In the field

In the field

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.


CompPrevious
Beginner's shooting Q&A

Beginner's shooting Q&A

Q: Must I pay for lessons at a shooting ground or ...

CompNext
Clay disciplines

Clay disciplines

OR IT MAY have taken place on a skeet range - for ...


Gundogs Training

Will kennels cause bad habits in my gun dog?

Will kennels cause bad habits in my gun dog?

I have a 14 month-old lab dog who will have to put him in kennels for ... Read more


More in Gundogs Training...


Gundogs Events

SEGS open working gun dog test

SEGS open working gun dog test

The South Eastern Gun Dog Society held their recent open working test ... Read more


More in Gundogs Events...


Gundogs Health

How much should I feed my gun dog?

How much should I feed my gun dog?

How many times should I feed my gun dog everyday?... Read more


More in Gundogs Health...



Comments


Post your comment:

Shooting Times & Country Magazine

Shooting Times & Country Magazine

Don't miss out on this week's 132-page Christmas special issue — packed with the very best from the world of fieldsports!


Latest articles

Natural England scraps rabbit control legislation

Natural England scraps rabbit control legislation

Natural England (NE) has enraged landowners and farmers by scrapping l... Read more


Sporting artist launches Woodcock Ringing Network

Sporting artist launches Woodcock Ringing Network

A new woodcock conservation initiative, the Woodcock Ringing Network, ... Read more


More in Latest articles...



Shooting Poll Take part in our poll

Have rural communities been marginalised and neglected by the government?