Six not-to-be-missed shooting opportunities

If you're looking for a new home for your roving syndicate this year, or your ususal venue can't accomodate you, or even if you fancy an extra day somewhere, these shoots could fit the bill. In recent weeks we have seen lots of shoots sharing availability that are usually booked up well in advance. These are some of the most exciting, hand-picked by Shoot Account Manager Digby Taylor.

 

Located on the edge of Exmoor, The North Molton Shoot is known for showing high pheasants. Blessed with vertiginous combes and goyles (valleys), carved out by the streams that spring from top of Exmoor, the topography is to die for. Higher up (there’s a 1000ft change of altitude between the low and high ground that the shoot occupies) there’s cracking partridge shooting to be had. The shooting is accompanied by full hospitality throughout the day, and accommodation is available at Heasley House or nearby hotels.

 

 

This private shooting estate was hewn from the Scottish hillside by the owner, who laid it out specifically for shooting with the help of GWCT. The process included the planting of 350,000 trees, miles of hedges and plenty of cover. Primarily used for the private entertainment of the owner’s friends, there are just a handful of days sold each year. Just 11 miles from Edinburgh, the shoot is easily accessible!

 

 

Run as a members club, this 7000 acre Hampshire estate is part of the Forest of Bere, an ancient Royal hunting forest, and there are a few days let each season to encourage new members to join. Variety is the order of the day, with rolling Hampshire downland, wetland and, of course, the ancient woodland offering plenty to challenge any gun.

 

 

The heather-clad mountain areas to the north of Flintshireplace are the setting for Soughton’s renowned driven pheasant and partridge shooting. The shoot covers 4,500 acres and has a reputation for showing some of the finest driven birds in the UK with hospitality to match.

 

 

This family shoot near Winchester makes use of woodland, ponds and elevated strips of game cover to lay on a wide variety of shooting, from driven and flighted ducks to fully fledged mixed driven days at an excellent price. Full hospitality is available, starting with bacon rolls in the morning and ending with a pint or a cuppa once the day is over.

VISIT NORTH BADDESLEY'S LISTING

 

Set in the spectacular Weald of Kent, Glassenbury’s broadleaf woodland, conifer forests and hidden valleys provide ideal terrain for showing challenging birds. No surprise, then that it is considered one of the leading shoots in the South East. Glassenbury is currently offering high quality driven and flighted duck over ground that has been home to shooting since the early 20th century or before. Converted from 17th century farm buildings, the Lodge provides a comfortable place to have lunch and also to relax at the end of the day, with all costs included in the price.

 

 

Glen Auldyn, in the north of IoM, is a spectacular wild, partly wooded glen. When the gale whistles down the valley the already testing pheasants, partridge and teal become spectacular, presenting a challenge for the most skillful teams. Walked-up days offer a different challenge, presenting truly wild shooting and a mixed bad that might include pheasants, duck, partridge, woodcock and rabbits. Driven days can be tailored to suit your requirements, and again, offer a good mixed bag of pheasants, partridge, ducks and other wildfowl. With accommodation, transfers and a “can do” attitude, this would make for a perfect shooting weekend venue for people who like their shooting rugged and truly testing!