As ever the day started early. I set off at about 6am to pick up Nick and drive down to Hampshire for a day of walked up shooting. I had booked in to meet Mark at 9:30 and after a hot coffee we drove to the centre of the wood which was the shoot. It is a driven shoot 6 times per year but we had the whole place to ourselves.
We were introduced to the dogs and then headed off to the first wooded area. We walked quietly through the wood with only the sound of the dogs scampering through the thicket...oh and the odd broadcast over the radio to keep us all in line.
The walking was tough at times but the dogs did a good job in showing us a number of birds. We also saw a number of good wood pigeon.....all of which we missed.
We got back to the car and gave the Christmas hip flask and little cups a first outing. The port tasted good and we were ready to go. Mark kept reminding us of the shot to bird ratio of the worst shooting party he had ever had........we were getting very close to this!!!
The shooters for the day. I know why people by a small game gun now as by 5 hours in arms were getting stiff! The good news was a few birds were now in the bag and with the rain holding off we were covering ground well and seeing some very challenging birds.
This was Nick ready for action. One bird was missed due him talking on the radio too much! Give a man a toy!!
After flushing a bird which cam right over me, and I decided to miss for sporting reasons (yeah right) I rejoined the group for some careful banter from Steve and Mark and a very big ribbing from Nick. How could you miss was mentioned more than once.
With a few birds in the bag Nick was still to see some action. Mark and Steve were raking their brains to figure out how to present us with some more good birds but light was running out...fast!
Eventually Nick took a great left to right cock bird (the biggest bird in the woods) and was decorated in the age old way.
All in it was a great day with wonderful company and lots of fresh air and stunning scenery. Walked up shooting has a huge amount excitement and a jolly good way to spend a winters day. Will be back next year without a shadow of a doubt.
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