Pine Marten
Well-Known Member
Hello everyone.
I realise this is a gambit with a very low chance of success, but people win the Lotto after all. I've been stalking, wildfowling, bothering rabbits and so on for many years now, sporadically because I'm in West London, and variously over the years have had no time, no transport, no contacts, no money, small kids, work, all of which have made all my shooting quite serious logistical undertakings. But things have moved on, the kids aren't so small, I now work from home, I have a car, and even a few quid spare. Since lockdown ended (and now restarted), I've been able to actually do a fair bit of stalking (in which many deer were seen but none harmed), found an accessible wood where there are mushrooms and you're allowed or at least not forbidden from picking them. More to the point, these trips have been stepping stones across these difficult times that keep me sane and looking forward to the future. So same as it ever was, but moreso.
The key point here is that I've found out that if something is reasonably local, I can fit into family and work life quite regularly, even reasonably spontaneously, if I have somewhere to go. Which I don't, and never have had.
"Yes, yes, lovely story, what's your point, Pine Marten?", I hear you cry while rolling your eyes. Fair question, here is the rare pearl I'm after and the boundary conditions:
1. Important point: I will happily pay if an offer fits the bill. I don't expect any favours.
2. I have no interest in bag sizes, I'm after oases of freedom: so if you're happy to let me have a chance at a rabbit, a pigeon, a hare (which no-one seems interested in but I love them), a visiting snipe of woodcock, maybe an unwanted muntjac, that's fine. I know pheasants, partridges, roe bucks all have value and you probably dont want to let some random London type shoot them.
3. I would like to be able to turn up at reasonably short notice but am very happy to be flexible, it's your gaff after all.
4. I am verifiably safe, insured, friendly, respectful, not scheming to pinch anyone's permissions, generally a good egg, but don't take my word for it, I've shot with a fair few people on here and if you PM me I'll put you in touch.
5. I will throw sensible money at this if needed.
Finally, cards on the table, I will not be in a position to offer a regular pest control services, serious deer management, but I could very well be glad to help out on occasion with work parties. It doesn't have to be an exclusive access either. I'd just like a place I know I can go to when I have the time and try for a rabbit for the pot once in a while.
There. At least I've tried. Please PM me if you any of that made you feel like you'd like to help out.
Thanks, and good luck to all in this rubbish time.
I realise this is a gambit with a very low chance of success, but people win the Lotto after all. I've been stalking, wildfowling, bothering rabbits and so on for many years now, sporadically because I'm in West London, and variously over the years have had no time, no transport, no contacts, no money, small kids, work, all of which have made all my shooting quite serious logistical undertakings. But things have moved on, the kids aren't so small, I now work from home, I have a car, and even a few quid spare. Since lockdown ended (and now restarted), I've been able to actually do a fair bit of stalking (in which many deer were seen but none harmed), found an accessible wood where there are mushrooms and you're allowed or at least not forbidden from picking them. More to the point, these trips have been stepping stones across these difficult times that keep me sane and looking forward to the future. So same as it ever was, but moreso.
The key point here is that I've found out that if something is reasonably local, I can fit into family and work life quite regularly, even reasonably spontaneously, if I have somewhere to go. Which I don't, and never have had.
"Yes, yes, lovely story, what's your point, Pine Marten?", I hear you cry while rolling your eyes. Fair question, here is the rare pearl I'm after and the boundary conditions:
1. Important point: I will happily pay if an offer fits the bill. I don't expect any favours.
2. I have no interest in bag sizes, I'm after oases of freedom: so if you're happy to let me have a chance at a rabbit, a pigeon, a hare (which no-one seems interested in but I love them), a visiting snipe of woodcock, maybe an unwanted muntjac, that's fine. I know pheasants, partridges, roe bucks all have value and you probably dont want to let some random London type shoot them.
3. I would like to be able to turn up at reasonably short notice but am very happy to be flexible, it's your gaff after all.
4. I am verifiably safe, insured, friendly, respectful, not scheming to pinch anyone's permissions, generally a good egg, but don't take my word for it, I've shot with a fair few people on here and if you PM me I'll put you in touch.
5. I will throw sensible money at this if needed.
Finally, cards on the table, I will not be in a position to offer a regular pest control services, serious deer management, but I could very well be glad to help out on occasion with work parties. It doesn't have to be an exclusive access either. I'd just like a place I know I can go to when I have the time and try for a rabbit for the pot once in a while.
There. At least I've tried. Please PM me if you any of that made you feel like you'd like to help out.
Thanks, and good luck to all in this rubbish time.
