Come one, come all

The small but friendly Highfield shoot in West Yorkshire prides itself on both its inclusivity and its ability to produce spectacular sport for visiting Guns

-  CHARLES HARTLEY

Across the country, on gun buses and at game fairs, I often meet people who have something very special in common: they all shot their first bird at Highfield. I am one of those people.

Many moons ago, I joined Highfield’s team on one of their “walk one, drive one” days. Not only did this not break the bank for a young Gun, but it also offered a welcoming and nurturing atmosphere to dive feet first into the world of shooting. Victoria, the shoot captain, guided me in with calm words of support as well as physical direction, while the beating team, led by headkeeper Colin, took it upon themselves to look after this nervous youngster.

What a day it was. If I close my eyes, I can still see my first bird, taken as it crossed right to left, appearing through a brief gap in the branches above me.

I have revisited Highfield many times since, and this welcome was no fluke. I hate modernisms and clichés as much as anyone, but an inclusive attitude and the diversity that comes with it is so important for the future of shooting. I have shot with more ladies here than anywhere else, which should not be a big deal but sadly is. A certain shoot I visited in the south of England started the day by asking if the ladies in my party would not be better suited “visiting the local town to spend the day shopping?”. Not good.