A Day in the Field: Shoot Day Reflections

Saturday morning arrives, and it’s another shoot day for us. That means a 5:30 am wake-up! Why so early?

A Day in the Field: Shoot Day Reflections

Saturday morning arrives, and it’s another shoot day for us. That means a 5:30 am wake-up! Why so early? Because the shoot we attend is an hour and a half drive away, and they like to have everyone gathered for an 8:30 am start. For us, the early start and long drive are worthwhile. The camaraderie among the team—gamekeepers, area managers, guns, beaters, and pickers-up—is unbeatable. Everyone chats and socialises together, creating a sense of community that makes these days special.

The shoot also hosts a variety of international visitors, adding a unique dynamic. In recent weeks, we’ve welcomed Danes, Canadians, and French visitors, all eager to experience an English shoot. Though it’s not the largest shoot, averaging a bag of around 60 birds each meet, it’s just the right size for us. Importantly, the shoot is welcoming to new guns, beaters, and young dogs still learning the ropes. It’s an inclusive environment, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of it.

The Team: Four Dogs, Four Roles

This week, our canine team comprised Flora, Adge, Seth, and young Griff, each contributing in their own way.

Flora: Our senior Labrador at 10 and a half years old, Flora is primarily a beating dog. However, she’s not averse to doing a little picking up when needed. Her experience and reliability make her an invaluable member of the team. She’s often requested to work off-lead, when others are kept on lead, a testament to her steadiness and skill.

Adge: At five years old, Adge is in his second season of picking up. He’s a bit of a slow starter and may never be the most exceptional picking-up dog, but his enthusiasm and growing confidence are heartwarming. Every outing sees him improve, and it’s wonderful to witness his progress.

Seth: Our four-year-old working Cocker Spaniel, Seth beats with my husband Mark and has matured into a reliable and focused worker. Like Flora, Seth’s skills and steadiness often see him working off-lead, a clear sign of his capabilities.

Griff: The youngest of the pack at just nine months old, Griff is still finding his place. While not yet a full-time team member, he’s getting valuable exposure. This week, Griff accompanied me for a couple of drives, with mixed but promising results.

Training in Action: Griff’s Learning Curve

Griff’s day started with a run to burn off some energy before his first drive. The initial excitement of the drive was heightened by the unexpected appearance of four deer sprinting across the field. This proved a bit too stimulating for Griff, but we managed to regain composure before the drive began. Recognising that he’s very movement-driven, I focused on calming techniques such as walking calming circles and increasing our distance from the action.

For the next drive, I aimed to position us in the woods, where Griff’s vision could be obscured and other scents might distract him. However, plans changed, and I adjusted accordingly. My husband, Mark, took over picking up with Flora, freeing me to find a quieter spot for Griff. We ended up in a field with fewer visual distractions and more space to work. This allowed me to concentrate fully on Griff, using calming circles and rewarding calm behaviour. By the end of the drive, Griff was lying down, watching and listening much more quietly.

At this stage of Griff’s training, my goal is not to associate gunfire with falling birds, as this will increase his excitement. Instead, once the drive concluded and the area cleared, we set up a controlled retrieve for Griff. Despite the commotion of other handlers and dogs nearby, Griff performed brilliantly. He ran straight out, hunted confidently, and delivered the bird to hand. It was a proud moment and a step forward in his journey.

Balancing Training and Progress

Introducing Griff to the shooting field is a gradual process. Ideally, he would only participate in one drive at a time to ensure he receives the attention he needs. and his excitement levels are kept under control. However, the structure of the shoot often pairs drives together, limiting access to the cars. For now, my priority is to focus entirely on Griff during his time in the field. Working another dog simultaneously would divide my attention, which isn’t fair to Griff at this stage. The process will take as long as it takes—there’s no rush.

Every shoot day reminds me why I love this lifestyle. The blend of teamwork, camaraderie, and the chance to watch our dogs grow and thrive in their roles is deeply rewarding. Griff’s progress may be incremental, but each small success brings immense satisfaction. The journey of training a young gundog is a marathon, not a sprint, and I’m enjoying every step of the way.