doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com So you want to be a beater? Some snaps.

The points about young people getting involved are well made.

It was Keepers Day yesterday and the wee girl shown in the pic shot her first two pheasants (and a soup can!!) with a sound moderated single .410; the first was a cracking driven bird, not too high but going like a train.

Another young man (15) got two or three also using powder puff loads in a light SxS. his first time live bird shooting

An interesting aspect is that the shoot owner, a most generous man, put on an informal clay shoot before the season started and both these guys had their first experience with a gun that day. On the clays and yesterday they were mentored by experienced shooters, one a qualified coach. Where else can kids get that for free?

Eug

The American model is The Lone Ranger putting food on the table (just a man and his dog). The European model is, with considerable local variation, a big time social event. There are reasons for both models. Understanding other cultures and ways of dong things is not as painful as some make it out to be.

em, thanks for helping with the understanding. Nice photo essay!! BTW, the bit about kids blossoming in a social setting more than in a solitary setting is major significant.

Bringing this back up so it can be viewed along with the pictures and report I'm posting.

Looks like a great deal of fun but I'm somewhat surprised with the drinking permitted during a shoot. I realize that the beaters and pickers aren't armed but I would still think you'd want them with there full wits about them. Anyway JMO.
Jim

nialmac, sorry about the slow reply. More or less anyone can go beating on a shoot; just a matter of asking around and putting the word out. Most shoots I know are often short. I go to four different ones (advantage of semi-retirement) and could go to more if I had the time. I pick up with a couple of Chesapeakes; I think it's the dogs that are in demand, not me. All the shoots that I go to are in a radius of just a few miles - there must be 20 or so shoots within a radius of 20 miles of my home. Lagopus.....

Seems that others having a "wee nip" over there is something we may just have to accept. Likewise, having a "wee nip not" while over here is something our guests need to know and accept.

Well said Jim & Don.Both of you are correct in your opinions.
We are talking about two VERY different cultures.
Here in the British Isles drinking in moderation MAY be condoned, but drinking whilst shooting is certainly not encouraged.Should a person exhibit any unsafe conduct wether sober or under the influence of alcohol it will not be tolerated at all.I remember the Captain of the shoot ( the Boss) at Shottle in Lagopus land taking a speculative shot at a woodcock.The drive was immediately stopped by the keeper, the culprit was admonished, and given the choice, 'sleeve your gun, take your place in the beating line, or go home NOW' He chose to take a place in the beating line.He was respected by the beaters for not going home in a bad mood, and as far as I know has been impeccable in his safety ever since.
Rocketman,
It is a courtesy to respect your host's rules and I would hope that any of my Countrymen abide by your rules when in your Country.There is a time and place for everything and in my opinion guns and drink do not mix.