News

Ripley Sporting News

By Frank Boddy 21 Feb, 2024

20th February 2024

NEWSLETTER No. 1 : 2024–2025 SEASON  

Our 2023-2024 Season

Every season is different and we have just completed a season which can only be described as exceptional in many ways.

So why was last season such a success?

In the Spring and Summer of 2023, the weather was very kind to us and gave excellent rearing conditions. We always aim to rear athletes and in order to achieve this our chicks must be fed on the best possible diet available from day one. We certainly achieved this by changing our game feed pellet supplier to A1 Feeds of Dishforth, North Yorkshire. Both our partridge and French Common Ring Neck strain of pheasant chicks grew really well from day old chicks. At one time we thought they were young turkeys!!

With little disease and few losses from day old we kept our pheasant poults in the rearing pens until 8 weeks and partridge poults until 14 weeks old. In the past we have found less predation on well grown poults from raptors if kept on the rearing field for at least this length of time.

Once taken off game pellets our birds are given a diet of 40% split maize and 60% wheat for the remainder of the season.

The weather in September and early October proved to be far too hot and still. At times it was unbearable and we were actually out shooting on the hottest day on record. However, due to their excellent condition, this did not seem to affect our partridge who performed particularly well considering these conditions. We also knew the same would apply to our pheasants as they showed what they would be like later in the season when driven with the partridge in September.

Then in mid-October the rain started and has hardly stopped ever since and we are now in February! I cannot remember a day when the ground was dry. Although these unwelcome conditions persisted, our well fed athletes performed exceptionally well even when wet through. Considering we released the same number of poults as normal there was certainly no shortage of birds throughout the whole season.

So why did our birds grow and hold so well?

Our shoot area is best described as rolling, mainly arable countryside with woodlands and wild bird cover positioned to produce challenging but not impossible birds. Included in our area of 4,500 acres, last season there was in excess of 450 acres of feed maize, mostly in very large blocks which were impossible to drive.  

In addition to this feed maize we had our own 250+ acres of wild bird cover which also included maize, plus our extensive areas of woodland. These areas offered excellent dry cover for our birds.  

Feed maize is normally harvested by early to mid-October at the latest. However, due to the waterlogged conditions many areas were inaccessible to any kind of harvester. The outcome was that much of the maize was still standing in late November.

Although we were unable to drive a number of our main drives the birds did not wander as is normal in mild Autumn weather when there is an abundance of natural food. They just stayed put!

Callum and his team did an excellent job of ensuring all our birds had sufficient feed. However, I feel these conditions and the large areas of dry cover available to our birds played a major part in our being able to hold and still hold an increased number of birds.

Given these consistently wet conditions which prevailed on many of our shoot days. Our guns and particularly our Keepers, Beaters and Pickers Up coped really well. We never actually lost a day although on some days we included less drives with the day finishing early but we always achieved the target bag.

I thank everyone for their resilience in these unwelcome conditions.

Although we try you cannot control “Mother Nature” and we must accept and learn to live with everything she throws at us. All in all, we have experienced one of the best if not the best ever season in my 34 years of running Shoots.

I am not sure if I want a repeat of these tiresome conditions in our new season. May be a little less rain would be appreciated!!

Considering we still have a large number of birds on the ground, the following are our returns for last season compared to to previous seasons.

Please contact us for these figures. 

Our New 2024-2025 Season

Last season is going to take some beating but I can assure you all we will be doing our absolute best to achieve this.

Due to Covid and Bird Flu and all the problems these events have caused it has been very difficult to accurately cost our shoot days. Fortunately, the costs have now levelled out.

I have identified areas where some costs have actually reduced and have passed these savings onto our Members, by offering a 7% discount based on last season shoot fees to everyone who books days before 30th April 2024.

All shoots should have made similar savings so overall shoot fees throughout our industry should be reduced in the new season.

We propose releasing a similar number of birds to last season with approximately 50% pheasants and 50% partridge plus a few English partridge. However, due to farmers possibly only being able to sow feed maize in the areas still waterlogged once they have dried out. It is highly likely we will be faced with a repeat of last season’s large blocks of feed maize. If by some miracle it is harvested in good time, we should be fine.

As miracles do not happen, we may be again faced with some main drives being inaccessible until December and January. However, our birds will have plenty of cover and should hold.

An Additional mule

As some of our Members are getting older but may not like to admit it!! Walking to the pegs can prove difficult. So, in addition to the all-terrain Kawasaki Mule which pulls the game cart and is also used to transport guns to their pegs. I have purchased an additional Kawaski Mule with four seats not just two. I plan to have this available each day to take guns to their pegs.

Unfortunately, delivery is quoted as between 2 to 12 months.   I do hope it arrives before our season starts.!!

I am planning a number of further improvements in the new season and will keep you advised of our progress throughout the closed season.

The Lead Shot Saga Continues

As you are no doubt aware we are awaiting a report, or best described as a directive, from The Health and Safety Executive HSE, as to the future use of lead in all forms of shot for cartridges and in ammunition used in the UK. So far, all indications are that the use of lead except in air rifles will be made illegal within the next five to six years or possibly sooner.

Should common sense prevail, it should be at least this period of time in order to give manufacturers time to be able to produce the variety and volume of product available to satisfy the market demand. Sadly common sense does not normally prevail so we must wait and see. I am not sure if this is good or bad news but HSE have requested additional time for their consultation.

What does not seem to be public knowledge here in the UK is that according to our Game Dealer, lead and other so called toxic substances in all meat and food may be banned in Europe during 2024.

Considering that approximately 70% of game shot in the UK is exported to Europe frozen in feather, may have some bearing on how the UK proceeds with a ban on the use of lead. As normal nothing is clear as to how we stand on this.

Our Shoot has been lead free for the last two seasons. Last season our Game Dealer took 70% of the birds we shot and paid for every bird. Of the remaining 30% of birds, 18% were given away and 12% were too damaged to enter the food chain so were incinerated.

Our dealer has recently advised that due to all our birds being lead free together with their consistently good size and quality. He is in the process of negotiating a contract which will guarantee not only a market for our birds but also that we will receive a significant increase in the price we receive. The Veterinary Audit of our Shoot under Trusted Game has assisted with this contract.

As I have always said if we can create a market demand larger than the supply, this will go a long way towards saving the sport of driven game shooting.

As a foot note. During our last season it is worth mentioning that more and more guns moved voluntarily to using non lead shot.  

In order to be certain, I checked with any new guns that they had suitable non lead cartridges with no plastic wads. I was surprised by the number who told me they had already changed to non lead, many some time ago. This may be an indication on the direction we are heading.

Available Days and Shoot Fees

I would like to thank everyone who has already made a booking for the new season. So far 50% of our days have been taken. So there are still a good variety of days to choose from in the remaining 50%.

I am pleased to attach a list of our Available Days and do hope there is something workable for you.

As advised, I have been able to reduce our shoot fees compared to last season, by giving a 7% early booking discount for all bookings made by 30th April.

I also appreciate selecting your days so far ahead can be difficult. So, if you book just two pegs or more before 30th April you will receive the 7% discount on all days booked after 30th April.

I am also the first to appreciate when things are tight as they are at present there is always the temptation to cut corners in order to reduce costs. I can assure you all that this will certainly not happen on The Mountgarret Shoot.

Although I have identified where savings can be made this will in no way affect the quality of the shoot days you have become accustomed to and particularly the quality of our birds and hospitality.

An Amusing Episode at the End of Last Season

I gave up actual shooting three seasons ago in order to concentrate on picking up and assisting on our shoot days.

Some may call it disrupting the day, however this has gone really well!!

As I was so fed up with the abundance of cock pheasants we had at the end of last season I decided to take my gun out and stand as a back gun. My first drive went quite well with 4 cocks and 2 wounded partridges accounted for with 12 shots!

However, my second drive was not so good, 3 cocks and sadly 1 hen. I was already thinking about asking our guns to shoot cocks only. I now realise it can be difficult to tell the difference between a cock and a hen when they are coming straight towards you. By the time you identify what it is, it is too late. So, I decided against this request.

My day did not end there. I was stood next to one of our Pickers Up, Malcolm. A cock came over and I thought I had hit it and so did Malcolm but we saw nothing fall. The bird had flown on and then flew back toward us and then dropped on Malcolm. Luckily, he was fine but I decided it may be safer for everyone if I left my guns in the cabinet!!

So, What Will the New 2024-2025 Season Bring?

Unfortunately, as a possible change of Government seems likely. We must be prepared to face more unwelcome challenges for our sport.

How long we will be able to enjoy our sport as we know it, no one knows. So more the reason to enjoy it whilst we can. All I can say is that The Mountgarret Shoot will always offer a “Proper Days Driven Shooting” for as long as we can.

By Frank Boddy 09 Jan, 2024

21st December 2023

NEWSLETTER No. 8 : 2023–2024 SEASON

With only 24 shoot days remaining we are fast approaching the end of what has been a really successful season, possibly our best ever.

We achieved excellent returns from our rearing field. Due mainly to the hard work by our Head Keeper Callum McIntosh and his team. Also due to working closely with our Vets under the Trusted Game Audit Scheme. Compared to previous seasons we administered a reduced amount of antibiotics which certainly helped in producing some very fit and healthy poults. The quality of our poults has given us some very exciting sport this season.

The run up to the season was not without its problems. Due to the very dry conditions during the growing season, there were times when I wondered if we would have any wild bird cover. As it transpired my concerns were unnecessary as once we had some rain everything grew really well.

 s always with any field sport our success is dictated by our wonderful climate. We started the season with some hot, sunny and still days. Just what you don’t want on a shoot day ! However, due to the quality of our birds they flew exceptionally well.

Since mid-October we have been faced with possibly the most exceptional wet weather I have ever known. Although challenging for everyone, Guns, beaters, pickers up and most of all our birds we have come through well so far.

Our move to non lead shot continues to prove to be a great success. Most guns by the end of last season commented that they experienced little difference between lead and non lead.

The real success has been with our game dealer as he now has customers queuing up for our game.

As a sport if we can only create a market larger than the supply it may well save our sport. Europe is going non lead in 2024 and as 70% of the birds shot in the UK are exported to Europe, mainly in feather. Most game dealers will only be taking game shot with non lead next season.

Shoot Fees : New Season 2024-2025

We will field 200, 250, 300 and 350 bird days, with Clear Up Days at the end of our season with bags of 175 birds. On our 350 bird days we will include the Lake at Ripley Castle for some testing duck.

I estimate our target bag for the new season will average 260 birds per day.

As my current costings are showing a small reduction in our overheads compared to the present season. I have decided rather than an overall reduction in shoot fees. In appreciation to those of you who book your days early and pay promptly. All bookings made before 30th April 2024 will receive a discount of 7% on our current shoot fees for all days booked before this date . Providing your initial 30% shoot fee is paid before 31st May 2024. With other instalments paid on time.

This gives an average saving of £125 to £150 per gun per day compared to the current season.

Another change I am making, in order to become an Exclusive Member of The Mountgarret Shoot, you now need only book one gun day to be eligible for all Exclusive Membership benefits including Special Offers which will inevitably be available as the season progresses.

Payment Terms are as in the past:   1st February 30%       1st May 40%       1st August 30%

Shoot Day Information  : 2024-2025

I am pleased to attach our Shoot Day Information for the New Season. It details what I hope will happen on a shoot day and answers many frequently asked questions.

Shoot Dates and Costs : 2024-2025

Finally I am pleased to attach details of our Available Shoot Dates together with the cost of a gun on each day including vat.

As always, I really do thank you all for the support you give to The Mountgarret Shoot and look forward to having you with us again in the New Season.

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and hopefully a Prosperous New Year.

By Frank Boddy 18 Oct, 2023

10th October 2023

NEWSLETTER No. 7 : 2023–2024 SEASON

Over the 34 years I have been running shoots once the new season starts, I am always a little apprehensive and concerned that our fat young partridge and pheasants will actually fly on our early days!

I am pleased to report that although the very warm sunny weather was against us for most of September. Our partridge did not let us down and flew magnificently. As for the pheasant, these young birds really showed us what we can expect to experience during the season.

This season I changed our feed supplier which has proved to be a great success. The chicks/poults ate less and thanks to our Vet through the Trusted Game Scheme we used less antibiotics than in the past. The results are that we had fewer losses on our rearing field compared to precious seasons and the birds have survived well since being released due to their excellent condition.

I know we have much to look forward to with plenty of fit and testing birds.

EXCLUSIVE MEMBERS SHOOT DAYS and SPECIAL OFFERS

In the past you have been required to take £2,500 value of days before vat to be eligible for Exclusive Membership. This season all you have needed to do is to take one day to become an Exclusive Member.

There are a number of other benefits for Exclusive Members but the main benefit is the availability of Special Offer Days.

When I entered into the world of driven game shooting, I hate to say this, but now 57 years ago, most Estates kept their shooting in hand so there was little opportunity to experience the real quality of driven game shooting I was looking for. As always if you persevere opportunities do happen. I said to myself then that if I ever had my own shoot, it would be open to individual guns who like myself at that time was looking for quality driven game shooting.

Over the years I have been supported by both full teams, small parties and individual guns, which I really appreciate. The quality of shooting is a very important part of the day and I know we can provide this. However, may be as I get older, I find the company of like-minded friends from all walks of life is just as important.

Hospitality is also important and find by starting our shoot days with breakfast is a real ice breaker and everyone has the opportunity to meet each other before the day starts. Refreshments throughout the day are well received as is our lunch at the end of the day. The Inn at South Stainley who have been our caterers for the last two seasons have brought their quality to a new level this season.

In the past I have been very fortunate and have visited more shoots than I wish to confess to. During this this time I have experienced what I feel are both the good and bad points of a driven shoot day.

On Mountgarret I have tried to plan our days as to what I would expect if I were in the line of guns each day. The outcome of the way I run the shoot. Mainly to individual guns and small parties is that there are some days when not all the guns are taken.

I have tried running days with as little as six guns but it is hard for our Keepers to funnel the birds over such a short line. 8 or 9 guns are far easier.

Faced with this problem I have asked myself what is the best way to fill the pegs on these few remaining days. The answer it to sell the remaining guns at a discount. This is fine but as a true Yorkshireman if I am giving something away it must be to everyone who has already supported the Shoot.

I am delighted all our October days are now taken. So in order for you to plan your season. I have decided to offer all our remaining November days through to and including 9th December as a Special Offer .

For Mountgarret Shoot Exclusive Members

In appreciation for all your support I am pleased to offer to all our Exclusive Members a 40% discount.

For GunsOnPegs Premium Members

GunsOnPegs have been great supporters of my Shoot since they were established. So I am pleased to  offer GunsOnPegs Premium Members a 30% discount .

For everyone else on my mailing list who has shown an interest in the Shoot I offer a 20% discount .

There are now just 11% of our original days remaining as detailed on the attached list of Available Days. I would like to move these as soon as possible so I can get on with the job of running the Shoot

I do hope there is something to suit you. So don’t hold back and please take as many days as you wish.

Looking forward to seeing you in the season.

By Frank Boddy 02 Aug, 2023

1st August 2023

NEWSLETTER No. 5 : 2023–2024 SEASON

I am pleased to advise that with only six weeks to our first shoot day, everything is now in place for hopefully another successful season!

We have had a very successful rearing field with most of our pheasants now released. Once the harvest is complete, we will be releasing our French and English partridge.

With no rain for eight weeks. In early July I was becoming very concerned regarding the very sad state of our Wild Bird Cover. I had forgotten we are in North Yorkshire where it always eventually rains. Sure enough the constant rain mid July soon solved the problem and all our corps are now growing well.   All now looks very promising for the new season.

However not all is looking bright and beautiful for the future of driven shooting. No sooner did we get over the tragedy of Covid. We were faced with and are still faced with the problems associated with possible further Avian Flu outbreaks This devastating disease looks like being with us for the foreseeable future.

If all this were not bad enough. Possibly due to a small number of people in Government positions both elected and employed who do not approve of our Sport, a number of restrictions are possibly on the way.

In Scotland there are moves to license grouse shooting, In Wales shooting has been banned on Government owned land and there is a move in the Welsh Parliament to prohibit the release of pheasant and red legged partridge throughout the whole of Wales other than under license.

In England as a precaution against Avian Flu being transmitted from game birds to other wild birds. Natural England have decided that in areas on and 500 metres from an SPA (Special Protected Area) such as Moorlands, some Riverbanks and Coastal Estuaries. For the next two years a license is required from Natural England to be able to release pheasant and red legged partridge on these areas.  As far as I am aware there are no scientific grounds for this somewhat draconian measure.

This legislation was brought in with zero notice and without consultation. I am hearing that not all the 200 shoots affected have been granted a license to release. I understand, even some of those who have been granted a license have been restricted to not releasing before 30th September. Many shoots and game farmers are unable to hold their birds penned up until September. So there is an obvious welfare problem for the birds.   Sadly, some Shoots may close and keepers lose their jobs.  Which as we all know is something some in authority want to happen!

So what is next? Particularly if we have a change of Government next year. When I meet shooting friends of my generation the topic of conversation is often around the future of our sport. Sadly, the consensus is that we have seen the best days of driven shooting. I really do hope that this is not the case. However, as always, we must be prepared to face whatever the future has in store for us. Our shooting may be restricted in a number of ways but a day out in our beautiful countryside with like-minded friends cannot be taken away from us. We hope !!

With all this looming over us possibly now is the time to enjoy driven shooting as we know it, whilst you can! With this in mind the good news is that there is a large variety of excellent driven shooting available throughout the country at the present time.

As an individual gun or small party in the past availability has been restricted due to most shoots selling days only to full teams. Fortunately, this has changed with much more availability for individual guns. When I took up serious driven game shooting over 50 years ago. All the best driven shooting was held in hand by estates. Shooting partridge other than English was frowned upon and no pheasant were shot before November. Thank goodness things have changed!

With this large variety of driven shooting at present being available, I have detailed what I would hope to expect if I were in the line of guns on a driven game shoot in the 2023-2024 Season.

  • With recent significant increases in the overall cost of running a Shoot. The cost of your shoot day should be competitively priced compared to other similar Shoots.
  • Testimonials on the experiences of other guns are available on shoot websites and from GunsOnPegs. These give a good guide as to what you can expect on a particular shoot.
  • For a Shoot to be situated in beautiful rolling countryside with a good variety of testing drives. There is nothing more boring as every drive being the same.
  • For a Shoot to offer individual guns as well as full teams. 
  • For a Shoot where non shooting guests are welcome just to enjoy the day.
  •   For a Shoot where Lady and Novice guns are welcome. 
  • The size of bag is up to each individual. Some guns wish to shoot 500 to 1,000 birds in a day. To me it is unacceptable to shoot this number of birds in a day. It only fuels the fire for those who are against our sport. I find most sporting driven guns are looking for bags of around 200 to 350 at the most. With 250 to 300 being quite sufficient for most guns.
  • Only non lead cartridges with degradable wads should be used. This ensures every bird you shoot enters the food chain and you do not pollute the land and water with plastic wads.
  • For a Shoot to be clear on its “overage” policy. Preferably no overage charged over the agreed target bag. Similarly the Shoot’s policy with regard to cancelled days due to bad weather or if the number of birds under the bag is achieved.
  • For a Shoot which aims at around 10% over the target bag with no overage charged. 
  • For a Shoot to be hosted in a relaxed no rush manner, in order that everyone has an enjoyable day.
  • To start the day with breakfast where everyone has the opportunity to meet the other guns.
  • To be given a shoot card at the start of the day with the name of each gun.
  •  For a detailed briefing by the Shoot Host over breakfast so everyone knows what to expect and what is expected of them. 
  • To shoot with a convivial team of like-minded people assisted by a polite and happy team of experienced keepers, beaters and pickers up.
  • Not to have to walk too far to each drive. If walking is difficult, for a rough terrain vehicle to be available to take you to your peg.
  • For transport available to drive you around the Shoot if you do not wish to use your own vehicle.
  • Instructor/loaders and shot gun hire all being available.
  • For each drive to be pegged and stands clearly numbered.
  • For well grown fit pheasant and partridge to show on every drive up to the end of the season in January. Possibly with a few English grey partridge.
  • To be presented with challenging but not impossible birds, spread over the whole line of guns on each drive.
  • For the number of birds presented to the guns to be in sufficient quantity for the guns to be able to be selective in order to achieve the target bag.
  • Once on your peg not to have to wait for ages for the birds to show. A mix of partridge with pheasant achieves this.
  • It should be accepted that duck and/or geese may fly over any line of guns on any Shoot but the guns should have the option of whether or not they wish to shoot them.
  • A duck drive should be available for those guns who wish to shoot them and no day should be dominated by duck and/or geese.
  • No woodcock, snipe or ground game should be shot.
  • To have fellow guns who exercise a degree of etiquette by being selective and respecting their neighbours’ birds.
  • To have your spent cartridges collected at the end of each drive. When you hopefully leave them in a tidy pile!
  • For guns to be welcome to bring their dogs providing they are pegged and not picking up during a drive.
  • To have plenty of time to work your dogs at the end of each drive without your birds already being vacuumed up by the pickers up and not being rushed to move to the next drive.
  • To experience a full days shooting with four to five drives.
  •  To have refreshments available throughout the day with any alcohol taken in moderation, together with soft drinks, tea and coffee, after each drive. With pie and soup at midday. The day should end with a tasty lunch specially prepared for the team, in a private Lodge or similar accompanied by a delicious wine, not cheap plonk.
  •  A debrief of the day given over lunch by the Host together with a card detailing the bag for the day.
  • In order to support The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), Countryside Alliance (CA), Gamekeepers Welfare Trust (GWT), Country Food Trust (CFT) and other organisations connected to our sport. To hold an optional sweepstake with prizes on the bag from the day.
  • At the end of the day to look after the Keepers and receive a pack of dressed pheasant or partridge crowns chilled and ready to cook or for the freezer. With further birds in feather being available if required at no additional cost.
  • It is also very important to have a choice of competitively priced comfortable hotels and accommodation near to the Shoot to reduce the time spent driving to and from a shoot day. For the hotels to be prepared to accommodate dogs and have secure storage for your shotguns.
  • There are many other aspects of a shoot day but if a shoot can achieve these, I am sure everyone will go away happy.

So where can you find this “Proper Driven Shoot Day.” You need look no further than

  THE MOUNTGARRET SHOOT !!

After 34 years of running Driven Game Shoots, the above details what we set out to achieve.

Every Shoot Day is its own Special Day. However there are three elements which can make this a challenge. Our unpredictable weather, wild creatures and humans. So some days can certainly be better than others !!

Included with this Newsletter No. 5 is the following information which you may find of interest. For hard copies please contact Lynda on 01423 323321 or e-mail info@mountgarretshoot.co.uk

Revised Shoot Day Information 2023-2024 Season

Although our Shoot is described in detail on our website www.mountgarretshoot.com.   This Shoot Day Information gives you a brief outline of our Shoot. There have been a number of changes for the new season.

Directions to our Shoot Lodge

This map gives you the directions you require. Hopefully, this will avoid your becoming lost!!

Hotels, Accommodation and Restaurants    

Being close the Spa Town of Harrogate we are spoilt for choice in Hotels and Restaurants. We also have The Inn at South Stainley only 5 minutes from our Shoot Lodge. The Inn also provides the catering for our breakfast and lunches in our Shoot Lodge.

We have compiled a comprehensive list of 26 hotels and 10 restaurants, close to the Shoot, so you have plenty to choose from.

Order Form for Non lead Cartridges

Last season we moved to non lead only shot. This gave us a ready market for our game which we plan to build on in the new season. Initially there was some resistance to change by some Members. By the season end everyone told me following a brief adjustment from lead they found little or no difference.

We are not cartridge dealers and offer a good selection of Steel, Bismuth and alternative shot to our shoot Members. All as detailed on the attached order form with all cartridges available from stock.

If you could return your order form, your cartridges will be ready for you on your day.

Dressed Game Order Form

Our game dealer, Ox Close Fine Foods offers an extensive range of game products ready for the oven or the freezer. These products can be pre ordered for collection on a shoot day or posted direct to you. All orders and payment must be made direct to Ox Close Fine Foods. Contact Nick Lister on 07572 037428 or e-mail Sales@oxclosefinefoods.co.uk

Shoot Calendar and Last Minute Check List

The Calendar helps you plan your season and Check List ensures you don’t forget the many important items you require on a shoot day.

List of Available Days

We have experienced an encouraging take up of days with around 20% still available. The list has changed considerably over the last few weeks with a number of new dates coming available.

I hope there will be something workable for you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Looking forward to seeing you in the New Season in “Gods Own Country,” our beautiful North Yorkshire countryside. 

By Frank Boddy 02 Aug, 2023

20th June 2023

NEWSLETTER No. 4 : 2023–2024 SEASON

You will have no doubt heard or read regarding the recent directive from Defra and Natural England here in England. Together with the Welsh Government’s proposals on possible licensing of Shoots.

In Wales Natural Resources Wales (NRW), a supposedly arms-length advisory body to the Welsh Government issued a 12 week consultation on 27th March outlining its intention to add pheasant and red legged partridge to the schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, thus putting them on par with invasive non-native species.

The proposals laid out by NRW risk amounting to a ban on the release of game birds through the back door. They would require a General License to release game birds and a specific license to release them within 500 metres of protected sites such as SSSIs. Releasing game birds without the necessary licences would become an offence in Wales.

The system would mean that it would only be possible to release game birds subject to the goodwill and co-operation of the Minister and NRW, a position most shooters would find uncomfortable given Welsh Labour’s stance on opposing game shooting in Wales. Furthermore, the system of licensing would mean that license grants could be suspended at any time, which could disrupt a whole season’s shooting and make planning a season uncertain and difficult to negotiate. The final date for objections is today 20th June 2023. So we must wait and see the outcome of the consultation.

However, just as serious a problem has arisen for some Shoots here in England. Defra and Natural England have issued a very much last minute directive to all shoots planning to release game birds this season within 500 metres of a SPA (Special Protected Area). These Shoots must apply for a license without delay. Defra and Natural England have decided this as a temporary emergency measure with regard to the release of game birds in these areas. Game managers will need individual licences because of a perceived risk of transmission of avian influenza from game birds to wild bird population.

I am relieved to advise our Shoot on Mountgarret, Nidd and Cayton Estates is not affected. I do however feel for those Shoots affected who must now apply for licences just as they are about to release their birds. There is nothing more stressful than uncertainty and there is now way of knowing how this may affect all shooting in England in the future.

I feel it is best at this time for me not to voice my opinion on this matter.   I am sure we will all be watching the progress of this somewhat draconian directive.

Rearing Field and Releases

I am very pleased to advise that so far, our rearing field has gone really well. Our first poults will be released into the woods this week with the balance over the next six weeks. I am confident we will have more than sufficient birds for our season.

Shoot Day Availability

We have experienced a good take up of days with just over 20% of our days remaining. These are detailed on the attached list which shows a good variety of days still available.

Wild game Cover

After 7 weeks of very warm sunny conditions with no rain. At last the rain has started and our crops are showing through. We are very dependent on Wild Bird Cover for our most testing birds so I am somewhat relieved to see everything has started to grow.

Shoot Fees

I would like to thank those of you who have not only booked days in the new season but have also paid your shoot fees. This time of our “out of season” is very heavy for our shoot account, I would therefore appreciate receiving payment of any due invoices as soon as ever possible.

Instructors and Loaders

A golfer uses a professional to sort out any problems they may have. A game shot is no different. We all seen to be able to perfect bad shooting techniques without too much of a problem. Particularly at the start of the season when you may not have had your gun out for a few months.

I do strongly recommend you take the opportunity of hiring one of our experienced instructors to put you right for the season. There is nothing more frustrating than missing birds in the new season which you knew you could have hit without any problem last season. 

I can arrange someone for you at a cost £140 for the day paid direct to the instructor. Shotgun hire is also available from your instructor with prior notice at £50 per day. I can assure you that you will not regret it and wish you had done this sooner.

As demand is high, I recommend you book your instructor/loader as soon as possible.

Hotels and accommodation

We are fortunate in having a good selection of hotels near to our Shoot. I am pleased to attach details of the various hotels with rates and driving times to the Shoot.

The Inn at South Stainley which is situated 5 minutes from our meeting place at our Shoot Lodge, offers very comfortable accommodation with competitive rates. Please note, if you advise you are joining the Shoot when you book a 15% discount will be given.

I also enclose a map of the location of our Shoot Lodge so hopefully you will not get lost this season!!

Mountgarret Shoot Lodge, Stainley Hall Farm, South Stainley, Nr Harrogate HG3 3NE

Non Lead Shot Cartridges

As anyone who shot with us last season is aware we have moved to non lead shot cartridges. This move has secured a certain market for all our game.

We have now taken into stock a good selection of non lead cartridges. An order form is attached and we will have your order ready for you on your first day with us in the new season.

It is your responsibility to check that your shotgun is proofed for Steel Shot. If in doubt both Bismuth and Bio Ammo Blue are suitable for any shotgun providing it is in proof !

Rough Terrain Vehicle

As well as our Land Rover Defenders we also have a rough terrain Kawasaki Mule available. This is ideal for anyone who may find walking to your peg difficult.

As with shotgun hire this is available with a driver who can also act as your loader for £140 for the day. Some prior notice is required.

Looking forward to seeing you in the new season.

By Frank Boddy 10 May, 2023

18th April 2023

NEWSLETTER No. 3 : 2023–2024 SEASON

Much has been happening and I am pleased to keep you updated on our progress, We are now well into our “Out of Season” and within a month our rearing field will be full of chicks.

We have been through Covid and Bird flu, which although is showing a definite downturn there are still a few cases and with the return of migratory birds we must remain vigilant. Our Chief Veterinary Officer has announced that mandatory housing measures in the UK for poultry and captive birds is now lifted. This is hopefully a positive indication for the future.

I understand that the Welsh Government in the form of Natural Resources Wales launched a 12 week consultation on 27th March 2023 on proposals to introduce a licensing system for the release of pheasant and red legged partridge in Wales. If these proposals are implemented, game bird releasing will be restricted and only permitted under license, giving the anti-shooting Welsh Government the power to shut down game shooting in Wales. You may recall in 2019 the same Natural Resource Wales were successful in implementing a ban on shooting on all publicly owned land in Wales.

In 2022 Natural Resources Wales also put restrictions on the shooting of crows, jackdaws and magpies. This is the last thing Welsh sheep farmers and gamekeepers needed. This may have disastrous implications for all concerned.

How this may affect the rest of the UK in unknown. However, it is an indication of how a few people in authority have the power to damage our established traditions and rural way of life. I know our various shooting organisations will fight this vigorously. We can also fight it as individuals. Details are available on the websites of BASC, Countryside Alliance and GWCT.

Nothing stands still and change will always happen. So we may need to accept that although we should not be required to justify our sport. We must be prepared to ensure we have our house in order and be ready to fight our corner when necessary.

So where do we start. Maybe we should start at the end!

Game Meat

We all know that game meat in its many forms is one of the most nutritious, low fat foods available. There are a number of excellent initiatives to promote this free range food. We must first however ensure that our game is reared to the highest standards, then once shot that it is handled to the same high level of hygiene as other meat.  We can only justify our sport if all our game enters the food chain in excellent condition.

Whether we like it or not supermarkets dictate our eating habits and there is still too little game available from supermarket shelves. If as I suspect this is due to the possibility that it may contain lead shot. We can do something about it. If we could only achieve a higher demand for game meat than the quantity available, it would go a long way to both justifying and saving our sport.

Non Lead Shot

Last season was our first season when we only used non lead shot being, Bismuth, Steel and Bio Ammo. In short, I feel this change went really well and by the end of the season the majority of our guns accepted this is the way forward and experienced little difference compared to previous seasons where we used lead only. Initially it can be difficult to adapt to the change to non lead but you soon click into it. Much of the apprehension is in the mind!

If we are to fight our corner the move to non lead is a small sacrifice to make in defending our sport. As a Shoot our moving to non lead shot meant our game was well received and found its way onto Sainsbury’s shelves as well as a number of new outlets. We also actually received some payment for the majority of our game for the first time in many seasons.

Assurance and Audit

I feel this is an area which must and will advance rapidly during the next few months. There are two main initiatives: British Game Assurance and Trusted Game. To use the modern jargon; we must be transparent.

Not to go into great detail but I have found that compared to British Game Assurance, Trusted Game being an initiative set up by a number of vets, is a more rigorous audit and assists our Shoot far more in being able to achieve the high standards which are required.

By using Trusted Game Standards and working closely with our vet we achieved the best ever returns from our rearing field last season.

If we are all to get our house in order and be ready for whatever form of legislation or licensing we may be faced with in the future. This independent audit is the way forward.

I hope this gives you all some food for thought,

Our Last Season 2022-2023

Last season was our first without Ripley Castle and Hob Green and now with Callum McIntosh as our Head Keeper.

In February/March we were all unsure if we would actually have a shooting season. This was due to the import restrictions on eggs from France due to the disastrous Bird Flu outbreak.

In previous seasons we have purchased our chicks from a French supplier. These chicks were produced form French laid eggs hatched here in the UK. They are an excellent disease free chick in French Common and Manchurian strains. As many of you are aware these birds fly well and have and ideal body weight which is well accepted by our Game Dealer.

Although positive messages were coming from France, there was nothing definite. We therefore decided to erect a laying field and caught up sufficient of our last season’s French Common hen pheasants for our own incubator. This move certainly saved our season. The outcome was that with our own chicks and some from other UK Hatcheries we ended up with more pheasant poults than we actually required.

With regard to our partridge. We had ordered the majority of our requirements from a UK hatchery. Unfortunately our order was reduced so we did not received our full amount. We had also ordered a quantity from our French suppler. The final outcome was that like many Shoots and hatcheries we did not receive any pheasant or partridge chicks form our French suppliers.

However we did release sufficient pheasant for our season but were short on partridge poults, with this shortfall made up with pheasant poults.

We also purchased 1,000 English Grey partridge poults. They certainly ran circles round us and we shot 62!!

Our returns for the season can be viewed on request.  A return of 50% on the partridge released is excellent but the pheasant return of 37% is disappointing. Not unsurprisingly we had a large number of pheasants on the ground at the end of the season.

These returns are very much thanks to our keepers and our team of beaters and pickers up. I also feel our large area of game cover crops certainly held and produced some testing birds.

Shoot Dinner

On Saturday 18 February we held our first ever Mountgarret Shoot Dinner. This was held at The Inn at South Stainley, who also provide our shoot lunches throughout the season in our Shoot Lodge.

Our guests were our Landlords, Farmers, Keepers and many who had helped the Shoot throughout the season. Together with a number of Shoot Members.

We experienced a truly excellent evening and plan to make this a bi-annual event.

Charitable Donations

During last season, thanks to the generosity of our guns and their non shooting guests in supporting our daily sweepstake, non shooting guest lunches, various fines and at our Shoot Dinner. Even though we were away from Ripley Castle we raised a total of £18,760 which we donated to the following:

The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT)                 £9,000

The Countryside Alliance                                                                    £1,500

The Gamekeepers Welfare Trust                                                      £1,250

The Country Food Trust                                                                       £1,250

Songbird Survival Trust                                                                           £300

Yorkshire Charity Clay Days                                                               £3,000

Tanfield Grouse Charity Clay Day                                                        £600

Nidd Parish Church (On Lord Mountgarret Days)                          £480

South Stainley Church                                                                              £180

Carried forward balance                                                                      £1,200

All in all we had another successful season but it was not without its challenges!!

Our New Season 2023-2024

Birds

Although the level of bird Flu has shown a significant decline both in France and here in the UK.  As it is still there we decided not to take the risk of depending totally on eggs from France. We erected a new laying field situated a few miles away from our rearing field. This would hopefully mean that in the event of a Bird Flu outbreak on our laying field we should still be able to rear birds supplied from other hatcheries.

We have caught up over 1,000 pheasant hens in French Common and Manchurian strains. There should be a surplus of eggs which we will sell to other hatcheries. We plan to rear our pheasant from day old chicks to 7 week old poults. The chicks will be both hatched through our incubator together with French laid eggs hatched here in the UK. We are also buying some Polish strain chicks from another UK Hatchery.

Our partridge chicks will be from a UK Hatchery and plan to rear all our partridge from day old to chicks to 14 week old poults on our rearing field.

Being ever optimistic that we may have better returns on our English Grey Partridge compared to last season, we have purchased a further 1,000 poults. We must wait and see what happens!

Rearing Field

I always say we are far busier out of season compared to the actual shooting season. It is near enough a 24 hour job with our Keepers working in shifts.

So much can go wrong. A lamp can blow out and literally hundreds of chicks can be lost within a few minutes by smothering each other whilst trying to stay warm.   If there is disease around, they will catch it. So we are constantly checking for any signs. Then administering medication as prescribed by our vets. Bio security is imperative so we do not cut any corners. Working closely with our Vet under the Trusted Game Standards has certainly improved our return from chick to poult last season.

It is definitely the most stressful time of our season with far more pressure compared to an actual shoot day!!

Vermin Control

In addition to the poults from our rearing field. As we are seeing a good wild stock of both pheasant and partridge on the ground, we are hopeful of an additional stock of wild poults. We are concentrating on vigorous vermin control in order to give our wild broods a chance of survival.

This is particularly important at this time of our season. When we had a brief period of snow we saw and dispatched a number of foxes. Sitting out in a cold night waiting for a fox is no fun but it must be done. Our Keepers certainly deserve their tips for this additional work.

On our shoot area we have a number of sheep farmers. Some lambs are born outside so it is imperative for them and for our nesting wild birds to keep on top of the foxes, crows, jackdaws and magpies. The damage they can do to newly born lambs, pheasant and partridge eggs and chicks can be devastating. Squirrels, stoats and rats must all be controlled.

This is the other side of a Shoot which is sadly forgotten on a shoot day.

Game Cover Crops

Everyone quite rightly expects the Shoot to present a steady flow of challenging birds on each drive over the full line of guns. In order to achieve this, our Keepers and Beaters must have good game cover to hold and present the birds.

The topography of our Shoot is best described as rolling countryside. We have a number of woodlands which have been planted over the years to produce testing birds.

The woodlands are important, however the positioning of our Game Cover Crops are just as important. With an area over 4,500 acres we will be growing 190 acres of game cover this season. This together with areas left to grow wild and to use the current jargon, to “re-wild”. We have over 250 acres of exclusive game cover. This is all thanks to the invaluable support from our farmers and Landlords.

The combination of our woodland and well positioned Game Cover Crops we know will produce an excellent variety of testing birds.

Shoot Fees

My toughest challenge for the new season has been the number of significant increases in costs, both over last season together with further forecast increases in the new season. In January all indications were that these combined increases would be between 30% to 40%. Although still very unwelcome the best I have been able to achieve is to keep our actual overall increase to around 25%, However we do still remain competitive and below the cost of a number of similar shoots.

Details of our Shoot Fees for 2023-2024 are available on request. 

Shoot Day Information : 2023-2024

I am also pleased to enclose details of what I hope you can expect to experience on a shoot day. If you require any further details, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Remaining Days

Thanks to many of you and I do appreciate your support. Over 74% of the days have now been taken up. There still remains a good variety of days available each month throughout the season, as the attached list.

It is worth looking at this as many days were not detailed on our previous list of available days. I do hope there is something workable for you.

We have much to look forward to and I will keep you all advised on our further progress.

By Frank Boddy 22 Feb, 2023

1st February 2023

NEWSLETTER No. 2 : 2023–2024 SEASON

Although it is only a few days since I sent out details of our dates for the new season. With over 60% of the days now taken this list I sent out is somewhat out of date! I would like to thank everyone who has booked their dates which I do appreciate.

Remembering we were sold out by August last season it is looking even more positive for the new season. If you would like to choose your preferred dates now is the time to book. I am pleased to attach an updated list of our available dates and hope there is something workable for you. A number of new dates are now available so it may well be worth looking through this latest list.

Please note the terms of booking for February to April detailed on the reverse of this list of available dates.

Supply of Birds

Many Shoots were affected by a lack of birds last season and sadly some did not shoot. We did find sufficient birds but this proved very challenging at times. I have already covered our supply of birds for the new season and will give full details in my next Newsletter.

I will keep you updated on our further progress.

By Frank Boddy 25 Jan, 2023

16th January 2023

NEWSLETTER No. 1 : 2023–2024 SEASON

Initially the list of available days and my proposals for the new 2023-2024 Season were sent out to everyone who booked days in the current season. I have received a favourable response with over 50% of the days taken up. So am now sending out to everyone on my mailing list of 1,500 plus.

Our Season So Far

Following an uncertain start in February and March, we were able to secure our stock of birds for the season. Hatching most of the pheasants ourselves.

The total number released was similar to our previous season, however due to supply problems we released 7,000 more pheasants and 7,000 less partridge. Thanks to Callum and his team we had an excellent rearing field, which has been apparent in the flying ability of our birds.

We have experienced some testing birds in variable conditions. It has been quite warm with more than our share of rain. I understand November was one of the wettest months on record. However this did not stop us from enjoying ourselves. We did have three very foggy starts but still succeeded in achieving the target bag on these days.

At last winter has nearly arrived and I expect to see even more testing birds over our last few days as they move into the warmth of the woodlands and game cover.

With 8% of our days remaining we have more than enough birds at present on the ground to see us through the season. Both our pheasant and partridge have performed really well with over 46% of the partridge released now accounted for.

My plan is somewhat different for the end of this season compared to previous seasons, when we tried to clear our ground of all birds. For next season I would like to leave as much breeding stock on the ground as possible. So all our End of Season Clear Up Days will be cock pheasants only, with partridge and duck if we can get round them!

As we seem to be on top of the vermin, now is the opportunity to produce some wild stock – raptors permitting!

New Season 2023-2024

On the strength of our performance in the current season, quite a number of you are requesting our dates for the 2023-2024 Season. In the new season I am planning a similar number of days and target bags to our current season, with days from 200 to 350 to average 250 birds per day.

I am pleased to attach a list of our Available Days. This is the easy bit!

My problem is that with the ongoing increase in all costs, it is near enough impossible to finalise our Shoot fees. I could make a guess which would be high and I feel unfair to you all.

In the current season I am hearing of prices of up to £100 per bird plus vat. With most similar Shoots to ourselves asking for between £55 to £65 per bird including vat. Based on my costings and guesses so far, I feel our Shoot Fees for the new season will be somewhere between £60 to £70 per bird including vat. We must wait and see.

In previous seasons I have requested Shoot fees are paid:

30% 1st February

40% 1st May

30% 1st August.

I now ask you to choose your days/dates from the attached list. A deposit of £400 per day plus vat will be invoiced and due in February for each of your days, no matter the bag size.

Remembering we were sold out this season by the end of August 2022 I am hopeful of a reasonable take up of days. So any days booked which remain unpaid at the end of February 2023 will be offered to other Members.

I propose issuing actual details of our Shoot Fees during April/May 2023 with these included in your May confirmation and invoice. I feel this is a fair way forward considering the present uncertain cost climate.

In our new season, although we are up against considerably increased costs, I do not intend to cut any corners and try, if possible, to improve our days even further.

Payment Terms for the New Season are as follows :

£400 + vat deposit on each day booked due for payment in February 2023.

1st May 2023: 60% of the remainder of the Shoot Fee less £400 + vat deposit per day booked.

1st August 2023: 40% of the remaining Shoot fee less £400 + vat per day booked.

Should you be unhappy with the final costing advised in April/May you may cancel your booking and a full refund will be made.

I thank you for your past support and I look forward to hearing from you and am available at any time to discuss the Shoot or make a booking.

Mobile: 07774 271781           Evening: 01765 677343         E-mail: info@mountgarretshoot.co.uk

Non lead Shot

Having now experienced over 73 shoot days where non lead shot has been used, mainly steel and Bismuth. I am certainly no ballistics expert so can only give my observations.

Bismuth

This is as near to lead as any other shot available. It can be used in any shotgun with no choke restriction. The cartridges we offer have no more recoil compared to lead. They do cost more compared to other suitable cartridges. However at an additional £80 to £100 per day compared to steel. If you consider the actual cost of a days’ shooting, I feel it is a small price to pay.

Steel

Our guns have used many different makes of steel cartridges. Steel cannot be used in any shotguns with more than half choke. My observations are as follows. At around 35 to 45 yards, Steel kills very effectively. Below this when birds are shot you can hear and see the shot hitting the bird, many just fly on. The steel shot seems to pass through the bird and these are the ones which can fly a good distance before landing. Sadly, a number are still alive when retrieved.

Our shot to bird average has changed little from when we were using lead. This shows we are still shooting a similar number of birds and also that our pickers up are carrying out their work efficiently. We are not seeing any carcasses but this is possibly due to the raptors clearing up after we have shot.

I have approached this by increasing the number of our pickers up each day from 5 to 6. There are all positioned much further back from the line of guns compared to when we were shooting lead.

In short, Steel is not an ideal substitute to lead or Bismuth. I say this, as the season has progressed, after using steel for a few months many guns have become used to steel and feel there is little difference compared to lead.

Reading reports in our trade publications it seems inevitable that in the next few years the use of lead in all types of ammunition will be banned. So sooner or later everyone will be required to use non lead shot. The leading question, more for the cartridge manufacturers, is how long? Some quotes are 18 months and up to 5 years. I really do feel at least 5 years is required for the cartridge manufacturers to be able to change and cope with the demand.

The Health & Safety Executive has now completed their consultation process on “Describing the Risk to the Environment and Human Health that lead creates if it is present in ammunition and the restriction option that HSE is proposing to manage these risks.”

This consultation covers all types of ammunition from air rifle pellets to rifle ammunition including lead shot. However it has just been announced that this report is now delayed for six months due to the overwhelming number of responses.

I am proposing staying with non lead as it has guaranteed a market for all our game.

Charity Fund

I would like to thank everyone for their generosity in supporting our daily sweep. So far with this and non shooting guest meals and refreshments we have raised just short of £13,000 this season so far. The Trusts who will benefit from the Fund in March 2023 are:

GWCT:   Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust

GWT:       Gamekeepers Welfare Trust

CFT:       Country Food Trust

CA:         Countryside Alliance

SBS:       SongBird Survival

                Nidd Church

Thank you all for your support.

Partridges in a Pear Tree

This is how Sainsbury’s marketed our partridge over the festive season.

As previously advised our game dealer, Ox Close Fine Foods has teamed up with another game dealer and secured a contract to supply partridge to Sainsbury’s. In order to fulfil the order a number of other Shoots who have gone non lead are also involved. They describe the product as follows. “Made with great tasting Game Meat from the British Countryside our pair of wild partridges are stuffed with a pear and calvados stuffing and wrapped in maple cured beechwood smoked bacon. Ready to roast in its own ovenproof tray and perfect for smaller festive gatherings.”

Product description:

2 Partridges with a pork, pear & calvados stuffing wrapped in smoked bacon with added water. Available at £23.00 for the pair.

The initial launch was so successful this is now only available by order for collection from the store. For further details: https://food-to-order.sainsburys.co.uk/product/8079647/ttd-pair-of-partridges

When I initially decided to move to non lead shot, I did not expect such a quick response. If moving to non lead gives us a ready market for our game. I feel the move is a small price to pay for the possible survival of our sport.


Wishing you all a very relaxing Spring and Summer ready for the New Season.

By Frank Boddy 25 Jan, 2023

20th December 2022

NEWSLETTER No. 7 : 2022–2023 SEASON

Initially the list of available days and my proposals for the new 2023-2024 Season were sent out to everyone who booked full days in the current season. I have received a favourable response, so am now sending out to individual guns who also booked days in the current season.

In mid-January I will send out details of the remaining days to all our 1,500 plus mailing list. So now is the time to consider your preferred dates.

Our Season So Far

Following an uncertain start in February and March, we were able to secure our stock of birds for the season. Hatching most of the pheasants ourselves.

The total number released was similar to our previous season, however due to supply problems we released 7,000 more pheasants and 7,000 less partridge. Thanks to Callum and his team we had an excellent rearing field, which has been apparent in the flying ability of our birds.

We have experienced some testing birds in variable conditions. It has been quite warm with more than our share of rain. I understand November was one of the wettest months on record. However this did not stop us from enjoying ourselves. We did have three very foggy starts but still succeeded in achieving the target bag on these days.

At last winter has arrived and I expect to see even more testing birds as they move into the warmth of the woodlands and game cover.

With 28% of our days remaining we have more than enough birds at present on the ground to see us through the season. Both our pheasant and partridge have performed really well with over 40% of the partridge released now accounted for.

My plan is somewhat different for the end of this season compared to previous seasons, when we tried to clear our ground of all birds. For next season I would like to leave as much breeding stock on the ground as possible. So all our End of Season Clear Up Days will be cock pheasants only, with partridge and duck if we can get round them!

As we seem to be on top of the vermin, now is the opportunity to produce some wild stock – raptors permitting!

New Season 2023-2024

On the strength of our performance in the current season, quite a number of you are requesting our dates for the 2023-2024 Season. In the new season I am planning a similar number of days and target bags to our current season, with days from 200 to 350 to average 250 birds per day.

I am pleased to attach a list of our Available Days. This is the easy bit!

My problem is that with the ongoing increase in all costs, it is near enough impossible to finalise our Shoot fees. I could make a guess which would be high and I feel unfair to you all.

In the current season I am hearing of prices of up to £100 per bird plus vat. With most similar Shoots to ourselves asking for between £55 to £65 per bird including vat. Based on my costings and guesses so far, I feel our Shoot Fees for the new season will be somewhere between £60 to £70 per bird including vat. We must wait and see.

In previous seasons I have requested Shoot fees are paid:

30% 1st February

40% 1st May

30% 1st August.

I now ask you to choose your days/dates from the attached list. A deposit of £400 per day plus vat will be invoiced and due in February for each of your days, no matter the bag size.

Remembering we were sold out this season by the end of August 2022 I am hopeful of a reasonable take up of days. So any days booked which remain unpaid at the end of February 2023 will be offered to other Members.

I propose issuing actual details of our Shoot Fees during April 2023 with these included in your May confirmation and invoice. I feel this is a fair way forward considering the present uncertain cost climate.

In our new season, although we are up against considerably increased costs I do not intend to cut any corners and try, if possible, to improve our days even further.

Payment Terms for the New Season are as follows :

£400 + vat deposit on each day booked due for payment in February 2023.

1st May 2023: 60% of the remainder of the Shoot Fee less £400 + vat deposit per day booked.

1st August 2023: 40% of the remaining Shoot fee less £400 + vat per day booked.

Should you be unhappy with the final costing advised in April/May you may cancel your booking and a full refund will be made.

I thank you for your past support and I look forward to hearing from you and am available over the Christmas and New Year holiday if you would like to discuss the Shoot or make a booking.

Mobile: 07774 271781           Evening: 01765 677343         E-mail: info@mountgarretshoot.co.uk

Non lead Shot

Having now experienced over 58 shoot days where non lead shot has been used, mainly steel and Bismuth. I am certainly no ballistics expert so can only give my observations.

Bismuth

This is as near to lead as any other shot available. It can be used in any shotgun with no choke restriction. The cartridges we offer have no more recoil compared to lead. They do cost more compared to other suitable cartridges. However at an additional £80 to £100 per day compared to steel. If you consider the actual cost of a days’ shooting, I feel it is a small price to pay.

Steel

Our guns have used many different makes of steel cartridges. Steel cannot be used in any shotguns with more than half choke. My observations are as follows. At around 35 to 45 yards, Steel kills very effectively. Below this when birds are shot you can hear and see the shot hitting the bird, many just fly on. The steel shot seems to pass through the bird and these are the ones which can fly a good distance before landing. Sadly, a number are still alive when retrieved.

Our shot to bird average has changed little from when we were using lead. This shows we are still shooting a similar number of birds and also that our pickers up are carrying out their work efficiently. We are not seeing any carcasses but this is possibly due to the raptors clearing up after we have shot.

I have approached this by increasing the number of our pickers up each day from 5 to 6. There are all positioned much further back from the line of guns compared to when we were shooting lead.

In short, Steel is not an ideal substitute to lead or Bismuth. I say this, as the season has progressed, after using steel for a few months many guns have become used to steel and feel there is little difference compared to lead.

Reading reports in our trade publications it seems inevitable that in the next few years the use of lead in all types of ammunition will be banned. So sooner or later everyone will be required to use non lead shot. The leading question, more for the cartridge manufacturers, is how long? Some quotes are 18 months and up to 5 years. I really do feel at least 5 years is required for the cartridge manufacturers to be able to change and cope with the demand.

The Health & Safety Executive has now completed their consultation process on “Describing the Risk to the Environment and Human Health that lead creates if it is present in ammunition and the restriction option that HSE is proposing to manage these risks.”

This consultation covers all types of ammunition from air rifle pellets to rifle ammunition including lead shot.

I am proposing staying with non lead as it has guaranteed a market for all our game.

Charity Fund

I would like to thank everyone for their generosity in supporting our daily sweep. So far with this and non shooting guest meals and refreshments we have raised just short of £10,000 this season. The Trusts who will benefit from the Fund in March 2023 are:

GWCT:   Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust

GWT:       Gamekeepers Welfare Trust

CFT:       Country Food Trust

CA:         Countryside Alliance

SBS:       SongBird Survival

                Nidd Church

Thank you all for your support.

Partridges in a Pear Tree

This is how Sainsbury’s are marketing our partridge.

As previously advised our game dealer, Ox Close Fine Foods has teamed up with another game dealer and secured a contract to supply partridge to Sainsbury’s. In order to fulfil the order a number of other Shoots who have gone non lead are also involved. They describe the product as follows. “Made with great tasting Game Meat from the British Countryside our pair of wild partridges are stuffed with a pear and calvados stuffing and wrapped in maple cured beechwood smoked bacon. Ready to roast in its own ovenproof tray and perfect for smaller festive gatherings.”

Product description:
2 Partridges with a pork, pear & calvados stuffing wrapped in smoked bacon with added water. Available at £23.00 for the pair.

The initial launch was so successful this is now only available by order for collection from the store. For further details: https://food-to-order.sainsburys.co.uk/product/8079647/ttd-pair-of-partridges

When I initially decided to move to non lead shot, I did not expect such a quick response. If moving to non lead gives us a ready market for our game. I feel the move is a small price to pay for the possible survival of our sport.

Shoot Dinner : Saturday 18th February 2023 at The Inn South Stainley

As I feel we will have something to celebrate, I have arranged this season’s Shoot Dinner at The Inn. The private Dining Room will accommodate approximately 80 people.

I will advise full details in the New Year. In the meantime please advise Lynda on 01423 323321 or e-mail info@mountgarretshoot.co.uk if you would like to join us, together with numbers.

By Frank Boddy 25 Jan, 2023

7th December 2022

NEWSLETTER No. 6 : 2022–2023 SEASON

Our Season So Far

Following an uncertain start in February and March, we were able to secure our stock of birds for the season. Hatching most of the pheasants ourselves.

The total number released was similar to our previous season, however due to supply problems we released 7,000 more pheasants and 7,000 less partridge. Thanks to Callum and his team we had an excellent rearing field as is now apparent in the flying ability of our birds.

We have experienced some testing birds in variable conditions. It has been quite warm with more than our share of rain. I understand November was one of the wettest months on record. However this did not stop us from enjoying ourselves. We did have three very foggy starts but still succeeded in achieving the target bag on these days.

With 30% of our days remaining we have more than enough birds at present on the ground to see us through the season.

Both our pheasant and partridge have performed really well with over 35% of the partridge released now accounted for. Some of these are now available on Sainsbury’s shelves as an “Easy Carve Roast Partridge.”

My plan is somewhat different for the end of this season compared to previous seasons, when we tried to clear our ground of all birds. I would like to leave as much breeding stock on the ground as possible. So all our End of Season Clear Up Days will be cock pheasants only, with partridge and duck if we can get round them!

As we seem to be on top of the vermin, now is the opportunity to produce some wild stock – raptors permitting!

New Season 2023-2024

On the strength of our performance in the current season, quite a number of you are requesting our dates for the 2023-2024 Season. In the new season I am planning a similar number of days and target bags to our current season, with days from 200 to 350 to average 250 birds per day.

I am pleased to attach a list of our Available Days. This is the easy bit!

My problem is that with the ongoing increase in all costs, it is near enough impossible to finalise our Shoot fees. I could make a guess which would be high and I feel unfair to you all.

In the current season I am hearing of prices of up to £100 per bird plus vat. With most similar Shoots to ourselves asking for between £55 to £65 per bird including vat. Based on my costings and guesses so far, I feel our new Shoot Fees will be somewhere between £60 to £70 per bird including vat. We must wait and see.

In previous seasons I have requested Shoot fees are paid:

30% 1st February

40% 1st May

30% 1st August.

I now ask you to choose your days/dates from the attached list. A deposit of £400 per day plus vat will be invoiced and due in February for each of your days, no matter the bag size.

Remembering we were sold out this season by the end of August 2022 I am hopeful of a reasonable take up of days. So any days booked which remain unpaid at the end of February 2023 will be offered to other Members.

I propose issuing actual details of our Shoot Fees during April 2023 with these included in your May confirmation and invoice. I feel this is a fair way forward considering the present uncertain cost climate.

In our new season I do not intend to cut any corners and try, if possible, to improve our days even further.

Payment Terms for the New Season are as follows :

£400 + vat deposit on each day booked due for payment in February 2023.

1st May 2023: 60% of the remainder of the Shoot Fee less £400 + vat deposit per day booked.

1st August 2023: 40% of the remaining Shoot fee less £400 + vat per day booked.

Should you be unhappy with the final costing advised in April/May you may cancel your booking and a full refund will be made.

I thank you for your past support and I look forward to hearing from you and am available over the Christmas and New Year holiday if you would like to discuss the Shoot or make a booking.

Mobile: 07774 271781           Evening: 01765 677343         E-mail: info@mountgarretshoot.co.uk

Shoot Dinner : Saturday 18th February 2023 at The Inn South Stainley

As I feel we should have something to celebrate and I have arranged this season’s shoot Dinner at The Inn. The private Dining Room will accommodate approximately 80 people.

I will advise full details in the New Year but please advise Lynda on 01423 323321 or e-mail info@mountgarretshoot.co.uk if you would like to join us, together with numbers.

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