Howletts – 18th January 2014

0 for 2 shots from Nelsons whilst standing in Polo Field – Mick said they have been roosting in the trees at the Priory so need to be on form). He was right and a lovely bird curled between myself and Mick heading right for it, which we both missed.
0 for 5 from the woods as back Gun on Joey’s – Took the tail feathers out of a Partridge, but it flew on.
As there were only about 12 Guns today they decided we would all shoot each drive and they would just place us out as we went.
0 for 2 at Pine Trees – Right at the end of the drive Nick clipped a bird and I failed to bring it down with both barrels. Should have left it as a better bird flew over as we were both reloading.
0 for nil from Gravel
0 for 2 from College – Hit a Hen that came down in cover behind me. Whilst they pushed the small bit of cover outside White Gate through, Dave and his dog helped me look for it, then Garry and his Spaniel joined in. Without success. Ended up missing a great drive and just caught the end watching a couple of nice high birds come over the trees, Dave Snowling hit one with his second barrel after letting Nick have a go.
0 for nil on Mapletree – few nice birds went back to walking along Mapletree Lane
2 for 4 – Started from track in Plastic wood and walked down to Peg. A woodcock flew over as I was talking to ?? about Pete missing an easy one last week. Doh! (hit a third Pheasant that had just been shot by Laurie, so didn’t count bird or shot)
1 for 4 on Last drive

Bag for the day (3 birds for 19 shots)
3 Pheasant