Bag:
46 Pheasants
1 Partridge
4 Pigeon
3 Woodcock
1 Teal
The day started cold with frozen ground, but although the temperature did rise softening the earth it did not feel that warm in the chilly wind.
We started with the first drive down in the Dell. Unfortunately, a dog spooked the birds at the top before the drive started, so most of the action was enjoyed by those lower down.
The second drive was from the Beeches and cover crops back to the estate road. There was one brief flush and a couple of partridges. The third drive was carried out at the roundels followed by lunch.
The fourth drive was from the weedy field back to the estate road, followed by the weedy field to Franks. Finally, we converged onto the arm finishing a little after 3 pm.
There were manifestly fewer birds around the estate now. However, the total bag was 30 cocks, 16 hens, 4 pigeons, 3 Woodcock, 1 Teal and 1 partridge ( a second cleanly downed by Ken Smith had vanished as had a duck cleanly felled by Bobby)
Best date for Thursday’s is 3rd January.
Best wishes for Christmas.
Alistair.