SHOOTING SEASON ENDS

Last Saturday we had our last shoot day of the season, which officially ends on the 31st of January. Ours is a small local shoot, on a nearby ninety eight acre farm, involving a handful of eccentric Stoke Abbott residents. So much more fun than any big commercial shoot. Contrary to what our shoot captain thinks, we are not there for the numbers! It is all about being out in the countryside, shooting good birds, working the dogs (and children!) and enjoying the company. 


The days always end with a grand shoot lunch with guns and beaters around the table. The guns take turns providing the meal, although they actually have nothing to do with the event, except for pouring wine. The wives and girlfriends do all the work. We eat a hardy main course, usually some sort of stew, move on to a good stodgy pudding, ending of course, with cheese and port. Much wine, beer and cider is consumed. These lunches are brilliant fun and we miss them once the season ends!