Well now.
As a man who has never shot over Pointers before, that is not terrible advice; but I was rather hoping for something a wee bit more constructive.
"Fair point", said my friend - before adding, "When the dog goes on Point, dress forward, and try and get 'down hill' of it".
OK. That's a bit better. That makes sense. Let's see how we fare today then...
It is Tuesday of our week up on Harris, and today we are supposed to be out after Grouse (and/or Snipe) over Pointers.
The weather is so bad in the morning that any outing is scrubbed. The hills are covered in low cloud and visibility is atrocious.
With the morning now freed up, I load the dogs and Mrs. S62 into the car, and head off the five or so miles to Hushinish beach.
I have spent time in worse places...
Regroup back at the factory for 1pm and I am introduced to 'Fly" - she is a (quite elderly) Pointer but keen to work and at her stage of life, a half-day suits her perfectly.
I try and mimic her majestic stance...
I had seriously considered bringing my .410 for this little adventure. Two hours in and I was regretting not doing so.
"Fly" quartered the ground and it was a joy to watch her at work.
For the three hours we were out, she went 'on point' three times.
Both myself and my Guide, would then fall in behind her and I would close up. It was exiting stuff.
We neither heard nor saw a single Grouse, but 'Fly" did manage to put up three Snipe.
I had never seen Snipe before , much less shot at them, and so I was delighted to be adding new experiences to my 'Game Book' of life.
As the first bird got up, the Guide (not the regular Dog-Man) crossed in front of me and consequently prevented me from taking the shot. It happens.
The second bird got up directly in front of 'Fly" and flew away low to the ground. My pal's advice came thundering back to my consciousness, "Just don't shoot the Pointer". I watched the Snipe fly on unmolested.
Thus far I had not shot anything, but as this included both the Guide and the Pointer I was delighted.
The third (and final) Snipe was flushed - up and left it soared. The 'danger area' was clear of both the Guide and the Pointer.
I left it have both barrels.
Turns out the the Snipe was also never in any danger...
Consequently the following image is for illustration purposes only...
Once again the small window of decent weather closed around us, and we were soon soaked to the skin - time to call it.
Whilst there was nothing to add to the bag, I could at least 'tick off' a couple of firsts.
First time shooting over Pointers.
First time shooting at Snipe.
And at least I didn't shoot the dog.
Tomorrow I am due on the Hill for a go at a Stag - so at least I will be on 'home' territory.
Funny thing.
Salmon, Grouse, and Snipe all blanked, I wonder if I can break my 'Duck' with a Stag...
As a man who has never shot over Pointers before, that is not terrible advice; but I was rather hoping for something a wee bit more constructive.
"Fair point", said my friend - before adding, "When the dog goes on Point, dress forward, and try and get 'down hill' of it".
OK. That's a bit better. That makes sense. Let's see how we fare today then...
It is Tuesday of our week up on Harris, and today we are supposed to be out after Grouse (and/or Snipe) over Pointers.
The weather is so bad in the morning that any outing is scrubbed. The hills are covered in low cloud and visibility is atrocious.
With the morning now freed up, I load the dogs and Mrs. S62 into the car, and head off the five or so miles to Hushinish beach.
I have spent time in worse places...
Regroup back at the factory for 1pm and I am introduced to 'Fly" - she is a (quite elderly) Pointer but keen to work and at her stage of life, a half-day suits her perfectly.
I try and mimic her majestic stance...
I had seriously considered bringing my .410 for this little adventure. Two hours in and I was regretting not doing so.
"Fly" quartered the ground and it was a joy to watch her at work.
For the three hours we were out, she went 'on point' three times.
Both myself and my Guide, would then fall in behind her and I would close up. It was exiting stuff.
We neither heard nor saw a single Grouse, but 'Fly" did manage to put up three Snipe.
I had never seen Snipe before , much less shot at them, and so I was delighted to be adding new experiences to my 'Game Book' of life.
As the first bird got up, the Guide (not the regular Dog-Man) crossed in front of me and consequently prevented me from taking the shot. It happens.
The second bird got up directly in front of 'Fly" and flew away low to the ground. My pal's advice came thundering back to my consciousness, "Just don't shoot the Pointer". I watched the Snipe fly on unmolested.
Thus far I had not shot anything, but as this included both the Guide and the Pointer I was delighted.
The third (and final) Snipe was flushed - up and left it soared. The 'danger area' was clear of both the Guide and the Pointer.
I left it have both barrels.
Turns out the the Snipe was also never in any danger...
Consequently the following image is for illustration purposes only...
Once again the small window of decent weather closed around us, and we were soon soaked to the skin - time to call it.
Whilst there was nothing to add to the bag, I could at least 'tick off' a couple of firsts.
First time shooting over Pointers.
First time shooting at Snipe.
And at least I didn't shoot the dog.
Tomorrow I am due on the Hill for a go at a Stag - so at least I will be on 'home' territory.
Funny thing.
Salmon, Grouse, and Snipe all blanked, I wonder if I can break my 'Duck' with a Stag...
