Starting out

[Spencer]

Hi,

Been shooting targets for a while and have started to get a decent collection of guns - but I think its time I went down the hunting route.
Whats the best place to start, I'm thinking rabbits probably - but how do you get going?
For target I can join a club, so for this what do you do, where do you start?

Thanks

 

[25 Sharps]

Hi,

Been shooting targets for a while and have started to get a decent collection of guns - but I think its time I went down the hunting route.
Whats the best place to start, I'm thinking rabbits probably - but how do you get going?
For target I can join a club, so for this what do you do, where do you start?

Thanks

Welcome along.

That is a million dollar question, getting permission to shoot over land can be difficult or nigh on impossible! Get insurance, get out and ask landowners, be prepared to be knocked back, a lot, be prepared to think about just using an air rifle to build trust (most people find them less intimidating than powder burners) or perhaps shotguns? Look for areas with obvious rabbit damage or high numbers, think outside the box - golf courses, sports fields, plant nurseries, once you get somewhere stick with it and do a good job!

Once you have one or two permissions it suddenly gets easier, people who know people you shoot for will be more willing to give you permission. 10 years ago I had permission with 2 small farms for air rifle use, I called the neighbouring farm and got told they had someone. 2 years ago I got permission to shoot rabbits on a small part of the neighbouring farm after a Myxi outbreak. 2 weeks ago I went to see the son who had taken on the management of the farm (the same chap I spoke to 10 years ago) who gave me sole permission for the deer & vermin on their 500+ acres and vermin on the ground they rent as well.

Then again you may get lucky and find someone at just the right time who needs help.

Good luck!

 

[sikamalc]

Welcome to the site.

 

[JAYB]

Welcome to the site,

John

 

[jwdeer]

Welcome

John

 

[Chasey]

Hi Spencer

Where are you in kent?

I am nr Maidstone and can take you out for an evening rabbit shooting to get you started (free of charge I am not a pro) but be aware I believe you need your rifles cleared for hunting if your using your own.

Check with your fire arms officer

If not you can borrow one of my ones

ATB

Chasey

 

[Roedeer 1962]

Thats a nice offer from a decent chap

 

[4535jacks]

You could join the Kent Wildfowling and Conservation Association.

They have ALOT of land to shoot over and as well offering inland and below the tide line wildfowling, they also offer pigeon and limited game shooting for shotguns and rabbit shooting for air rifles. Unfortunately they do not allow the use of firearms on any of their permissions but could still be a good place to start and a good way to meet other shooters.

Good luck!

 

[Tricky trees]

Welcome m8 some good lads on here will help you