their own dog to pick-up birds they shoot

A hare disturbed by the beaters runs by David