Shoot Review: Stoke Edith, Herefordshire

On the morning of the 21st October, I made the short and pleasant journey from The Cotswolds to Herefordshire, where I was to meet my host, Mark Coleman, at his fabulous shoot; Stoke Edith. We met in the “Long Room” on the Estate, which has been done up beautifully, and maintains a consistent cosiness thanks to an incredibly inviting log fire. I met the team of guns I would be shooting with, and together we enjoyed a cup of coffee and a bacon sandwich before the first drive commenced; the perfect start to any day. We were given the shoot briefing and pulled pegs. Right from the start there was a very relaxed ambiance, and we were encouraged to “shoot what gives you pleasure” - a very personal but appropriate approach to any days shooting.

Making our way through the 4,000 acre estate, we drove through open deciduous woodland, thick coniferous woods and small interspersed arable fields, followed by a steep climb up the hillside which summited with stunning views out over the valleys below. Getting to the first drive, we were immediately thrown into the thick of it. Facing a large wooded hill with a game crop on the top approximately 400 meters away, the setting was breath-taking. The beaters were all prepared and in position for when the last gun was armed and ready to go. They pushed the wood up the hill with early birds breaking and heading directly for us, constantly climbing as they covered the significant distance. Such fantastic birds so early on from the lower “slopes” only provoked the question of what on earth were they going to be like by the end of the drive? I managed to connect with a couple of cracking pheasants early on, so spirits were high and off to a good start. With the gun line well spread, everyone had a fantastic selection of birds trickling over them from the word go, right up until the end whistle. The drive was seemingly endless, with the birds only getting higher and higher. I couldn’t resist a smile at the sheer quality of them, especially considering the time of season. I also got completely beaten on a couple of occasions, which only added to the adrenalin and thrill.

The second drive saw us double banked and a game crop up high in front, with the birds making brilliant sport for the gun line situated beyond the tall row of poplars behind me. I was enjoying picking some cracking birds to shoot, but also watching them making even better sport for my fellow guns way behind. The drive was made even more enjoyable by the occasional partridge ripping through to keep me on my toes.

With a fantastic morning under our belts, we stopped for elevenses which followed the theme of the consumption of game, which was great to see. Mark went that extra yard to ensure that what we were shooting, we were consuming. This is something that I believe a lot more shoots should make a concerted effort to do. From Fiery Grouse crisps, to game pie and venison sausages – they were all delicious, and one couldn’t help but acknowledge that surely this approach must be the logical way forward for all shoots across the country. It makes sense on all fronts; it promotes game; tastes splendid; and ensures the safeguard of our sport.

With two more top class drives after elevenses, where fantastic birds were matched by the stunning surrounding scenery, we were truly spoilt with our day out. Consistent high birds were the order of the day, and it certainly didn’t taper off. The last drive was in a classic grassed valley with steep banks either side. Pheasants were pinged off the top, challenging all of the guns down the line including myself; the wheels slightly came off, but it didn’t matter as I had many unforgettable bath time memories to reflect upon from earlier! Once again, sizeable coveys of partridge broke over the line mixing it up and offering great sport.

Before too long, we were back in the Long Room where we were greeted by the full works; a delicious 3 course meal, accompanied by lots of very good wine. The food was on par with the days shooting, and I honestly couldn’t have faulted a thing. Mark was a fantastic host from start to finish, and ensured the day ran smoothly throughout. Encouraging a team of individual guns to gel can be a hard task to tackle, but something that he certainly accomplished, and by the end of the day numbers were being swapped and new friends had been made. Credit must also go to his dedicated team of keepers and pickers up - the drive management was exceptional with all guns getting plenty of shooting on all drives.

If you are after an exceptional days sport in stunning scenery and a friendly environment, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with Mark Coleman, as there is limited availability on his two shoots; Stoke Edith and Glanusk.