In the field

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You can learn a lot from being in the field.

Tuesday, 26 June 2007

While clay shooting can be enjoyable in its own right, what if you want to venture out into the field?

MANY ENTHUSIASTS pursue clay shooting as a sport in its own right, which it is - right up to Olympic and World Championship level.

For others, although a lot of fun, it is merely a means of keeping sharp for what they rate as the real thing - field shooting.

So, what if you want to try live quarry shooting? Well, firstly you have to be a very safe shot, and know the rules for carrying a gun in the field.

Then you have to be able to quickly identify legitimate quarry species, and know the difference between birds and small animals you are legally allowed to shoot, and those which are protected by law.

You also need to be wise in the ways of the countryside, and know how to conduct yourself in the field - whether alone, or in the company of others. You might also like to know a bit about gundogs, and their important role in field shooting.

A good way of learning is to volunteer as a beater or a picker-up on a game shoot. That gives you the opportunity to observe experienced shots in the field and, just as importantly, get involved in the rural shooting scene. It may also provide you with contacts to get less formal shooting of your own.

Another good way of learning all these things, and more, is to get involved in the British Association for Shooting and Conservation's Proficiency Award Scheme. Although it is primarily for relatively young people, we have encountered men and women well into their sixties on some courses. You are never too old to learn!

Instruction usually takes place over a few successive weekends, and is part classroom learning and part practical out-of doors experience. When you pass you get a certificate and a badge. More details are available at www.basc.org.uk.

Now comes the often tricky business of finding somewhere to shoot.

The most expensive way is to buy either walked-up or driven days on game shooting estates. A somewhat cheaper alternative is to join a syndicate, if you can find one with a place to spare. Syndicates are groups of people who club together to rent the shooting from a farmer, usually perform the gamekeeping duties themselves, and run up to a dozen shooting days in a season, from October to the end of January.

Far less formal is pigeon shooting, and getting that can be no more involved than asking a farmer's permission. This is great sport, and helps the farmer safeguard his crops.

Yet another form of field shooting is wildfowling - shooting ducks and geese. A good introduction is to book a session with an established wildfowling guide. There are also many wildfowling clubs in coastal areas which control areas of marshland for the benefit of their members.

Finally, three important things to remember...
1. To legally shoot game, you need to be in possession of a game licence, which is available from your local Post Office.
2. Also, for informal shooting you must have the farmer or landowner's permission - preferably in writing.
3. Finally, do get yourself insured against third-party risks.