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exPectations
When you have not experienced a Shoot before your expectations are based on what other guns have told you and what
you read in the Shoot information. In this brochure and on our website I have tried to describe our Shoots and the type
of day you can expect to experience but you must also bear in mind that each drive changes throughout the season. The
only problem if you take just one day is that this may possibly give a false impression of the Shoot. I would therefore
recommend that if you wish to fully appreciate the variety of shooting we offer, that you consider days throughout the
season at Ripley Castle, Mountgarret and Eagle Hall & Ashfold Side.

The sporting quality of the birds can vary considerably from drive to drive, no drive is the same and even our very best
drives can be disappointing on some days.

One of the major factors affecting the sporting quality of the birds on any shoot is the weather. Our climate seems to be
moving to more extremes, from days which are so still and warm that nothing really wants to fly, to heavy rains and gales
which can make shooting impossible.

If you are not prepared to accept the present extremes in our climate, which may well affect the quality of bird and the
bag on certain days, you should not even consider attending any driven game shoot, particularly during December and
January. With the combination of our variable climate and the fact we are shooting wild creatures, we must all accept
that some days will definitely be better than others.

the etiquette oF driven GaMe shootinG
• This may sound somewhat daunting but it certainly is not the case. The etiquette of driven game shooting has evolved
over a number of years and is best described as good manners, respect for your fellow guns and most important of all
safe shooting. If you are new to driven game shooting or are unsure of what is expected of you in the driven shooting
field I do strongly recommend you have an experienced shot to stand with you or hire one of our instructor/loaders
for the day.

• Arrive in good time; it is poor form when the rest of the team must wait for a gun to arrive. As a Shoot Host I find it
really disrupts the day and may mean we lose a drive due to lack of time.

• In order to add to the sense of occasion dress smartly out of respect for our quarry, gilet or jacket, tie, breeks,
waterproof coat and cap. However dressing sensibly and comfortably is just as important in our variable climate.

• It is important that each gun is introduced before the shoot day starts. In order to have sufficient time for this each
shoot day starts with breakfast. Introduce yourself to each gun if the Shoot Host has not already done so.

• The morning briefing is most important as the Shoot Host details, hopefully briefly, the basic shoot rules which vary
considerably from shoot to shoot.

• Remembering names can prove a problem to most of us. So in order to avoid the embarrassment of forgetting the
names of the guns next to you, when we make the draw for the day you are given a card with the names of each gun.

• Gun safety is most important and there can be no compromise. You should carry your empty gun in a gun sleeve to
and from your peg. When you take your gun from its sleeve always keep the barrels pointing down or straight up.
Always bring the stock up to meet the barrels, never raise the barrels to the stock. If your gun is loaded and closed
the barrel must be pointed at the ground or up in the air. If you wish to rest your gun over your arm it must be broken.

• One of the main points of etiquette is knowing what height of bird to shoot or whether a bird is yours or your
neighbours. You should shoot safely at whatever you are comfortable with and respect your neighbour’s birds. If you
are new to shooting, this is where having an experienced gun with you is invaluable. In my opinion a well presented
good bird is worth many average birds. Crossing birds are always subject to much discussion. In theory they are
yours but I personally get more satisfaction in seeing my neighbour take a good bird. If he or she keeps missing any
you leave it is then up to you! Greedy shots or anyone who perpetually takes low birds, which can be very dangerous,
will not be welcome on our Shoot.

• It is important that all birds are accounted for at the end of each drive. Guns are most welcome to work their dogs but
should liaise with the pickers up to ensure nothing is left. Please do not work your dog during a drive as it can be most
off putting for the other guns and will certainly affect your concentration on your birds.

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