Get started with game shooting
David Turner gives his tips on how to get up and running out in the field
Game shooting is commonly defined as the “hunting of an animal or bird for its meat or for sport”. The term was derived from the old English word “gamen”, meaning “joy, amusement, sport, merriment”.
In the UK we pursue, hunt or shoot small game, which includes pheasant, partridge, grouse, woodcock, geese and duck, though duck and geese are more commonly referred to as wildfowl. We also shoot ground game such as rabbits and hares, though on many organised shoots ground game is banned for reasons of safety.
Organised driven shoots
Organised pheasant and partridge shoots can vary widely depending on the location and level to which they are stocked. The cost will depend on the bag and is usually on a per-bird basis of £30 to £45 a bird. Therefore, a team of eight Guns shooting 200 birds at £30 per bird will pay £6,000 – or £750 per Gun.
Smaller bags would be proportionately less per Gun. A shoot local to me charges £42 per bird and offers 100-bird days for eight to 10 Guns. Given the standard of the shooting, this is good value, costing 10 Guns £420 each for a quality day on a private estate.
Shoots of this type are advertised in the press, on social media and online.
DIY shoots
I used to run my own shoot, which was a fantastic experience. This was a few years ago but at today’s rates it would probably cost about £15,000 for the year, including rent, birds (1,000), feed and cover crops. On my shoot, all the labour and keepering was carried out by the members, which helped to keep the costs down. So, with eight Guns that amounted to £1,875 each for eight 80to 100-bird days, or £235 per day. Plus all the vermin control and nights spent foxing that you could shake a stick at. Not bad at all.
I had a deal of fun and made some great friends, whom I still have to this day. When
“Never poach your neighbours’ birds, especially your host’s”
you have a hand in creating your own sport, the rewards and satisfaction are immense.
Rough shooting
Rough shooting is also referred to as walked-up shooting. It is hunting at its most basic and usually involves a small number of Guns and dogs walking around a predefined area on a farm or estate boundary in pursuit of birds and ground game. The camaraderie, unpredictability and relaxed atmosphere of such a day’s shooting can make for a refreshing change, as well as allowing for the odd shot or two.
How to dress
There are a lot of traditions within the game shooting world, dress being one of them.
It is important to be smartly turned-out in appropriate attire in respect to your host and for the privilege of being out in the field shooting. If you were to pitch up in your camo pigeon-shooting garb, you might not be invited back. Jeans are the biggest no-no. Tweeds are stylish and very functional, set off with a country-style shirt and tie. Other more modern plain olive green waterproof fabrics are commonly seen in the field and are usually lighter and easier to wear.
Etiquette
• Be safe, and be seen to be safe. Carry your gun in a gun slip, only taking it out on your peg and resleeving it before you leave, having picked up your empty cartridge cases.
• Arrive on time as there is a team of shoot staff all ready for the off. Try not to forget the vital bits of equipment needed; you would be amazed at how many have turned up to a shoot having left their cartridges or gun at home.
• During the shooting, don’t poach your neighbours’ birds. It might be fun, once or twice, but only if you’ve known them since childhood. And never poach your host’s. Remember, driven game shooting is not a competitive sport, more a team effort. Do not brag. You should never discuss how many birds you have shot unless specifically asked.
• Always have enough cartridges for the drive; it is very embarrassing to run out halfway through.
• If you can, leave your mobile phone in the car, but certainly don’t use it during a drive. Count your birds and mark where they have fallen when possible, and make an effort to pick-up the shot birds yourself or, at least, advise a picker-up of where you think they fell.
• Be friendly and polite to the beaters and pickers-up whenever possible, always thanking them. Thank your host repeatedly during the day, telling him what a great drive you had or how well the birds flew.
• Always tip the keeper. Ask your host if you are unsure of the amount. And don’t just tip, say something about what worked particularly well that day and what a great time you had. Having been on that side myself, I always found it gratifying to get praise and recognition for a good day.
Follow the aforementioned advice and you will not go far wrong and enjoy many rewarding days in the field.