finally got my first shotgun

[luis1987 0]

well, a few weeks after getting my licence, i have now got my first gun. A nice Rizzini over under 12 bore. Single trigger , ejectors. Nothing too special, but it will do me for a few years.

Just gotta do a few clay lessons, then hopefully get some permission around the west mids, shropshire etc.

Had a look the other night, but looking at all the nice farm houses etc, i kinda bottled it when it came to going and knocking on the doors.

 

Any advice welcome. I was thinking about knocking up a few letters and putting them through the door / in the box?

 

As soon as i get some permission, i'll be looking for someone to come and give me a few pointers with the decoying, hide building etc.

 

Anyways, thanks for listening, and happy shooting

[cyclonebri1 8]

well, a few weeks after getting my licence, i have now got my first gun. A nice Rizzini over under 12 bore. Single trigger , ejectors. Nothing too special, but it will do me for a few years.

Just gotta do a few clay lessons, then hopefully get some permission around the west mids, shropshire etc.

Had a look the other night, but looking at all the nice farm houses etc, i kinda bottled it when it came to going and knocking on the doors.

 

Any advice welcome. I was thinking about knocking up a few letters and putting them through the door / in the box?

 

As soon as i get some permission, i'll be looking for someone to come and give me a few pointers with the decoying, hide building etc.

 

Anyways, thanks for listening, and happy shooting

 

Hi Luis, don't like to see posts go unanswered so I'll just give you a few tips.

 

There are 2 or 3 issues you will face;

 

Most farmers will either have someone "doing that for us", or will not entertain anyone on their land.

 

Your age will go against you, taking it that your about 22 from your signature? I've often had the reply that "don't mind a responsible midle aged man coming on but no young uns' " No offence to youth but thats how it seems.

 

Shoving letters through doors?, may as well stick them straight in the bin, they won't be answered as any one that allows you on theire land will want to weigh you up which is why you need to turn up in person and well presented, not suited up, but not in camo gear with the gun over your arm.

 

Pick a time when the farmers likely to be least busy, I found late evening best or even better "accidentally" on the farm lane or footpath etc.

 

Take your SC and insurance details with you. Also written forms detailing your intensions, ie vermin only, no game or whatever the situation dictates. Signed by both parties if possible.

 

The 1st 1 is always the hardest, if you have a mate who's parent have a farm or some connection you will stand more chance than cold calling.

 

The best way to get additional permission is by word of mouth, if you can say you have permission on a neighbouring farm thats usually a good lever.

 

Just remember farmers can be a funny lot, you will get some knock backs, some are great blokes and some can be right b*****ds, not unusual to find neighbours fueding

 

Good luck

[chimp 299]

have you got ferrets ? that is a good way of getting thru the door.

 

maybe try the following:

 

1. go to the farmhouse and ask if they have a gamekeeper and if so could you have his number , if not this will always lead on to the question 'why?' and then you can say you are after some food for your ferrets or maybe say you have noticed a lot of pigeons feeding on a certain field (which he would know anyway) and you can you leave your number for some free pigeon control.

 

2. once you have aquired a bit of permission no matter how small use that name when aquiring new land ie: you may of heard me shooting at over mr smiths

 

3. if you have a piece of land getting a neighbouring farm should be easier maybe say ' while ferreting mr smiths i noticed a few rabbits/ coming from your land' and of course as you respect all boundries you thought you would ask if you could clear the joining ditch as it would help out both parties.

 

4. if noise is an issue say you have an air rifle aswell , if he see's you are prepared it may lead onto shotgun use.

 

5. get some sort of public liability insurance in place BASC SACS or ask foxgun tom, as the last thing a farmer wants is a claim .

 

6. unlike me who pretty much goes in thinking you wont get it ,always get asked for my number and i end up scratching around a grubby motor for a pen and scrap bit of paper , maybe print some off on your pc.

 

7. always turn up tidy and be polite , wearing your APG wont do lol

i often find places while out working , as i work all over the place helps alot and turning up in my works motor wearing my works uniform i think goes a long way as the farmer will see that you work.

 

8. if no one is at home leave a card or even better go back when there is someone about , try not to arrive when you can see the farmer is busy , this time of year they are getting machinery ready/ serviced for the rape etc so timing is crucial.

 

9. chatting up the farmers daughter doesnt always work unless you can blag it with horse riding chat lol

 

 

remember the first one is the important one , you get caught shooting something he didnt want shooting and you can pretty much kiss goodbye all your others in that area , farmer talk to each other !!!!

 

 

good luck

[langouroux 14]

upload a pic of you gun mate we all like to see the goods!

[The one 8,507]

Hi mate i started off withj a Bakail then moved up to a Rizzini o/u s/t e never had a lick of bother with it i thought it was a great gun

[essexjed 1]

have you got ferrets ? that is a good way of getting thru the door.

 

maybe try the following:

 

1. go to the farmhouse and ask if they have a gamekeeper and if so could you have his number , if not this will always lead on to the question 'why?' and then you can say you are after some food for your ferrets or maybe say you have noticed a lot of pigeons feeding on a certain field (which he would know anyway) and you can you leave your number for some free pigeon control.

 

2. once you have aquired a bit of permission no matter how small use that name when aquiring new land ie: you may of heard me shooting at over mr smiths

 

3. if you have a piece of land getting a neighbouring farm should be easier maybe say ' while ferreting mr smiths i noticed a few rabbits/ coming from your land' and of course as you respect all boundries you thought you would ask if you could clear the joining ditch as it would help out both parties.

 

4. if noise is an issue say you have an air rifle aswell , if he see's you are prepared it may lead onto shotgun use.

 

5. get some sort of public liability insurance in place BASC SACS or ask foxgun tom, as the last thing a farmer wants is a claim .

 

6. unlike me who pretty much goes in thinking you wont get it ,always get asked for my number and i end up scratching around a grubby motor for a pen and scrap bit of paper , maybe print some off on your pc.

 

7. always turn up tidy and be polite , wearing your APG wont do lol

i often find places while out working , as i work all over the place helps alot and turning up in my works motor wearing my works uniform i think goes a long way as the farmer will see that you work.

 

8. if no one is at home leave a card or even better go back when there is someone about , try not to arrive when you can see the farmer is busy , this time of year they are getting machinery ready/ serviced for the rape etc so timing is crucial.

 

9. chatting up the farmers daughter doesnt always work unless you can blag it with horse riding chat lol

 

 

remember the first one is the important one , you get caught shooting something he didnt want shooting and you can pretty much kiss goodbye all your others in that area , farmer talk to each other !!!!

 

 

good luck

some great advice there...well done !!