Hello To All

[Andrew24 5]

hi all, well I've just been granted my shotgun licence one week a go - really pleased is an understatement!

 

but now I've got to buy my first gun, my dad has shotguns but i want to buy my own.

 

what would anyone recommend for a first gun that is reliable?

 

what would you guys recommend as the best cartridge for pigeon?

 

also, any ideas on where i could pick up the equipment cheapish just so i can get out there?.

 

Everything is looking a bit out of reach at the minute.

 

I just wanna get out there but first I have to find some permission.

 

I am looking at one of these companies that provide DIY shoots or guided pigeon shooting days but again its more expense

 

so I think I'm gonna have to make a few visits to local farmers and hopefully with a bit of luck I'll get me self some permission.

 

I'm based in south derbyshire, (swadlincote)

 

a lot of questions but im like a kid in a sweet shop at min lol

 

Cheers guys atb, Andy

Edited July 31, 2014 by Andrew24

[air gun ant 1,666]

hi mate, first get insurance, your more likely to get permission if you can prove your a responsible person which by having insurance it does, plus it sounds like your a bit new to it so covering your back is a good idea. Then get knocking on farmers doors mate travel far and wide and dont give up! it will no dought be a struggle to get your first permission but you find that after you get the first then others will follow shortly, provided you do your job as per the farmers request as for the guns, if moneys a bit tight at the moment, you can get finance at a place called Avalon guns, their great people to deal with and you can get a nice gun and pay for it monthly cartridge wise, i use eley pigeon 32g 6 1/2s . then go and enjoy yourself!!!! and save up for docoys, hide, magnet, flapper etc etc lol

[Denny essex 15]

Good advice above , but be prepared to get plenty of knock backs from farms but dont let it put you off.

Add a little knowledge of crop identification and farming times from drill to harvest would not go amiss as well as quarry identification, both in case you are asked by a farmer or in this day and age anyone that pokes their nose in.

As for equipment much can be D.I.Y made, adapted and rustled together from house hold stuff laying around the likes of old clothes props, bambo canes for hide poles , skips for some grey guttering (with permission to remove) can be cut and painted for decoys.

Summer time a net for a hide is not always need with the greenery around but only use what is not valuable to the farmer or destroy any part of hedges in the process,

Elderberry , fallen branches , thistles and the like all can be used laced together.

One main thing to remember is you are on someone elses property helping to control any damage being done to their crop by pest birds, so do no damage yourself and enjoy.