We had that splendid day which I had anticipated!
The weather was cold and overcast, only a slight breeze and the pressure was high. As we drove through the morning mist we were concerned that the birds wouldn't fly well in those conditions. We need not have worried.
We had five drives in total, two before elevenses, one prior to lunch and two thereafter. The bag was 152 pheasant with 5 partridge for extras. We saw some good high, shootable birds, by which I mean 35-45 yards. None of those archangels that are all the rage and which require different gunnery to our traditional fare. In the line we had a Beesley, two Grants, a Clarke, an Army & Navy, a Lang, a Webley 700 and a Beretta 20 bore SxS (my sister). Most of us were using UK No 6 shot with 30 gms.
Also as anticipated, we were royally looked after by our hosts with a delicious lunch, refreshing elevenses and finishing off with tea and cake. More importantly, we all enjoyed being with each other, being outside in the fresh air and having a great time as a team. We chatted to the keeper and the beaters; they too had an enjoyable time, they liked our shooting and the fact that we left enough birds for them to enjoy their beaters shoot day next week.
We are lucky and fortunate in our sport. The anticipation has now given way to mellow reflection. Yet I continue to replay parts of the day in my mind as I go about my daily chores. They will have to nourish me until the start of the next season - which I am already anticipating!
Tim
Loading the trusty Explorer, with the anticipation rising
The start of the first drive, the anticipation still there
Elevenses
The team
