Worth The Wait

The gap between 12 August and 1 September can be excruciating for those of us not able to get to the grouse moors, so when that first day finally rolls around, both dogs and Guns can find themselves excited and rusty in equal measure

- Rough Rovers

With the start of the game season finally here it can be a frustrating time for the majority of Guns who are not lucky or organised enough to be out shooting grouse on the moors. The press and social media are strewn with articles and posts torturing and thrilling us simultaneously with memorable tales from the moors, while reminding us that we are not there. I am destined never to shoot on the Glorious Twelfth as it is my wedding anniversary, but perhaps if the right invitation comes along I shall brave asking the question.

September, for most of us, offers the first real opportunity for some traditional walked-up days, and, for me, shooting early-season partridge over my own dog can be one of the most exciting and rewarding days in the field. The first bird I shot last season was an English partridge that my dog, Fig, put up 15 yards in front of us, out on the end of the line. In spite of my snail-like early-season reactions I managed to get on it and bring it down with the first barrel. Practically every dog in the line broke rank, enthusiastic to get their first retrieve and to receive the subsequent praise. With the handlers shouting colourfully at the Labrador and spaniel melee, it was my dog, Fig, who trotted proudly out of the cover and brought the bird to hand.