- Total Bag – 22 Pheasants (10 guns)
- Drives
- Keillor Road
- Road Side
- Arm/ Weedy Field
- The Roundels
- Shed Drive (no birds)
- The Boulders
It was nice to arrive at Tulchan knowing that for once we need not fret about the threat of adverse weather. We were sorry that the Saturday guns had had to cancel their day because of the forecast wind and rain. There was a light breeze blowing from the usual south-west with a slight chill but there was the promise of a warm sunny January day ahead.
It soon became apparent from their absence, that with Frank being on holiday there was an issue with beaters. John had cancelled the previous week. Derek was philosophical about it, but help was at hand. Simon had brought his colleague and friend James, who had been here already earlier this season, as well as his dog. Several guns had voiced their willingness to be walking guns, but Steve, who had brought several of his dogs declined our offers. So for most of the drives, Derek was aided by Steve with either James or Simon and their dogs. On the Roundels, Kenny Allan (I think) who also brought his dog did the honours with Derek.
It was decided that we would steadily and continuously work around the estate with the exception of Olivers (which was now devoid of cover) without a break and finish with lunch.
There are still are birds on the estate, however, they are now canny and either flew strongly at speed or run sneakily out the sides away from beaters and guns. Most of those that flew did so fairly high and fast presenting quite challenging shots, and it is fair to say that a good proportion defeated our endeavours to bring them down. The low sun occasionally broke through, and some birds survived by flying between it and the paired gun who was temporarily blinded by the rays! Several of us found that our cartridge to bird ratio suffered as a result of all this.
The final bag of 22 pheasants (there are partridges and woodcock still on site though) for 10 guns was felt to be a good result for this stage of the season and I believe everyone had an enjoyable day accompanied by a lot of walking, which should ensure a sound sleep tonight.
I have to say that Steve’s willingness to walk most of the drives with his dogs saved the day and he deserves and big thank you from us all. Also, Simon as a new gun has earned his spurs in being willing to serve with James and Ken also.
The Estate now has eight days to settle before the final mop-up day on Saturday 1st February, when only Pheasants and Corvids/pigeons will be on the list.
See you there.
By Alistair.