Hi Folks,
In my last post, I mentioned going shooting. I do enjoy shooting, but appreciate that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. These days especially, there is a growing sensitivity about shooting live game, so I thought it might be a good idea to give Simulated Game Shooting a try.
As its name suggests, Simulated Game Shooting is very much like a traditional game shoot but you are shooting at clay pigeons instead of pheasants, or duck or grouse. This should make it more politically acceptable, although I wouldn’t be too surprised to find someone objecting to harming poor little clay pigeons. But whilst it may be a politically correct alternative, is Simulated Game Shooting actually any good?
Popularity of Shooting
I more or less grew up with shooting and so very much took it for granted. To me, it was a normal and very traditional activity. It may surprise you to learn that even in these more sensitive times, shooting is increasing in popularity. The last few years have seen a year on year increase in the number of shotgun certificate applications. Currently, there are around 1.5 Million shotguns registered in the UK. Of these, a significant number are owned by women. It used to be relatively rare to see a lady out on a shoot, now not so much. Moreover, many are very good shots, which I am sure irritates the life out of their male companions. There are also a surprising number of under 17’s who own a shotgun certificate. I think this is a good thing.
Young Guns learn about responsibility and safety
Getting into any sport at an early age is useful. You may think giving a teenager a gun is a bad idea but the process of obtaining a licence helps impress on youngsters the importance of discipline and safety which are paramount to the success of shooting. The police, courts and government over the years have said that it is in the interests of public safety that those that are being taught to shoot learn these habits at an early age. I believe anything that teaches youngsters safety and responsibility has to be a good thing.
The Value of Shooting
Shooting is an important revenue stream to many rural communities. A study carried out by Cambridge-based Public and Corporate Economic Consultants (PACEC) a few years ago highlighted the economic, environmental and social benefits of shooting in the UK.
Over 600,000 people go game shooting in the UK. Shooting contributes over £2 billion to the UK economy (GVA) as well as providing the equivalent of over 74,000 full-time jobs.
Environmentally, shooting is involved in the management of two-thirds of the rural land area. Shoot providers spend nearly £250 million a year on conservation. Shooters spend 3.9 million workdays on conservation – that’s the equivalent of 16,000 full-time jobs and two million hectares are actively managed for conservation as a result of shooting. (Click here for The Value of Shooting report in PDF format )
Shooting promotes conservation
What is a Game Shoot?
In a nut shell, game shooting involves the shooting of live quarry, usually Pheasant, Partridge, Grouse or Duck, over selected land. This may be driven shooting, where a team of beaters flush the birds to fly over a team of guns at a number of different locations. Or Walked Up, where the guns walk the land, flushing out their own quarry.
Walked Up Shooting gets you closer to the action
Driven days usually have from 8 to 10 guns and can range from being very formal to extremely informal. On a more formal day, the guns will be expected to dress the part and a tie should always be worn. On a less formal shoot, the dress code will be a little more relaxed. The proper shooting etiquette should always be followed. That may sound a bit stuffy, but as with a lot of traditional pastimes, it is taken very seriously. If you have been lucky enough to be invited on a shoot, you may never be invited back if you fail to maintain the required etiquette.
Driven Shooting
Shoot Etiquette
I am far from an expert in these matters. If you are really interested, I suggest you Click Here for the famous gun manufacturer, Purdy and Sons guide to shoot Etiquette.
Alternatively, here is my own guide that I try to follow:
- If you have been invited onto a shoot, always write a thank you letter to your host afterwards even if they say don’t bother. Strange as out may seem, the shooting fraternity still write actual letters.
- Don’t use your mobile phone whilst on the peg and throughout a drive. This is a rule that should be encouraged in all walks of life in my opinion.
- Don’t shoot another gun’s birds. It may be tempting, especially if they are having an off day, but it won’t make you popular.
- Thank everyone at the end of the day, especially the beaters, picker-uppers, chefs and anyone who has worked hard for your enjoyment.
- Enjoy watching other people shoot well and enjoy seeing other guns “In the shooting”. Following on from this, don’t get grumpy if you are not in the shooting. Your turn will come.
- Always be generous when tipping the Gamekeeper. These guys work extremely hard for you and don’t get paid that much. Your tips are an important part of their income.
Pick up your spent cartridges and avoid low birds. Very unsporting to shoot these.
I have to confess, I enjoy the pomp and ceremony that goes with a formal driven shoot. It takes me back to a more polite, past age, if only for a few hours. Plus, I think I look good in the old plus fours, deluded as I may be.
Simulated Game Shooting
As I mentioned, live quarry shooting is a becoming a bit of a sensitive topic and I suppose I can understand why. Personally, I have no issue with it. I like eating game and the days when 100’s of shot birds were dumped after a shoot are long gone. These days, anything that has been shot has to be handled correctly and is sold onto game dealers for processing for the table. An economic necessity if nothing else.
However, not everyone feels as I do, including my Bestie, Steve Wright. He and I have shot together many times, but he has decided to go Vegan and a Vegan shooting pheasant doesn’t really compute. He doesn’t want to stop shooting and I don’t want to lose the company of my chum when out shooting, so an alternative had to be found. And that, it appears is Simulated Game Shooting.
Hunting Scotland
Hence, I spoke to a gentleman called Bill Black who is responsible for a company called Hunting Scotland. Bill can arrange traditional game shooting or deer stalking amongst other things but has also started a very popular Simulated Game Shoot. Bill advised that whilst the shoot follows a similar format to a traditional driven game day, it would be very informal and of course Steve and I would be very welcome to participate.
Hunting Scotland
The shoot is located on the Hunting Scotland shooting ground near Stirling. It was a bit difficult to find the first time, despite detailed instructions from Bill. But, with only one or two wrong turns, we eventually found the place on a very soggy Sunday morning.
The Shoot Experience
I wasn’t sure what to expect and was a bit taken aback to discover there would be 23 of us shooting on the day. That seemed a lot of guns to me. After introducing us to our fellow guns, Bill explained how the day would work.
There would be 6 pegs, each with 4 guns. As the newbies, Steve and I would be a 3 gun peg, with the third gun being provided by one of Bills regular shooters. Bill had planned 4 “drives” for the day. Each drive would offer a different type of bird, to offer some variety. Each gun would get a go at shooting on each of the drives, with one of his fellow guns loading for him. Bill has the choice of dozens of different drives spread out over the shooting ground, but due to the really awful weather, we were to stay relatively central. This was to reduce the possibility of a car getting bogged down on the rapidly saturating ground. Sounded like a good idea, in my opinion.
On a typical 250 bird driven day, I might shoot off up to 100 cartridges. That’s not to say I shoot a 100 birds. I am not that good. However, on this particular Simulated Game Shoot, I must have shot closer to 300 cartridges. And I needed them all. It was great fun. I am not sure how many traps were in action, but there was a constant stream of clays overhead. Pairs, flushes, the odd high singleton. Fast, slower birds. Lots of variety but plenty of challenge.
The Conclusion
Both Steve and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves on the day. It was exciting, challenging, great fun and the day seemed to fly by. It was very wet, but I don’t think we noticed, so caught up were we. We certainly didn’t care about the weather. A wise man once said, “there is no such thing as bad weather just bad clothing”. I was wearing bad clothing. My shooting jacket was fine, but I had forgotten my waterproof trousers and had on a pair of jeans. I got soaked, Fortunately, I had a spare pair with me, having stayed overnight at a nearby hotel, so was able to change before the long drive home.
I will still go game shooting as and when the opportunity comes along, but I will definitely be back for more Simulated Game Shooting as will Steve. It was far better than I had expected and an awful lot cheaper than your average game shoot. We got a newbies discount, so the day cost us £75 each. This compares to several hundred to over a thousand pounds for a good game shoot. Even adding in the overnight accommodation it was a bargain.
I think I might even be able to persuade Wifey to come Simulated Game Shooting with me. Although, given what I said earlier about ladies often being really good shots, I am not certain that would be a good idea. May need to think that one through a bit more.
If you haven’t tried shooting, give it a go. I am sure Bill and his team would be delighted to accpommodate you and you may be surprised just how much fun it is.
Graham Wannabe 30th October 2019
Hearing about clay pigeon makes me tjink aboyt this simulated game! Well, good to know that yoy and Steve had enjoyed every moment of the shooting day. How do you cope with lots of shooting?
Steve had a nasty bruise on his arm afterwards (problem with his gun mount we need to fix). I had a bit of a sore shoulder but went for a lesson the next day just to add to the pain. I find a nice pint helps 😁
Okay Graham, there is a saying that says without pain, there is no gain. I believe that you are now a pro at shooting as you are a lover of it.
I wish. Still they also say practice makes perfect. I shall carry on practicing and we shall see 🙂
Graham, I believe in you since you love adventure. Awaiting more pictures about this shooting game next time
Just heard there is another shoot before Christmas. Watch this space 😁
Don’t use your mobile phone whilst on the peg and throughout a drive.. in simple words, no distractions…. nice one…
Exactly. Also good manners. Something in short supply these days.
Yea, cant imagine my cell off for any reason.
Go on, you can do it.
Shooting is one hobby I enjoyed as a child. Shooting birds of different kinds was my forte then but my busy schedule as an adult has taken all that away. Shooting is an enjoyable thing to do if you like it.
Glad you agree. There is a growing move in the UK to ban country sports. Ironically it seems to be people who live in the towns and cities that are the main opponents. They don’t like it so no one should do it. Hopefully, shooting is safe for a while yet.
Thanks for sharing this, Graham! You make it looks enjoyable and worth the time. I have been wanting to try shooting, but the price has always been the problem for me.
It can be expensive, that’s another reason why the simulated game is attractive. Nothing killed and it’s a lot cheaper than game shooting but every it as exciting.
It can be expensive, that’s another reason why the simulated game is attractive. Nothing killed and it’s a lot cheaper than game shooting but every bit as exciting.
It is worth noting the income generated. It might be seen as something not that much involved by many, but it does contribute to conservation and other sectors.
It is an important industry. Something the anti field sports often forget.
Hunting Scotland should be a great adventure for you, Graham. Do you have a shooting experience diary?
Used to keep a Game Diary. Thinking about it haven’t seen it for years. You have reminded me I must look it out and get it going again
What a reminder that is! Expecting your notes and expressions as you’re a keeper of diary. Lovely pics
A wise man once said, “there is no such thing as bad weather just bad clothing”. I was wearing bad clothing.
Putting on Jean ain’t that bad, was it? Apart from been soaked, what happened?
Jeans and pouring rain don’t go together well. It was also very uncomfortable. Cold, wet, clingy jeans are not pleasant.
Wow, 23 of u shooting on the day, that’s really competitive I most say. This will grow more anxiety and fear because you will be doubting your shooting skills. Happy it all when fun for you
It was really enjoyable and did my confidence no end of good. Seems I am better than I thought.
That’s the main reason they brought many shooters. Thank good you better than you thought. happy for you
👍
I have never heard of simulated game shooting before but it sounds like fun..nice one
Graham you have been a source of joy for me with you reasonable post because I gain a lot from them. I love shooting game. But if its to be real life shooting, 23 shooting a day is expensive men.
Thanks Jeff. Please carry on reading.
Thanks for that advise Graham. But my question now is, are you a sharp shooter?. I asked because you said will still go game shooting as and when the opportunity comes along, but I will definitely be back for more Simulated Game Shooting as will Steve.
Technology has gone pretty far nowadays. I really like that they made an alternative to the traditional game. This can help spread the traditional game shooting in different countries. Love the concept!
We don’t have game shooting where I come from, so this is all a bit new to me. I will say that I am not overly fond of shooting birds (because we have cruel children running around shooting down birds in our neighborhood using slingshots just for the lols to be had). But then taken in the context of (at least in your country where there are strict guidelines and etiquette to stick to, plus the attached research) this article then I guess it is reasonable.
I disagree with hunting, but shooting clay pigeons sounds fun and I’d like to try. Too bad that we don’t do it in my country.
Shooting is a good recreation for some. It is a good way of releasing stress and. good to exercise one’s aim.
I love how you say send them courtesy letters even if it is not a requirement. Manners are important!!! I feel sorry for those birds though. However who am I to argue about tradition? Each culture has it so I respect it.
No, its a good point and one I am increasingly struggling with. There is a recent study that suggests biodiversity increases where there is a managed shoot. Perhaps that has to be the justification.
“Very wet, but I don’t think we noticed, so caught up were we. We certainly didn’t care about the weather.” You wouldn’t care cause your focus was mostly on the targets. Cant afford to loose concentration. That’s more reason distractions aren’t allowed like your cell phones.
Exactly.
👌 am really happy some people still enjoy shooting exercise on like me…..
Your stories are always fascinating.. I would love to experience other places and culture like you..I’m jealous
I appreciate that we are very lucky. I hope you get to visit some wonderful places in the future 🤞
Shooting has its own values it add to individuals and community, shooting is an important revenue stream to many rural communities which they depend on here in my country. You have been a great researcher. How I wish I can be an explored researcher like you. Shooting game is one of !y be game so far.
Thanks for commenting 👍
Its cool seeing your reply, I really appreciate the acknowledgement. I will watch out for next informative post.
There is nothing wrong putting on Jean. Apart from being soaked, what happened next?
It sounds like you guys had fun despite the weather. The simulated shooting game sounded very exciting, and stress releaser..
Next day arranged for when I get home for Christmas and this one will be a family affair
Never thought that game shooting had a certain degree of etiquette attached to it. I mean, as opposed to actively hunting game in normal situations.
Haven’t handled a real gun in my life, so far, but a few years ago, one of my uncles who used to have an orchard showed me the shotgun he used to knock off durians from some of the trees he had. (I’m from Malaysia, by the way.)
If I ever decide to pick up a shotgun, I’d probably go with shooting clay pigeons, for starters. Some may say that shooting animals is inhumane, and I’d agree with them a little bit, but from what you’ve described, it’s a bit like archery in a way; an activity which trains one’s focus and improves one’s skill, with the added bonus of witnessing the target (in your case, pheasants and other live game) fall to the ground from a successful shot.
Personally, though, I’d consider a crossbow, simply because it’s a much quieter weapon than a shotgun. However, shooting targets with a shotgun does sound a bit intriguing, considering that gun laws are pretty strict in my country. And your description of both kinds of shooting (live game VS simulated) makes it sound like this might be quite an enjoyable activity; something good enough to let off some stress from a hard week at the office.
Durian! Pheww. We used to live in Jakarta in Indonesia and tried Durian. Now shooting them, that sounds like a better idea than eating them
Never thought that there was a certain degree of etiquette when it comes to shooting game. From what you’ve posted, shooting something (whether if it’s live game or clay pigeons) does seem like quite the stress-reliever, especially after a long week at the office.
Personally, though, I’d prefer using a crossbow to a shotgun, given that the former’s a bit more quieter. However, I wouldn’t mind a few rounds of simulated game shooting with a shotgun, if I do manage to get the chance.
never tried a crossbow. let me know if you do try it
Never thought that there was a certain degree of etiquette when it came to shooting live game. Sounds quite interesting, and I’m almost tempted to take up a shotgun myself and shoot some clay pigeons, if not for the fact that gun laws are pretty strict in my country.
Give it a go, I think you might enjoy it
This simulated shooting game looks interesting to me. After I read this article, I realized the value of shooting in UK.
Way to go Graham, yes I want to agree with you that Shooting is an important revenue stream to many rural communities just like in my country. It helps improve conservation.
I think I can all agree with the people here that thinks or at least raises an eyebrow when we here bird shooing? however, the further I read I can at least see its purpose. One it keeps the bird population in check, besides I think it is a seasonal thing so their numbers being too low will not be a problem? Two at least it is more refined now where each bird shot are given to proper people and sold perhaps? Meaning more meat in the market.
I need to catch a break from daily stress..the simulated game shooting may be an option
Simulated shooting will be a fun thing to do. I have done any clay pigeon before, So I will like to engage in this one.
It’s like normal clay pigeon shooting on steroids. Extreme clay shooting.
It’s like normal clay pigeon shooting on steroids. Extreme clay shooting.:)
Young Guns learn about responsibility and safety. This ain’t so in my side of the country as people don’t even have gun certification. Well, it keeps me in a state of coffee.
I once went shooting in Cyprus. Its totally unregulated there too. Was more like a battle than a shoot. I will stick to the UK in future
Cyprus! Wow….that is good to hear but can you compare the shooting there to Brazil?
I have never been to Brazil. Its on my list, so one day
I will love to try game shooting, this is one activity I never knew about but having knowledge of it now. I feel like playing it out now.
Do give it a go, it’s very enjoyable and quite exciting. Just arranged another day near Christmas. This shoot will be a family affair.
I enjoy watching other people shoot well and enjoy seeing other guns but I never tried shooting myself. Maybe because am scare of guns or afraid of missing too many targets 🙈
Shooting needs a serious and bold courage. If you are the weak type, I will advice you don’t go for shooting. As for me, shoot gaming has been my hobby. Stimulated shoot will be superb, go to it all.