A MIXED BAG

A trip north to Anglesey provided the Rough Rovers with two days of exhilarating sport, and a fantastic variety of game to take home at the end of it, writes Phil Moorsom

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.