Stalker62
Well-Known Member
The pressure is on today.
It is the "Lunch"shoot of our little syndicate, and there is that added pressure that a "Keeper" feels to ensure that a good day is enjoyed by all.
Everyone had been briefed to bring either wine, meat, pastries, cigars, cheese or some other delicious morsel for the rest the team to enjoy.
It is basically, a culinary "show and tell".
I am on the plot at 0600, opening gates, laying sewelling lines, and basically panicking like Corporal Jones on a "Blitz" night.
By 0800 I am back a the Barn to see the usual Father & Son team prepare the most wonderful breakfast of coffee/tea, rolls, bacon, sausage, egg and black pudding.
It is (I am ashamed to say) the highlight of any shoot day for me.
The Guns and Guests roll into view, and by 0900 hours most of us have stuffed our faces with scoff. Huge glasses of Sloe Gin are then passed out and I wonder if I have ever taken an alcoholic drink so early in the morning. Don't panic dear reader - I have.
Fortified by this early display of alcohol dependency, the Farmer gives his usual briefing to the team. There are plenty of them. I have invited a guest today. He acted as Keeper when I was away up in Scotland on the Stags and Goats, and I am glad to be able to show my gratitude. That his wife and her ESS are also here today, is an added bonus. She and her dog will prove invaluable to the day.
The main focus of the day today is social and the meal. Consequently we are late starting; 11s goes on too long, and there is a rush to get back to the barn for the main meal.
The said. This is a shoot day and folk have turned out to shoot.
There have been rumours from local Keepers, that their birds have not been about - it would be a lie to say I was not concerned.
The first drive (normally a banker) produces nothing. No birds. No shots. FFS!
The second drive produces 29 shots for 3 birds. Jesus, Mary and Joseph - this is not going well.
The third drive is 0 shots for 0 birds. I mentally pen my resignation letter. Where on earth are the birds?
The fourth, fifth and final drive deliver the goods. Thank the Gods of Hunting.
The final bag (a new record) is:-
29 x Pheasants
1 x Pigeon
1 x Jay
1 x Woodcock (fined)
So, 32.
Out of the jaws of defeat we snatch a new PB for the shoot. I did not dare hope for this after the shocking start to the day.
Back at the barn for the meal, everyone has brought something, and some of the Guns cook the most beautiful steak on a BBQ; Apple Pie and cream, cheeses and port.
I even get to smoke one of my "annual cigars", whilst pretending to be a grown up with money, (a lie- I am neither grown up nor monied).
I have enjoyed the day.
I have loved seeing Mrs.S62 work our ESS.
I have very much enjoyed seeing the Guns bring their Sons into the fray.
I have enjoyed a good meal, in the company of folk who can (literally) make me cry with laughter.
I was delighted to see the Guns present a bouquet of flowers to Mrs.S62.
Sometimes, the World can seem OK...
It is the "Lunch"shoot of our little syndicate, and there is that added pressure that a "Keeper" feels to ensure that a good day is enjoyed by all.
Everyone had been briefed to bring either wine, meat, pastries, cigars, cheese or some other delicious morsel for the rest the team to enjoy.
It is basically, a culinary "show and tell".
I am on the plot at 0600, opening gates, laying sewelling lines, and basically panicking like Corporal Jones on a "Blitz" night.
By 0800 I am back a the Barn to see the usual Father & Son team prepare the most wonderful breakfast of coffee/tea, rolls, bacon, sausage, egg and black pudding.
It is (I am ashamed to say) the highlight of any shoot day for me.
The Guns and Guests roll into view, and by 0900 hours most of us have stuffed our faces with scoff. Huge glasses of Sloe Gin are then passed out and I wonder if I have ever taken an alcoholic drink so early in the morning. Don't panic dear reader - I have.
Fortified by this early display of alcohol dependency, the Farmer gives his usual briefing to the team. There are plenty of them. I have invited a guest today. He acted as Keeper when I was away up in Scotland on the Stags and Goats, and I am glad to be able to show my gratitude. That his wife and her ESS are also here today, is an added bonus. She and her dog will prove invaluable to the day.
The main focus of the day today is social and the meal. Consequently we are late starting; 11s goes on too long, and there is a rush to get back to the barn for the main meal.
The said. This is a shoot day and folk have turned out to shoot.
There have been rumours from local Keepers, that their birds have not been about - it would be a lie to say I was not concerned.
The first drive (normally a banker) produces nothing. No birds. No shots. FFS!
The second drive produces 29 shots for 3 birds. Jesus, Mary and Joseph - this is not going well.
The third drive is 0 shots for 0 birds. I mentally pen my resignation letter. Where on earth are the birds?
The fourth, fifth and final drive deliver the goods. Thank the Gods of Hunting.
The final bag (a new record) is:-
29 x Pheasants
1 x Pigeon
1 x Jay
1 x Woodcock (fined)
So, 32.
Out of the jaws of defeat we snatch a new PB for the shoot. I did not dare hope for this after the shocking start to the day.
Back at the barn for the meal, everyone has brought something, and some of the Guns cook the most beautiful steak on a BBQ; Apple Pie and cream, cheeses and port.
I even get to smoke one of my "annual cigars", whilst pretending to be a grown up with money, (a lie- I am neither grown up nor monied).
I have enjoyed the day.
I have loved seeing Mrs.S62 work our ESS.
I have very much enjoyed seeing the Guns bring their Sons into the fray.
I have enjoyed a good meal, in the company of folk who can (literally) make me cry with laughter.
I was delighted to see the Guns present a bouquet of flowers to Mrs.S62.
Sometimes, the World can seem OK...
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