After a busier than usual start to the season and an extremely hectic first half of November, I was really looking forward to a few days’ wild bird shooting up in Anglesey. I have been lucky enough to enjoy a range of days out this season, including an invitation to a very enjoyable driven day. However, the days up in north Wales are totally different from many of the days we do, requiring stamina, determination, concentration and usually a good dose of patience. Having worked with the same guide over the last few seasons, we have developed a clear understanding of the type of shooting we are looking for on Anglesey.
The cooler temperatures and wet weather at the beginning of November contributed to almost perfect conditions for our trip. Also, the early freezing temperatures in Siberia and the Baltic, combined with an extremely encouraging breeding season, meant there was an early fall of woodcock across the country. If we are seeing a few down south, there are usually good numbers up in Anglesey, so we would hopefully get an opportunity to shoot at one or two.
For me, the thrill of this type of shooting is largely in its unpredictability. One never really knows what quarry is going to appear, or from which direction. Keeping your wits about you and reacting quickly are key to making the most of the limited opportunities. Knowledge of your quarry and field craft play large parts, but making sure you have a team who understand and appreciate what the day offers is crucial.
Denne historien er fra February 2020-utgaven av Sporting Shooter.
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Denne historien er fra February 2020-utgaven av Sporting Shooter.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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RSPB gives mixed message on shooting
Having recently attended the RSPB’s virtual AGM, Conor O’Gorman discusses the outcome of the charity’s year-long review of game bird shooting
Causeway for concern
Alan Jarrett’s renewed interest in reading takes him down memory lane to an offshore island duck flight that very nearly ended in disaster
Through a purple patch
The Garrows Estate is taking a conservation-focused approach to restoring the wildlife populations and biodiversity on the Scottish heather moorland.
When the wheels fall off
Losing form on a day’s shooting can be infuriating, especially if you’ve been shooting like a god up to that point. Simon O’Leary looks at some common causes and how to remedy them
Beaches, books & bad behaviour!
The annual Kay family vacation to Northumberland offers a chance to give the cockers a blast on the beach – although they don’t always shower themselves in glory, as Ryan Kay recalls...
Using the Stop whistle
Now you’ve instilled the basics, it’s time to up the ante with some more tricky distance work. Howard Kirby explains how to take the core Stop whistle command to the next level
The humble teal
They may be tiny, but as far as Rupert Butler is concerned, the appeal of this little duck is huge. He recalls some of his most memorable nights in pursuit of these aerial acrobats
Fab all-rounder
Mike is impressed with the Fabarm Elos B2 Field Notte, which offers great value for money, is suited to fieldwork or clays and is future-proofed for use with steel in all choke constrictions
CALL OF THE WILD
Dom Holtam reconnects with one of the purest forms of shotgun shooting as he walks-up woodcock over pointing dogs in the Scottish Highlands
A yen for the Fens
Tony Jackson recounts a memorable duck flight over an area of Fenland in Norfolk with his friend and author, the late Alan Savory
