The Pheasant Shoot – Straight Talk
Let’s cut to the chase. Pheasant shooting on our farm isn’t just some quaint countryside hobby—it’s a mix of tradition, sustainability debates, and, yes, a whole lot of fun.
What’s Going Down at the Farm
I’m setting the scene… it’s early morning, there’s a brisk chill in the air and a mist over the pond. There’s a mix of people chattering and the chance for a morning port – probably drunk from a tiny TipTree Jam Jar…. You’ve got the “guns” (the shooters) lining up and the “beaters” ready to scramble through the brambles. This isn’t just about shooting; it’s about skill, strategy, and teamwork. The beaters and the guns crack jokes and share laughs, the whole affair is a community get-together of people of like mind.
The Bird Itself
Now, onto the bird. Pheasant isn’t just tasty; it’s lean and packed with nutrients like protein and iron, making it a real alternative to your usual supermarket fare. Brian takes our birds away and returns them as dressed and ready for the pot. How we cook it? Anything from a slow roast to a spicy stir-fry—this bird is versatile.
The Controversy
Let’s talk controversy. Not everyone’s keen on shooting for sport. Critics argue it’s old-fashioned and raises ethical questions. However, here’s the science bit: managed properly, pheasant shooting can actually support conservation. Our woodlands thrive because they’re maintained for shooting, which means better habitats for all sorts of wildlife, not just pheasants.
Sustainable Shooting? Really?
Yes, really. We keep our shoots sustainable with a bag limits of about 80 per outing. Why? To keep the ecosystem balanced and the pheasant population healthy. It’s all about thoughtful management and long-term conservation goals.
Dogs at Work
And don’t forget the dogs—these trained gun dogs are split between “beaters,” who flush out the birds, and “picker uppers,” who fetch them post-shot. Watching a well-trained dog work is something else, a blend of discipline, natural instinct and enthusiasm
Waste Not, Want Not
Nothing from the shoot goes to waste. Feathers turn into art, crafts, or fishing lures, and every part of the bird is used. It’s part respect, part necessity, and wholly practical.
So, there you have it. Pheasant shooting on our farm is lively, beneficial for conservation, and yes, it’s controversial. But it’s also a practice deeply woven into the fabric of rural life, backed by a community that values both tradition and sustainability. Love it or loathe it, it’s a part of our culture that prompts some serious conversation about how we interact with nature.