Proper Picking-Up

When it comes to picking-up on a shoot, confidence in your dog and abiding by the rules are paramount. David Tomlinson offers advice

THOUGH THE pheasant-shooting season may have opened at the start of this month, little serious shooting takes place before the end of October. I have always thought that shooting short-tailed cocks isn’t an acceptable sport for a gentleman (or gentlewoman), and fortunately most shoots seem to agree with me. Once November has arrived the great majority of birds will be not only looking good, but flying well.

If you have picking-up dogs, then it is always good to get them out working, especially if you haven’t been out on the grouse moors or on partridge days. Taking them on a small boundary day is ideal if you get the chance, as it will remind them what they have been bred for. Even experienced dogs will appreciate a gentle start to the new season before the serious work starts.

For those with young dogs about to start their first shooting season, this is a nerve-racking time. Always remember that the quickest way to ruin a gundog is to take it shooting, so if you have any doubts delay its debut, a strategy that is likely to pay off in the long term.