The Shoot

On a driven day, whether it be grouse, partridge or pheasant, you will be amazed at the number of people who are there to help make the day a success.

The head-keeper and his under keepers are the employees of the estate who have put in all the hard work to provide the day’s shooting. They are very much in charge, they know their ground and the best possible way to drive the birds. Generally, they will be controlling the beating line, so will be rarely seen. At the end of the day you will have the opportunity to congratulate the head keeper on providing a superb day’s sport.

The beaters, and there will be a few of them, are there to push the birds towards the waiting guns.  This is a skilled job that requires a lot of control from the keepers to ensure a steady stream of birds over the guns.

The picking-up team are there to retrieve the shot birds and despatch any found wounded.  The size of the shoot will dictate the number of pickers-up.  They will have under their control an assortment of different breeds of dogs and they love nothing better than to discuss the merits of their chosen breed!

Loaders are there to assist you, the gun.  They will carry your gun(s),and cartridges, show you to the peg on each drive and point out any safety issues.  During the drive, if shooting double guns, they will ensure the swift interchange of guns in a safe and practiced way.  At the end of each drive, they will collect all spent cartridges and carry your guns to the next drive. At the end of the day, they will clean your guns to a high standard.  You will then see your loader and this is the opportunity to thank him and pay his wage.

The host may either be the owner of the shoot or his agent.  It is his responsibility, together with the head keeper, to ensure the smooth running of the day.  He will give you the safety brief at the start of the day and pass on any rules of that particular estate.  This may include what you may or may not shoot, the number and type of drives, the meaning of any whistles and horns and finally the drawing of the pegs, which will determined where you stand for each drive.

Other members of staff include the game cart, typically retired shoot staff who collect and count the shot game.  The cook and staff are there to provide lunch.  Always a difficult task as they are never quite sure when the guns will turn up for lunch.  It is considered polite to thank them for their efforts and the feast they provide.