The shooting invitation

How to reply to such a kind request – and what to ask before you do. By Michael Brook

Along with a right-and- left at grouse in a howling wind or the seemingly impossible successful shot at an angel- like pheasant, an invitation to shoot is a highlight in any gameshooter’s calendar. It is beyond the remit of this article to delve into the complications of receiving an invitation when one has never shot before; suffice to say, one must admit to total inexperience.

The host has three methods at their disposal when inviting a guest to shoot: telephone, written missive sent by post or email. An oral invitation via telephone is the easiest and most practical method, not least because the guest can ask key questions on the spot, in case the host has not elaborated, rather than having to seek his advice subsequently. Hosts do not always provide all the details a guest requires before the day.

DEFECTROD

Years ago, a friend told me how he dealt with invitations. He had composed a mnemonic – DEFECTROD – to remind him of the information he required. While convoluted, it is a fairly comprehensive failsafe: Date? ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)? Finish time? Eating (is lunch provided)? Companions (if not mentioned, do not ask to bring a companion)? Transport arrangements? RV (where is the meet)? Outline of the day? Dog?

To pay or not to pay?

A host should be totally open about the nature of the day. If he or she is inviting a guest but requiring him or her to pay, it is disingenuous not to declare at the outset that the invitation is on a commercial basis. Entrapment does little to strengthen friendships. Similarly, if it is not going to be a driven day with everything laid on a plate, but a strenuous yomp around the boundaries, potential guests should be told, especially if their fitness is questionable. After all, ultimately, it is never convenient if, suddenly, one has to disrupt a day by having to prevail upon the services of the local air ambulance.

While a diatribe on tipping is not relevant in this context, there may be a circumstance where the host needs to advise about appropriate tips for a day. Normally the subject should not be mentioned but if the day involves a large bag, especially of grouse – which tend to attract bigger tips than pheasant – the host needs to tell his guests to load their wallets appropriately to avoid an embarrassing search for an ATM at the point of reckoning, which has been known.

Guest’s obligations

The guest’s obligations are simple. If unable to accept an invitation immediately, he or she should say so and state clearly when able to confirm. Confirmation should be made within three days, preferably sooner. We have all heard tales of individuals holding back from accepting an invitation

“Hosts do not always provide all the details a guest requires”

in the hope that a better invitation might be just around the corner.

If not familiar with a shoot and the hostto-be has been less than specific, resort to DEFECTROD. Thereafter, it is incumbent on the guest to arrive correctly attired and equipped, including having cash for tips, and promptly – politely early by 10 or 15 minutes. One good friend arrived slightly late at a shoot, flung open the boot of his car muttering, “oversight on the key front”, before asking the assembled company if anyone could open the locked gun cabinet within, still carrying chunks of plaster and brickwork from the wall from whence it had recently been wrenched.

Casual acquaintance

Another instance when a guest should pause before accepting an invitation is when it comes from somebody who is only an infrequent acquaintance rather than a friend, and who telephones out of the blue. Is the host being disingenuous and trying to fill slots on a commercial day?

“Hi Freddy, it’s Nick. Would you like to shoot partridge on the 10th of September?”

A hasty acceptance in a situation like this can so easily result in a day during which the unsettling financial implications only become apparent right at the end, when the host says to the guns: “Please may I have £800…”

Having shot and arrived back home, there is one final essential duty to fulfil, the thank-you letter to the host – it should be a proper, old-fashioned letter and only exceptionally an email. Ideally, a letter should be written immediately after dog-fettling and gun- cleaning duties have been fulfilled. Failing that, a letter should be written within 24 to 48 hours, no later. It is rude not to take the trouble to write a thank-you letter promptly for any favour bestowed but especially for a shooting invitation; after all, if having had a good day and not blotted one’s copybook, there is always a chance of another invitation in due course.