One of our youngest learning the ropes. Typical cover crop on a drive with the farmhouse and buildings in the background. |
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Lost in the cover crop! One of our pups exploring the great outdoors. |
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Typical corn strip provides excellent cover for the birds as well as a source of food. These strips are strategically sited often next to a hedgerow or conifer wood. Swaths are cut in the corn strips to expose the cobs and provide flushing areas for the birds. Chukar "covey" pens are also located in game cover crops. |
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Waiting for the command. Young lab in training in the cover crop. |
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The guns being briefed at the start of the hunt. It's important that everyone understands the rules and is comfortable. Safety is the primary goal of the briefing and hunters are encouraged to ask questions about the up coming day. That's the basis for an enjoyable day shooting. |
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The first drive incorporates a corn strip beside a small conifer plantation and a disused railway line. The railway line has been planted with spruce and white pine to enhance the cover and hold the birds. Drive number two incorporates blanking in a hedgerow and driving the railway line back in the opposite direction. |
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| Successful drives! All our pheasants are raised on the farm and come as day olds from a reputable local game breeder. This seasons batch of birds are growing well and should provide excellent sport. |
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The guns after a successful drive following a break for lunch. In the background is a typical hedgerow with a corn strip at the start ending in a small conifer plantation. |
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Two happy guns with their birds on the first drive after lunch. |
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The walking guns driving the birds through one of the conifer plantations. These plantations provide excellent holding cover for the birds. An active feeding program encourages the residual birds to remain on the farm. |
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The walking guns getting ready for the next drive. The dogs are keen to move off. |
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Looking north down the lane which runs the length of the center of the farm to the hardwood bush providing excellent access to the fields on either side. |
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A view looking north to the hardwood bush. |
A view of the pond drive taken from the high tower. The pond is to the right of the picture and this drive often results in a spectacular water retrieve for one of the dogs. |
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This is the "Trap Shack" drive and is a good example of the kind of cover used to hold and flush the birds. In this case corn, cereals and sunflowers. |
This is taken from the high tower looking south and shows the stubble fields, hedgerows and corn strips used as flushing points for the birds. |
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The game larder after a successful day. The bag is divided amongst the guns after the final tally is made and photos are taken. |
Ian has been actively involved in shooting for most of his life and regularly goes to Scotland to shoot pheasants and partridges with friends. |
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