been asked to go on a shoot as a beater (????????) on Friday - have some idea what to expect but dont want to look like a fish out of water

what should i expect and what will be involved

and NO

i am not taking Ruby

lol!! you will need - wellies or walking boots with gaiters. Wax leggings if you can get them (protection from brambles, barbed wire, water) and a waterproof coat.
If you can get a stick as well, though you may be given a flag.

general idea - a group of beaters walk in line through woods/fields/cover pushing the birds forwards with tapping noises. it is VERY important to stay in line, so KEEP LOOKING LEFT AND RIGHT! if you get ahead, stop and wait.

without going into too much detail, there will be a row of guns at what is called the flushing point, where u make all the birds fly to then get shot by guns

now, all of it depends on what type of shoot u will be going on, be it partridge or pheasant, a casual affair or a commercial shoot. Some are very relaxed and haphazard, others are very organized.

the most important thing to do is LISTEN to the gamekeeper/underkeepers intructions, and follow. if you dont know what he means - ask

you will have a fab time, i have loved every minute of it!! ask the g/k to get someone to "look after you" just to explain things as u go along.

enjoy!!!

High heels and a bikini and of course a wooly hat, oh and one of those quacker tooty things

What to expect - laugh all day and get cold and wet We're out on Friday as well and the weather forecast is atrocious. We're also out Saturday, when it is supposed to rain....again!

Just follow Sarah's advice and you will be fine.

Helen

I am just wondering if your Springy(s) is/are going too and whether they will be reading this advice...i would love to take Scully out to do what she was bred to do, but just cannot bear the idea of shooting birds or any creature for sport ( not meant as in any way criticism...each to their own...would be fun to hear how you got on!!

Have a great time and has been mentioned...let us know how you get on We have some contacts for a local shoot and hope soon or next season to have a go too. Now I wonder if you should take the camera ? Be interesting to see how you get on dressed "ala Fudds"

Steve

If you see one of these pointing at you duck

and this is why some people go beating and some never get asked!

now i am super scared

aaaw why dont be its great fun!!! u must know someone there to be asked to go along, so just get them to introduce u etc!!

it is a fantastic day and an eye opener to the real world of working gundogs and what they are bred for.!!

we want a full report!

oh, and like helen i'm out fri and sat, then last day on 1st for beaters day - where i get let loose with a shotgun!!!!!!!!!!!!

The best advice I ever had when I was young and stating out beating was "keep you mouth shut and your ears open".

It's far more relaxed these days but it is still good advice. The gamekeeper relies on the beaters to do as he says quietly and efficiently and at the end of the day it his job that hangs on getting the birds over the guns.

That doesn't mean you don't have a good time though The camerarderie and humour has to be experienced and you will love it

One thing though. When the gamekeeper shouts at the top of his voice "whose bl***y dog is that too far out" do not own up if it is yours. Just try to merge into the background if it is yours.

You'll have a great time. Enjoy it.

Steve

Mugi and I have done the last two days beating, out again Fri then Mon, Wed, Thurs and Fri next week!!!!

Apart from the advice you have been given - check what the situation is re food and drink. My shoot provides tea, coffee, water, port and a hot lunch meal but on many you need to take yourself food. Don't under-estimate how much you will want to eat either.

Final word of advice, IT IS ADDICTIVE so plan for next season now .

Sounds all so interesting...wish you a great time and look forward to your report...and since you haven't got a dog or a gun to look after, maybe it's allowed to shoot a few photos???

I'm guessing but: don't wear red and don't wear anything with feathers!! and don't let off any distress flares