Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2009 3:39 pm Post subject: Been invited to a shoot - Update p4
I don't even know where to begin. I'll try not to ramble.
On talking to a local retired gamekeeper I know, I was asked if I wanted to attend a shoot and I said yes it would be interesting to see what goes on.
It didn't dawn on me he meant the dogs.
I have thought about maybe Hollie or even Harry being 'gundogs' but it has only been a whimsical thought.
Obviously I would only take one dog at a time.
Perro is four years old and I think too laid back for gun work but you never know.
Hollie is two years old and is still a bit flighty and giddy.
Harry is three years old and is more steady but can be nervous of strange people and places until he gets used to the idea.
And then there's me. I haven't a bl**dy clue.
We would be trainee beaters.
I have no experience and the dogs certainly have no experience although they are good at flushing pigeons and crows off the crop fields and their whistle recall is pretty good.
I'm close to rambling.
The main question is - What should I expect? (Apart from foul weather). I don't want to be 'that idiot and his dog'.
Are the dogs too old?
This is a local pigeon and crow shoot but there will be a chance of game work later in the year (or maybe next year) if me and the dog(s) can get our act together.
Any advice is appreciated even if it is to "sod off and forget it".
Last edited by BushYakker on Thu Jul 30, 2009 8:04 pm; edited 2 times in total
Ok - what is it exactly that you've been invited to? or even to do? Am I correct in thinking that it's coming along to a crow/pigeon shoot day AKA a vermin shoot day? Have your dogs have had any experience with gunfire before? will they retrieve? any cold game experience?
If this is your first time out on anything shoot related day, then I would advice you to leave the dogs at home and just focus on the things on the shoot, try and get to 'shadow' an experienced person, make friends, watch and take it all in!
Natasha
____________
WLF All the Way!!!!
"Handle every stressful situation like a dog. If you can´t eat it or hump it. **** on it and walk away..."
I was thinking that I should go and see 'what was what' without a dog at first.
It would be a vermin shoot.
The dogs are used to gunfire but not close up.
We would be beating/flushing NOT picking up.
The dogs and me have NO experience at all in game work.
So, I guess what you're really asking Bushy-Babe is, "What should I wear to this Khaki-Ol' Shooting Day that will impress the True-Khaki's enough to invite me back?" Well you're in luck Bushy......! I have the very outfit that will bring gasps of admiration and astonishment from the yocals, and will ensure that you are the talking point of after-shoot-cocktails for quite some time!
First impressions are so important,
I don't think they will forget you in a hurry if you wear this. And how handy that they include a wee bag to keep your sarnies in:......................
If Becs can grow a beard to join in The Khaki Malarky, then so can you Bob, go ahead, give it a go!!!
How can we try and be serious now Becs has managed to sneak in here
I just like to say Natasha has got it pretty much spot on, go along first and have a look see without the dogs, then you'll know what's expected, and you can decide whether it's possible.
Once you've been along, if you've got questions, (apart from "Does My Bum Look Big In This?"), I'm sure we'll be able to help you out.
And Becs can help you out with the Fashion questions
Bob sorry to gate crash your seriousnes for a min, but becs isnt really joking that outfit is just perfect for you, and you wont need to worry about errrrrrrrrr undergarments as i am told that none are worn with that attire so you will save on the washing too
Next time I see the chap, which will be Monday, I'll volunteer my novice services without dog. I'll see if I can get a mentor and then I'll try to weigh up which dog would be best.
To be honest I think it may be Hollie, she's good at finding birds in long grass/crops, although Harry isn't bad at that either.
And ladies, if it was a proper feileadh mhór , I'd probably wear it but I'm not wearing that Victoriana/American excuse for a red skirt.
Cloths for beating:- Dark, strong and somber. Wellies or strong walking boots are the order of the day. And if you follow that you wont look out of place.
A decent strong stick is useful on slippery going, stick it into a muddy bank and place your foot against it stops you from slipping and it also makes a good leaning post when standing around. One cut from a hedge is just as good as one you have paid an arm and leg for, function is what matters!
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I'll try not to ramble. 
I have the very outfit that will bring gasps of admiration and astonishment from the yocals, and will ensure that you are the talking point of after-shoot-cocktails for quite some time!
It's the nettle stings on the knees that bother me. 
