Page 25 - RCS_Brochure_PDF

• We normally field 8 guns.

• Guns are numbered from right to left moving up 2 after each drive.

• There is a whistle to start each drive, the reason is to ensure the beaters are lined our behind the partridge, which you
should see on every drive throughout the season; otherwise and early shot may put them over the beaters head and
not ours!!

• If a horn sounds it indicates the beaters are in shot range and you must immediately stop shooting forward, but birds
may still be shot behind.

• On a windy day not all the guns may hear the horn, in which case each gun should put up his/her gun to indicate the
beaters are in range with no further shooting forward and ensure this is acknowledged by his/her neighbouring guns.

• On many of the drives the guns are positioned in deep valleys. Please do not shoot into the bank sides as the shot may
hit the rocks and ricochet straight back at you.

• Please avoid shooting just above the bank tops and sky line as there are always flankers in position and are easily shot.

• There is a whistle to end the drive, when shooting should cease and empty guns put in their sleeves.

• There are a number of public footpaths, bridal and cycle paths including the Nidderdale Way running through some
of our drives and although we ask people to stop and wait until the drive has finished an increasing number are not
prepared to do this. When this happens we will stop the beaters and cease shooting, until they have passed. You will
be advised on the day as to how to recognise this problem.

• I strongly recommend you have insect repellent with you.

• At the end of every shoot day each gun will receive a brace of dressed and chilled oven ready game.

Further additional pointers which apply specifically when shooting grouse on
HARDCASTLE & HEATHFIELD MOORS:
• I prefer if at all possible not to have any White vehicles on the Moor as no matter how we try they are difficult to
hide and I know a number of occasions where grouse have flown away from the butts once they have spotted a White
vehicle. Should you have a White vehicle we can usually arrange alternative transport for you on the day.

• Cartridges recommended: 30 gm No.7 or No.6 moving to 30 gm or 32 gm No.5 from October onwards. Nothing heavier
than 32 gm No.5, please, as anything heavier may well travel far further than you think and become a danger to our
beaters and flankers.
• Shot to bird average is normally 4.50. We have some very fast and testing grouse!
• We normally field 9 guns.

• Guns are numbered right to left moving up 2 after each drive.
• You may not be able to see the grouse as well as they can see you. If you or your friend standing in the butt with you
are wearing bright clothing particularly a bright coloured shirt, don’t be surprised if nothing comes over you and your
neighbours have an excellent day!! It can be a bright warm day at your Hotel but on the Moor we could have arctic
conditions, I do therefore recommend you dress in sombre colours with layers of warm clothing.
• I recommend you have insect repellent with you, it is essential on the Moors as the midges can be particularly vicious.
• Ticks are present on some parts of the Moor. I therefore feel it is necessary to ensure your dogs are treated prior to
your visit to any Moor. Brovactor is a new product which is very effective and only available from your Vet. No doubt
many of you will be visiting other moors and I would not welcome your bringing ticks onto our Moors or similarly
taking ticks from ours to other moors. Tick bites can be very dangerous to humans so it is also important to check you
have not acquired any unwelcome friends. It is also worthwhile spraying your clothes at the start of the day to avoid
attracting them.
• An Argo vehicle can be made available for anyone who finds walking the Moor difficult, however not all the butts are
accessible by the Argo.

23