 | Home > Off Topic > Offer some advice on getting into shooting in the UK? |
 
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| gilarion Member Since: 05 Dec 2013 Location: Wales Posts: 5111   
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If it is of any help I have a few times visited Eastnor Castle which has very strong associations with Land Rover and have practised clay pigeon shooting there from the side mezzanine by the castle and over the lake, very enjoyable.
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30th Jul 2014 6:16pm |
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| muddybaldboy Member Since: 09 Apr 2012 Location: Ruthin Posts: 395 
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BASC can be a good source of information (and cheap insurance, legal advice and general help with ill-informed antis) He who dies with the most toys...wins!
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30th Jul 2014 6:39pm |
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| SiWhite Member Since: 19 Jan 2010 Location: North Hampshire Posts: 455  
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Mech, I think the best advise I can give is to try some networking - most rough shoots are very informal and private affairs. The won't be advertised and then only way to get 'in' is to know someone who shoots there. Jois the BASC and look out for local events where you can meet like minded folk and ask about.
Driven days can be extremely expensive and, in my experience, rather stuck up unless you are a stockbroker. They can be very cliquey and you might be frowned upon if you have the 'wrong' clothes, gun, dog, car etc etc... I'd much rather take a day's rough, simulated game or clay shooting with like minded folk. If you are in south Oxfordshire I know of someone you could look out for - I don't know him well enough to make a recommendation unfortunately. My blog - www.anacreinhampshire.blogspot.co.uk 110 TD5 BuildHERE - sold! 110 Tdci Build HERE - sold! Passat Alltrack - 4x4, auto, 45mpg, gloriously comfortable - but not a Defender! |
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30th Jul 2014 7:05pm |
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| Fullfat Member Since: 30 Apr 2014 Location: Lincolnshire. Posts: 271 
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Mech,
I have been shooting since I was a youngster shotgun and firearms and to be honest it's always been a case of who you know, your best bet is to join your local clay club and get to know people and you will if lucky get invited to a day rough shooting once people get to know you. I had to wait for years to get into my local syndicate, I started off beating and picking up with my dog which helped no end with the rough and driven shooting. Stick with it and you will get something, it will take perseverance and a little luck to pick up some land for rough shooting. But the beating route is the best for getting to know local shooting folk. Cheers |
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30th Jul 2014 8:10pm |
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| Mech Member Since: 23 Oct 2013 Location: Oxfordshire Posts: 87
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Thanks. Ive already joined BASC and am insured through them. Im not necessarily opposed to a driven shoot, its just not precisely what im most interested in. I went to the game fair last week and really enjoyed that. Im trying to do some networking, in fact that was to some extent the purpose of the post.
I am north of oxford but willing to travel a bit if necessary. |
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30th Jul 2014 8:16pm |
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| bunnyman Member Since: 29 May 2013 Location: herts Posts: 123  
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you could try joining the chiltern gundog society they have gun dog training days and you might meet some new contacts there .rich
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30th Jul 2014 9:06pm |
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| muddybaldboy Member Since: 09 Apr 2012 Location: Ruthin Posts: 395
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If your excursions ever make it as far as North Wales give me a shout, we have some great sport, clay or otherwise on offer
 He who dies with the most toys...wins! |
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30th Jul 2014 9:06pm |
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| Happyoldgit Member Since: 14 Sep 2007 Location: Norfolk Posts: 3471 
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Yes indeed networking is the answer. Getting to know people at your local clay ground is one way and will go some way to allay the understandable concern that above all things you are safety conscious. Get to know the owner of your local gunshop and it does no harm to get to know your local farmers too but remember they are busy and not everyone appreciates cammo gear. Beating / brushing on local shoots is another good 'in' and if you have a reliable dog you may be offered some picking up. Insurance cover is a must so as has been mentioned join BASC, Countryside Alliance or similar.
There are some good, informal driven / walk & stand shoots but demand for places is usually high, people tend to stick with good shoots. Know the law, know what you can legally shoot and when, be safe and if in any doubt whatsoever don't shoot! Steve. Owned numerous Land Rover vehicles of all shapes and sizes over the decades. Current Defender: A non tarts hand-bagged Puma 110 XS USW. [Insert something impressive here such as extensive list of previous Land Rovers or examples of your prestigeous and expensive items, trinkets, houses, bikes, vehicles etc] http://forums.lr4x4.com I used to be Miserable ...but now I'm ecstatic. |
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31st Jul 2014 4:23pm |
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| Mech Member Since: 23 Oct 2013 Location: Oxfordshire Posts: 87
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Thank you all for your helpful suggestions. Rest assured I am very safe with firearms. I have thousands of hours of "stick time". In fact, I've been appalled at some of the behaviors I've witnessed at a few gun shops. Muzzle and trigger discipline have been quite lax in my opinion.
I'll be visiting a few local clays clubs and plan to join one soon. I live very near to a private estate which hosts some shoots. I'll try to speak with the gamekeeper about opportunities beating, picking up or otherwise. |
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1st Aug 2014 8:31am |
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