Trying to find game

Tim working his dogs on some rough ground trying to find any strays...no joy on this occasion though

23rd Jan Shoot

With one week to go before another season ends our farm shoot worked it's socks off to find half a dozen cock birds, where have the hen birds gone? The published pics show, Tim and Tristan looking a little rough after spaniel attacks. The day's bag of six cock birds. 4 eager spaniels stuffed in a Jimny. One to die for chocolate cake......can I have some more!

Many miles were walked over sticky ground looking for any cover that looked likely to hold game. Unfortunately the farm have been a little too eager to trim hedge rows and rough ground so any birds were like gold dust although plenty of partridge were seen with one covey of around 30 spotted first thing. If we had 30 guns/beaters we might stand a chance of driving partridges but our attempts mostly fail unless we find a few in a hedge.

One last day to go before all goes quiet so we will see what the day brings then hopefully next seasons planning can start...I have a few idea's as I'm sure as others do as well.

Dad's Tree

The holly tree seen here is where my Dad's ashes were scattered. At least he has company with the ponies. Judging by the amount of deer slots around there must also be a good head of fallow nearby. Although when walking past one of the Forest Ranger's trucks a crimson red snow was under the rear tail gate, evidence of a fresh kill.

Sniff

Yes, Cody that is what you are supposed to be flushing out from the cover!

Today's bag, one large rabbit (now hanging for Mr Reynard). Five cock birds and three red leg partridge.

Hard Core Crew

Stephen, Shelly, Kevin, Tristan, Keith and myself were today's attendants on the farm shoot along with Macey and Amber, Tristan's springer's plus Cody, my cocker bitch.

Yes it was bloody cold when stood in the easterly wind but well worth the day as it is not often we have the white stuff which was powder snow on the fields.

Keith provided the hot food including baked potatoes and sausages which warmed the stomach.

Ice Pond

Another video of the dogs, instead of swimming in the pond it's a case of trying to run on the ice. (The pond is only less than a foot deep so there was no safety issue's).

Going to be a hard cold week leading up to this Saturday's shoot. We should also be out after the fox's one evening this week, we update in due course if there is anything worth reporting about.