Wanted: Permission to shoot and Pest control - referral rewards for success!

[Smee]

Trying to get back into shooting. Currently own a few air rifles (.22 and .177). Live in the Berkshire area and seeking opportunities to shoot small game and pests (pigeons, rats, rabbits, squirrels etc) with a friend a few times a year or as required. I am willing to pay a small fee for using someone's property and am fully insured. I am fully aware of all shooting laws and I can provide ID and insurance certificates upon request. If anyone is able to assist with this I am also willing to offer rewards for referrals that lead to success

 

[simonl]

You're happy to pay for some shooting, and will bung someone a few quid if they pass on details? I think your approach is sound. The more people enjoying shooting sports, the stronger we are.
Welcome to the site.

 

[RED-DOT]

Smee.... you have stuck your head above the trench and there are plenty wannabe snipers on here will have a shot at you. I wish you good fortune in your quest.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

Go to the pigeon watch forum site for small game.
Pigeon Watch - Shooting Forums and Country Sports UK

Martin

 

[baguio]

What is all this unpleasantness about? Totally un-necessary IMO

 

[Ranger22]

Have you tried any of the golf courses local to you, speak to the green keepers and find out if they have problems with rabbits. If they have contact the committee and offer your services.

 

[Morgy]

Trying to get back into shooting. Currently own a few air rifles (.22 and .177). Live in the Berkshire area and seeking opportunities to shoot small game and pests (pigeons, rats, rabbits, squirrels etc) with a friend a few times a year or as required. I am willing to pay a small fee for using someone's property and am fully insured. I am fully aware of all shooting laws and I can provide ID and insurance certificates upon request. If anyone is able to assist with this I am also willing to offer rewards for referrals that lead to success

##

Good luck to you, thats how we all started.

 

[Pedro]

As with all such requests, the advice should be similar. The likelihood of someone giving you permission when they don't know you is small (although it does happen). You could use up a lot of shoe leather and get scant reward.

But there's more than one way to skin a cat. If people don't know you and are therefore understandably wary of letting you roam their land with a gun, the answer is to get to know people. The oft used route is through a local pheasant shoot or two. Volunteer to beat. Get to know the keeper and help him with his chores. Strike up conversations with the guns. A good proportion of them will own land. Make excuses to visit your local gun shop, even if it does end up with you having more airgun pellets than you could use in a decade. Get to know the owner (who may well be into shooting himself) and again, strike up or join in conversations wit customers. You no doubt could think of more outlets near you that could bring opportunities. Do you have a local hunt to follow? Is there a feller at work that shoots?

You may of course be looking into all these and more, but I hope that's given you a bit of food for thought.

By the way, what's the rewards you speak of? I'm intrigued....

 

[mrhim]

Yes, it's not easy to find land to shoot on, but perseverance is key.

 

[liddlesdale]

PM sent