Simulated Game Shooting – A Clients Perspective

Simulated Game Shooting Review

Last week I took part in a simulated game day organised by Lady’s Wood Shooting School. This was my first simulated shooting day and I was not sure what to expect.

Breakfast at the Tiputts Inn

We met at the Tiputts Inn for breakfast, safety briefing and the all-important drawing of pegs. I paired with another gun slightly more experienced than myself but very friendly. After breakfast, we set off for the shoot at Chavenage in convoy. This is a large estate in Gloucestershire with a syndicate shoot during the season.

The first drive of the day was a simulated partridge drive to get everyone’s eye in for a day’s shooting. Guns were paired on each peg and had around 10 minutes shooting. Then a horn was sounded and the second gun took over. The gun not shooting loaded for the other gun allowing cartridges to pass through the barrels at quite a pace. The recommendation to bring gloves was certainly welcome as the gun got hotter and hotter!

After a quick drink, we moved onto the second drive – my personal favourite of the day. In a valley with a high volume of mixed partridge & pheasant we saw the pace increase from the first drive. The cartridges continued to fly through the guns. The fun increased due to the close proximity of the pegs. We were also able to poach clays within range if the adjacent gun was not quick enough! This was all part of the fun and we all shot around 100 cartridges from this stand.

Next up a break for elevenses with some bubbles, a selection of soft drinks and light snacks. Surprisingly hungry after the morning’s shoot, this was welcome and gave us all a chance to get to know each other a little better.

A short walk to the next drive took us to Lowsley Hill. The wind was up a little and the sun was starting to break through the clouds . The clays were moving enough to make the paths interesting and varied.

Final drive of the day

The final drive for the day was a little longer by car. This gave us all the extra of off-road driving through some challenging terrain. Pump House was an extreme high pheasant drive where birds were driven from a high sided valley over the awaiting guns. Without a doubt, the most challenging shooting of the day. It was thoroughly enjoyable and a real test for everyone to conclude the days shooting. After the drive, we had a rough count of the cartridges used and most had got through 400 to 500 in total. A little tired we all headed for lunch ad a well-deserved pint.

We enjoyed a two-course lunch at Titputts Inn which was a great way to end the day. With a choice of dishes I opted for the steak, chips and peppercorn sauce which was up there with the best sauces for me. Locally sourced beef from their own farm was a real treat.

Guest review by Andrew Webley, owner of the Smarter Web Company, who offer web design and online marketing to businesses of all size.

For more information on simulated game days provided by Lady’s Wood Shooting School please contact Chris on 01454 294546 or email chris@ladyswood.co.uk