I have regularly shot driven pheasant and partridge for over 40 years here in England. I have belonged to a syndicate on a small estate in Northamptonshire all that time, as well as a roving syndicate (taking four days a season on different estates) for 20 years, usually 200-250 bird days. We have not done any well known high bird shoots, but have had the privilege of shooting some drives where a combination of topography, weather and skillful presentation has shown us some high birds.
These high birds are challenging and satisfying to kill. However they are not the norm for our shooting and, I suspect, for the majority of regular life-long guns. We do not change our guns (all are traditional English side by side doubles) or our cartridges; we just shoot within our individual capabilities.
Should I be fortunate enough one day to be invited to shoot on a renowned high bird estate, short of buying new guns, I would have to change my cartridges to ones with larger shot and a larger charge. Since my guns are bored True and IC I would have to restrict myself to those birds that I consider to be within range of my guns and within my physical and ethical capability to kill. I might not contribute so much to the bag, but I would be hopeful not to have pricked any birds. And of course I would hope for the more important aspect of the day - a fine time with like minded folk, enjoying their company and some beautiful countryside, as well as a fine lunch!
Tim
