Sporting Shooter UK – August 2019

WITH THE ROUGH ROVERS // ROUGH SHOOTING

wood where a machete would have been of
more use than a shotgun. I do love this type of
ground as it is an absolute haven for all kinds of
wildlife. We could hear the pheasants lifting,
greeted by a volley of shots and the occasional
cry of ‘woodcock’.
There was not much coming back over us in
the woods although I was nearly flattened by three
fallow deer running at full tilt that had recently
escaped from the deer park. Apart from a fox and
two muntjac, only a couple of pheasants and a
woodcock did eventually come back but as the
woods were so thick it was extremely difficult to
get a clear shot and to swing one’s barrels safely.
The prospect of having to go back and attempt to
retrieve a shot bird in the dense briars was not
particularly appealing either when we were trying
to keep the line moving forward.
When we reached the end of the wood, we were
greeted by a team of grinning Guns busily helping
to pick the birds they had marked. One of the
Guns, David, was positively beaming as he had
managed to shoot his first woodcock, having just
spent two days up in Anglesey where both snipe
and woodcock had eluded him. We agreed with
the keeper that it was the perfect time to stop for
elevenses so we moved the entourage to the top
of a ridge with a stunning view of the main house,
the lakes and the deer park. We were treated to
two homemade game pies and some fizz, an
unexpected treat on a boundary day. After such a
successful last drive, the whole team, including
Guns, beaters and pickers-up, were all extremely
animated and it was at least 40 minutes before we
thought about getting back out in the field.
It was agreed that we would shoot one of the
partridge drives that no longer held enough birds
for a larger driven day. Again, a couple of Guns
walked-up with the beaters and had some early
shooting, catching out the birds that went back.
The Guns below were treated to some turbo-
charged birds that had the wind behind them and

I managed to shoot two out in front, one crosser

and one behind, all of which were collected by the

dog, who had chosen to stay a bit closer this time.

Not many of the other Guns had been that lucky

as the birds had scattered in all directions.

We shot two more pieces, the first of which

produced a couple of roe deer and two

woodcock, which our more selective Guns chose

not to shoot. The second one was a perfect end

to the day as we put those who had been out of

the shooting in the hot seats and for once it paid

off. Some great birds were pushed off a woodland

bank and turned in the wind over the line. With

everyone happy, we returned to the shoot hut for

a long lunch and more chat.

It really was one of the most memorable days

of last season, not only as it was a surprise, but

also because I shot quite well and the terrier did

his job. But mainly it was the spirit and

atmosphere of the whole day which continued

into the early evening. I am delighted to say that

we have managed to secure two days there this

season, but I am not waiting for someone to pull

out this time – I have firmly booked myself in! 

The atmosphere and spirit of the

day can make or break it

The boundary day produced some great birds

Smiles all around!