Dave C 63 Posted August 27, 2011 Report Share Posted August 27, 2011 Just wondering how different people measure the success of there individual shooting sports, whether it be Driven birds, Rough Shooting or even as a Beater. Is it just pure numbers shot against same time last season, Game shot against cartridges spent or as a Beater the better the birds fly the less the guns will hit. I know for most its just being there doing it, but what makes the day special in your game diary ? ATB Dave. Quote Link to post
Lab 10,979 Posted August 27, 2011 Report Share Posted August 27, 2011 Just wondering how different people measure the success of there individual shooting sports, whether it be Driven birds, Rough Shooting or even as a Beater. Is it just pure numbers shot against same time last season, Game shot against cartridges spent or as a Beater the better the birds fly the less the guns will hit. I know for most its just being there doing it, but what makes the day special in your game diary ? ATB Dave. Well i cant wait for the season to start and as i pick up on my local shoot the dogs are itching to get going. When i was younger i did the beating side of things, and although i enjoyed it i always felt when your were stuck in the middle of the wood you were missing it on all the shooting. Now that i get the chance to stand behind the guns and work the dogs i'd quite happily go 6 days a week. Nothing beats the dogs working great and getting compliments on quality retrieves, makes all the training worth the while. Oh and a sloe gin here or there and banter with the pickers up/beaters/ keepers and of course guns..............getting paid for something you love is great...... Quote Link to post
Ideation 8,216 Posted August 27, 2011 Report Share Posted August 27, 2011 For me, i like to see the guns taking challenging birds, rather than a high number of birds, i like running a beating line and it all coming together on a drive to deliver a good stream of quality high birds that really challenge them, on our shoot, to be fair, the guns usually let the beaters down haha. I've stood in the gun line and shot, and it doesn't really do a lot for me, it's just living clay shooting, it's not hunting. Seeing dogs work in a beating line or working hard to find a long retrieve is much much more enjoyable for me. The guns are just what provides the cash for the rest of it to happen in my eyes, and as long as they have a good day and keep paying, that's fine by me. Quote Link to post
blackandgreen 84 Posted August 28, 2011 Report Share Posted August 28, 2011 I enjoy the whole day, regardless of game bag! I only go beating on two local and small syndicates. Both only put down approx. 1000 birds. Our beating line consists of a few spaniels, 6 terriers and a lurcher! Not traditional but great fun! Quote Link to post
Hoolit 2 Posted August 28, 2011 Report Share Posted August 28, 2011 (edited) What I would class as a great day is the beaters guns and pickers up all enjoying themselves watching the dogs working to me is great , then stop for our piece the craeck is always first class then after the shoot stop for a dry out and those that dont have to drive a few drams sit beside the log burner just having a good laugh . PURE HEAVEN cant wait. Keep smiling Hoolit Edited August 28, 2011 by Hoolit Quote Link to post
Greek Phil 5 Posted August 28, 2011 Report Share Posted August 28, 2011 As long as everybody goes home safe and sound and the guns and the shoot team have all enjoyed themselves, that s all that's needed to get a tick in the box from me. Quote Link to post
eddie1 2 Posted August 30, 2011 Report Share Posted August 30, 2011 evening all driving across the moors yesterday seen the beaters wagon dropping the beaters off wished i could of been with them . Quote Link to post
Born Hunter 17,751 Posted August 31, 2011 Report Share Posted August 31, 2011 When our beating team work the land well putting good strong birds over the guns and some of the better birds are brought down with impressive shooting it makes it all worth while. Having a crack with the beaters and guns and watching different people working their dogs, watching the pups develop and become seasoned. It all makes driven shooting what it is. And we all know which guns to keep our eye on when they are crossing a particularly dodgey ditch..... Thats what makes a shoot day for me but inbetween shootdays and the rest of the year is rewarding in its own way aswell. But a successfull seasons shooting just confirms it was all worth it. Quote Link to post
Alycidon 2 Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 Enjoyment is where you find it, it can be found in a good retrieve or flush from your dog, a well beaten drive, finding an elusive runner, a good shot, a bad miss with mega leg pull to follow !!, a tricky fox accounted for one night. All these things make a great day with friends even of that friend is just your dog. A Quote Link to post
Rhodey 96 Posted September 3, 2011 Report Share Posted September 3, 2011 A good day is one where everyone is happy all beaters/picker ups/guns. I love watching the dogs work even the unruley ones have character about them. Oh and I also enjoy the tips Quote Link to post
blackandgreen 84 Posted September 4, 2011 Report Share Posted September 4, 2011 For me, i like to see the guns taking challenging birds, rather than a high number of birds, i like running a beating line and it all coming together on a drive to deliver a good stream of quality high birds that really challenge them, on our shoot, to be fair, the guns usually let the beaters down haha. I've stood in the gun line and shot, and it doesn't really do a lot for me, it's just living clay shooting, it's not hunting. Seeing dogs work in a beating line or working hard to find a long retrieve is much much more enjoyable for me. The guns are just what provides the cash for the rest of it to happen in my eyes, and as long as they have a good day and keep paying, that's fine by me. Are you in West Wales mate? I'm South West and beat on a couple of small syndicates here. Quote Link to post
Dave C 63 Posted September 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 6, 2011 My favorite is Rough Shooting, working the dog hard, taking the odd bird or rabbit and watching a nice retrieve. On Driven shoots, how many of you lads keep score, like shots too birds taken. Or when Picking up how many your dog has picked. Just to compare seasons. Dave. Quote Link to post
Lab 10,979 Posted September 6, 2011 Report Share Posted September 6, 2011 My favorite is Rough Shooting, working the dog hard, taking the odd bird or rabbit and watching a nice retrieve. On Driven shoots, how many of you lads keep score, like shots too birds taken. Or when Picking up how many your dog has picked. Just to compare seasons. Dave. I think all keepers running commercial shoots should have a clicker going. Great when you have a top group of guns but on days when you have bad shots a clicker is essential. Never kept a quota of birds picked on shoot day, as long as pricked birds are looked for and everybody has done there best to find them i'm happy. You cant get them all but you are due the birds the respect of a good hunt for them.... Quote Link to post
paulf2461 0 Posted September 6, 2011 Report Share Posted September 6, 2011 i pick up on a small shoot 4000 ish and count shots always 3/4 shots to bird ratio every year. always try to ask guns how many birds hit so we know they are all picked up have learnt which guns are prone to exaggerate having spent ages looking for their birds ha Quote Link to post
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