These birds have got game………

Or Weardale’s do anyway! And yes, this can only mean that the shooting season has finally begun and it has been much anticipated here at LGS. Ours began on the beautiful Weardale Estate on the Cumbrian boarder. Leaving myself and Guy in SW10 to man the office; Tom, Gary and Michael journeyed north to welcome in the season with a bang (pun intended). After meeting friends and clients the boys spent Friday evening in the only way one should, namely puffing on cigars and sipping the finest whiskies. There was a fantastic atmosphere with everyone in high spirits for the following day.

After an early start, it appeared that the weather didn’t look too favourable first thing, nonetheless by the time the gang had donned their tweeds and loaded up the cars sunlight started to melt away the clouds and it turned into the most glorious day. After driving up to the grouse moor everyone was raring to go. Michael briefed the estate loaders on the level of experience of each gun and everyone set about getting ready. Michael was loading for Tom but had a shot himself in the last drive and managed to impress the crowd pretty well!

The day’s shooting was exhilarating and fast paced, 3 guns had never shot grouse before and despite the intensity of the first day they all shot pretty well! Lunch was a delicious array of the likes of hams and quiches which was all terribly British. The grouse were pretty sprightly and moved at a rapid pace. Being the start of the season the birds were still young and had yet to work out where the grouse butts were located. This worked to the shooters advantage but being the speedy birds they are they still loved to dodge a bullet!

At around 4.30pm the day drew to a close and all went off to toast a successful start of the season. High spirits and excitement for the coming few months were bubbling as much as the Champagne. No doubt there were a few sore heads on Sunday!

By Mary Woodhouse