Important Information

 

People often ask, “How many birds will I shoot?” The answer varies depending on several factors—shooting skill, ability to remain concealed, eyesight, reaction speed, and the feeding habits of the birds on the day of the shoot. Weather plays a significant role, influencing how actively pigeons feed and fly. A day with a steady breeze is often ten times better than a calm one.

The Preparation Behind the Shoot

Each booked session covers two days of work. The day before the shoot, extensive scouting takes place, with hours spent driving—sometimes up to 100 miles—to locate birds based on seasonal feeding patterns. Using binoculars and years of experience, potential shooting locations are carefully selected to maximize the chances of success.

Ammunition

The pigeon is a VERY tough bird. It is essential that you use cartridges with at the very least a 30 gram load of 5 or 6 shot. A plastic wadded cartridge is also best as it produces faster velocities and holds a better pattern and therefore has better killing power. We suggest Gamebore Clear Pigeon, RC Sipe, Hull High Pheasant Extreme, Lyalvale Express Supreme Game... in 32 gram 5 or 6 shot. Please note that I am unable to sell ammunition however if you are in need of cartridges I can highly recommend Charlie Bull at www.justcartridges.co.uk ( they offer mail order of shotgun ammo direct to your home or to us prior to arrival) or we have two excellent gun shops in Oxfordshire: http://www.oxfordguncompany.co.uk/ and http://www.francislovel.com/

Setting Expectations

Every effort is made to provide the best possible opportunity for a rewarding shoot, but because pigeons are wild birds, no guarantees can be made regarding the number of birds taken. Those seeking a predictable target might find a clay shooting ground more suitable.

Location Selection

The land bank spans multiple counties, but the exact shooting location is determined the day before the session, based on reconnaissance findings and bird activity. Specific locations cannot be guaranteed in advance.

Cancellation Policy

Once a booking is confirmed, no refunds are issued for cancellations at any stage. However, if a shoot is canceled due to bad weather, efforts will be made to arrange a mutually agreeable alternative date.

To book a shoot, complete the online booking form or send an email outlining specific requests, and availability will be checked accordingly.

Manners and Conduct

Having been established since 1996 we have worked very hard to build up relationships with the owners of the farmland that we shoot over. This good relationship can be broken in an instant if a client behaves inappropriately. Here is a list of do's and don'ts to make your trip as enjoyable as possible and to safeguard the future of our sport;

› Shoot only the species on the list of agreed quarry.
› If you are driving your own vehicle, please drive with consideration to the land (i.e not over crops).
› Please note, you will be shooting on working farms, and from time to time, a tractor may enter the field in which you are shooting. If your car or  decoys need to be moved, please do this quickly to enable the farmer to continue with his work.
› If the farmer or any of their employees approach you, unload immediately and make your presence known by standing up.
› I will have no hesitation in removing you from the farm if I see or hear of any dangerous conduct with a firearm.
› Age limit: 18 - 70. Under 18's are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult when shooting.
› Alcohol is banned.
› It is imperative that we leave the shooting positions as tidy as we found them. Dustbin bags will be provided and you will be expected to pick up all of your spent shells and any other rubbish, and take it home with you as I have no facilities for waste disposal.

I will give you a full list of DO’s and DON’Ts verbally when I set you up in position and these may include when and where to take your shots. These do’s and dont’s are there to protect you and me, and any general public or people working on the farms from anything untoward happening and ensuring that our reputation remains untarnished and that we are able to supply the quality shooting on the best land in the area for which we are known.

My main objective is to give my clients as much shooting as I can on the day, given the weather and the feeding habits of the birds. This job sometimes requires a little time and patience as it’s a wild bird that I have to deal with and, unlike Clay Pigeons, they don’t just come when you want them to.