… but the consequences can be disastrous, says Coombe Richards as he recalls a dismal day’s duck shooting that ended in unexpected glory
In company with our host we, the three nearside Guns, moved stealthily to our places, a row of hides sited with careful forethought. They were set in a crescent around the secluded, tree- and reed-girt duck ponds we were about to have driven to us. On the far side, hidden from view, walked the remaining two members of the party, with the keeper and his men waiting patiently in the background until everyone should have reached his stand and the signal been given for the operation — a set-piece this — to begin.
But suddenly and shatteringly from beyond the trees — bang! “What the…” began the righteously astonished host at my side, only to be interrupted by two more shots in quick succession. “What the devil’s going on?” he finally spluttered. “This really has torn it.” Then to us the command: “Everyone spread out quickly, do the best you can!”
Already the first startled rise of mallard had soared away unscathed, and others were audibly not far behind them. There seemed little doubt that those ill-timed shots had put paid to that particular part of the programme, yet luckily not entirely. In spite of them, thanks to the number of ducks present, everyone had some shooting — if rather disorganised and not strictly to plan.
Being the left-hand Gun, I was more fortunate than most, for S.
I reached my hide and was in action almost in one bound. I perhaps had more than my rightful share of what was offered, possibly more than if those three too-early cartridges had not been expended. It was an example of the odd chance doing some good, though not an excuse for the occurrence.
Esta historia es de la edición October 11,2017 de Shooting Times & Country.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición October 11,2017 de Shooting Times & Country.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
United we stand
Following United Utilities' decision to end grouse shooting on its land, Lindsay Waddell asks what will happen if we ignore our vital moors
Serious matters
An old gamebook prompts a contemplation on punt-gunning
They're not always as easy as they seem
While coneys of the furry variety don't pose a problem for Blue Zulu, he's left frustrated once again by bolting bunnies of the clay sort
Debutant gundogs
There's lots to think about when it comes to making the decision about when to introduce your dog to shooting
When the going gets rough
Al Gabriel returns to the West London Shooting School to brush up on his rough shooting technique
The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition
In this excerpt from the 60th anniversary edition of the BDS's Field Guide To British Deer, Charles Smith-Jones considers the noise they make
A step too far?
Simon Garnham wonders whether a new dog, a new gun and two different fields in need of protection might have been asking too much for one afternoon's work
Two bucks before breakfast
A journey from old South London to rural Hertfordshire to stalk muntjac suggests that the two aren't as far detached as they might seem
Stalking Diary
Stalkers can be a sentimental bunch, and they often carry a huge attachment to their hill
Gamekeeper
Alan Edwards believes unique, private experiences can help keepers become more competent and passionate custodians of the countryside