- Bag – 74
- 68 Pheasant
- 1 Partridge
- 5 Mallard
- Drives
- Plantation reversed/ Weedy Field
- Main Pond
- Shed Drive
- Beeches
- Oliver’s Drive
- Roadside Drive
When we arrived, there was a definite plan. Derek and Frank had some firm views on what they wanted to shoot and how. Most guns walked into the Weedy Field for the first drive and stood while the ducks were pushed off the pond. They then turned to face the woods while Derek and the beating team pushed the Roadside drive in reverse. Some ducks were flighted and some pheasants came out low, but it was quiet.
The main bulk fo the guns then walked down the East side of the wetlands and formed a line around the pond which was driven down from Frank’s. Again this was very quiet.
The shed drive began to build some expectation and the birds flew well over the hedge to the waiting guns and back gun. A good flush halfway through meant that Allan did manage to pick up a bird that had made it through the front lines.
The Beeches worked well, but there wasn’t a huge volume of birds. A good flush halfway through meant that many birds were missed while the guns were reloading.
Oliver’s field continues to be a challenge to shoot. Several of the guns had to work very hard to get down the banks and the number of stands was limited as any thought of crossing the water was quickly dismissed.
It was not long after 2pm by this point so the guns were keen not to call the day too short, especially considering the lack of activity on the first few drives. Derek was also keen to shoot the roadside drive again as he felt that many of the birds had got through the beating line. It worked well and some additional trophies were collected.
It was an exceptional day weather-wise. the forecast had been for rain, but most of the day was shot in sunshine.
It did seem quiet around the main bulk of woods and I am concerned about the pheasants having wandered when there was no wheat in the feeders. Hopefully they will rediscover the bins and we can hold them till the end of the year.
