Shooting essentials

Whether you’re new to shooting, or you just always seem to forget one thing when packing for a day’s shooting, this guide will help make sure you have everything you need for a successful day out.

Do I need a Game licence?

According to the British Association for Shooting & Conservation (as of November 2011):

“It has not been a requirement to hold a game licence to kill or deal in game in England and Wales since 1 August 2007.

Game licences and game dealers licences have been abolished in Scotland with effect from 7 April 2011 when the new Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill was passed. With effect from 13 June 2011 the requirement to have a licence to kill game or deal in game has been abolished in Northern Ireland. This came into effect with the passing of the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act 2011.”

Shotgun Certificate

For the avoidance of doubt, you should always have this with you whenever you shooting. You never know what might happen on the day and who might happen along and ask to see your certificate. There have been plenty of occasions where police have turned up at the pub during a shoot lunch and asked to see the certificates only to confiscate the guns of those who don’t have one until they can produce it.

Whilst on the legal side of things, make sure you keep your gun with you at all times. Take it into the house or pub for lunch and then again for tea etc. Make sure that the hotel you are staying in has a safe for overnight storage.

Driven Shooting

Gun Slip

Obviously, the most important thing to bring is your gun. Carry your shotgun or rifle in style with the Laksen Elveden Gun Slip – handmade in Spain using authentic Scottish tweed with full-grain Italian leather trim and solid brass fittings, with a sheepskin lining for added protection.

Cartridges and Bag

Equally as important as your gun are your cartridges. Be sure to also invest in a quality cartridge bag. Having a bag keeps your cartridges in one place and protects them from damage. The Elveden Cartridge Bag matches the slip we recommended above. Make sure you have plenty of cartridges – you never know when you might be on the hot peg all day and running out is just a complete disaster to say nothing of being a slight to your host.

Ear Defenders

Damage to your ears from the extremely loud sound of a shot can have long lasting effects – even if you don’t feel it at the time. Protect your ears with a set of ear plugs. We offer two options for full ear protection – The Decoy Earplugs are a simple, cost efficient solution to protect your hearing.

Gun Cleaning Kit

Particularly important if you are staying away from home. Like washing up, you gun is much better cleaned immediately after use. We have a range of cleaning kits all of which are perfect for packing into your gun case.

Gun Case

Whilst not essential if you are driving too and from a shoot in the day, we would still recommend transporting your gun in a case rather than in it’s slip. It will give your gun proper protection and prevent any damage if you have to brake suddenly or if something falls on it. There is nothing worse than getting to the shoot and finding your gun is out of commission!! A gun case is essential if you are taking the train and we have also have a selection of airline approved gun cases for those who might be flying – check with the airline that they will transport your gun before you book.

The Right Shooting Clothing

We have two guides that will help you choose the perfect shooting jacket, trousers, caps and more. There’s a shooting clothing guide for gents and ladies.

Shooting Footwear

A pair of quality wellies will keep your feet warm and dry. Plus, the traditional appearance will add to the overall look, should you choose a traditional tweed outfit such as the one we’ve recommended in this guide. We recommend the Gateway 1 Pheasant Game 18″ 5mm Wellington Boots for the confidence of knowing that your feet are going to stay warm and dry to let you get on with enjoying your day. We also offer a ladies version of the popular Gateway 1 Pheasant boots. These are shorter in height than the men’s version – perfect for not grabbing behind the knee.

And just because you can…

Most shoots will ask you to pick up your empties and, if they don’t, then it is good practice to do so anyway. Pack a BigFoot Magnetic Cartridge Stick… no more bending over to pick up empty cartridges yourself! The magnet at the pointer end of the stick is strong enough to pick up 15 cartridges at one time.

Your Wallet!

Regardless of the day, you will need to tip the keeper. There will certainly be a very dim view taken by the keeper and your host if you are left standing there tapping your pockets!

Walked Up Shooting

There aren’t too many differences in what to pack for a day’s walked up shooting. We recommend all the products above for any type of shooting with just a few differences:

Cartridges and Belt

Rather than a cartridge bag, you’ll likely find it’s easier to have a cartridge belt for quick access and less strain because you won’t need to carry it by hand or shoulder as you would a bag. The Croots Malton Bridle Leather Cartridge Belt is a classic high-quality cartridge belt, with the option to have your initials embossed. If you don’t like a cartridge belt, the Ridgeline Shooter 5-pocket Utility Belt Pouch keeps your cartridges at close hand, but the design also prevents lost cartridges and is perfect for rough shooting.

Waterproof Shooting Boots

Rather than wellies, on a walked up day many people prefer the hardwearing comfort of waterproof shooting boots. The Harkila Pro Hunter range is one of the most popular and durable ranges on the market, and the Trekking 10″ GTX Hunting Boots are no exception. Gore-Tex lined for the ultimate weather protection, they are also manufactured with the best shock-absorbing Vibram sole units and with a memory fit upper to give you added comfort. The GTX 10″ gives you superb ankle support for really rough conditions. These are a fantastic pair of boots and are perfect for a walked up day.

Taking a Dog Along?

Bringing your dog along can certainly make things easier, but make sure to bring everything Rover will need to stay comfortable for the best result and behaviour from them.

Towel & Dog Carrier

A dog transport box doubles as an ideal dog bed for a muddy dog on the long drive home. The Rex Dog transportation box is spacious and comfortable for your dog while keeping your car as clean as possible. It’s always necessary to keep a towel at close hand too, as there’s no doubt that your gun dog will be covered in mud after a day’s shooting.

Dog food, water & Bowls

One of the best ways to keep your dog on track and their energy up is to make sure they’re well fed and ready to work. Best to feed them at the end of the day, having dried them off. They can then digest whilst you have a cup of tea and are then ready for a quick walk before the journey home. It’s also critical to have a supply of water available to keep your dog hydrated, healthy and their energy levels up throughout the day. A clean bowl is also essential – seems obvious, but a lot of people do forget!

Dog Lead

You should always be in control of your dog. Even the most well-behaved and trained dogs require a lead in certain situations, so have one on hand just in case.

Peg

A peg is the stake driven into the ground that indicates where the Gun will stand during a drive. Often you can tie your dog to the peg that is there but, to avoid having to otherwise tie it to your cartridge bag and run the risk of that disappearing at a critical moment, take a peg of your own to ensure your dog, however well trained, doesn’t embarrass you.

Dog Whistle

A whistle is far less disturbing to game than an owner calling his gun dog by voice, so train your gun dog with a whistle and bring one along on every day out.

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