Outside Days » quarry

Make Your Indian Summer a Mediterranean Quail

Howard — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:06:02 +0000

While the well-heeled twiddle their trigger fingers waiting for the start of the season on the Glorious 12th, you could be pulling the trigger in anger on the Fantastic 1st (of August, of course!), reveling in some of Croatia’s finest quail shooting. And all only a bargain dash from Gatwick or Heathrow. So before you settle for the gloom of another English summer (I mean autumn) stretching out in front of you, pack your bags for a short break on Mediterranean shores. With a season extending to the 1st October, blow the dust from your barrels and recharge on vitamin D in one fell swoop…

Leaving the heat of the day for the mad dogs and mythical Englishmen (those that avoid hats and sunscreen), we’ll be up and in the fields at first light, following the pointers in pursuit of feathered bumblebees before breakfast. By the time respectable holiday makers are emerging bleary-eyed from their beds, you’ll be enjoying brunch and contemplating the day stretching out in front of you. With temperatures visiting the 30s and the Med a mere 15k down the road, the options are endless. Just be back for an armed tea-time romp. Returning to the fields after the strength of the sun has waned gives the dogs the best chance to find the diminutive quarry. And it means you can return to Blighty’s cloudy shores without looking like a lobster.

We’re estimating an average bag of 40-50 birds a day…influenced by your fitness, walking speed and accuracy, of course. A good day and guns who have honed skills before arrival hold the promise of double that…

The season is short and birds quick so getting planning now as bookings are flying in fast.

Jealous of Jon : Trophy Chinese Water Deer

Howard — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:22:25 +0000

Whilst I continue my personal quest to bag my first muntjac, the empathy from my fellow stalkers has been astounding. My colleague Jon took the opportunity to rub salt in open wounds, sending me evidence of a successful stalk for a stonking pair of Chinese Water deer, and bragging about the Gold Medal muntjac in his freezer awaiting mounting.

Chances to add Chinese Water deer to your game book are few and far between, but we have snagged a few opportunities. If you are interested, get in touch.

Missing Muntjac

Howard — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:37:36 +0000

Over a beer or three in Texas, I confessed to headkeeper Martin Broad that I’d never shot Britain’s smallest deer, the non-native Muntjac. He’s taken the bit between his teeth, and I’ve spent several evenings ensconced in a high seat in one of his woods. Contrary to my wife’s belief that prey are oddly attracted to me, hence my luck with rod, rifle and gun, I can’t seem to shoot a munty. We’ve seen plenty of fallow and roe, including some stunning Gold Medal roe that are for sale, but only the rapidly retreating behinds of muntys. If I stay home, everyone shoots munty. I’m developing a complex. If you fancy an evening (or morning for that matter) stalk, for cull or trophy beast, get in touch. Unless, of course, you want that munty buck Martin’s saving for me…

Walked Up Shooting

Christopher — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:28:05 +0000

The origins of walked-up shooting lie in our prehistory as hunter-gatherers. From quail in Texas to partridge in France, foreign opportunities abound. But some of the best opportunities to pursue a range of winged quarry are to be had in the British Isles.

Stalking

Christopher — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:27:31 +0000

From high seat to belly, the stalker’s view takes in Scottish moors, Home County tree tops, Canadian mountains and New Zealand slopes.

Fishing

Christopher — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:26:57 +0000

Flicking the fluff can take the keen angler around the globe in pursuit of quarry large and small.

Hebrides

Christopher — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:26:29 +0000

Standing majestically at the northwest edge of Europe, the Outer Hebrides is a 150 mile-long island chain of beaches, moorland and mountain. Lewis, the largest and northernmost of the islands supports thriving populations of grouse, brown trout, red deer, and migratory populations of woodcock, sea trout, and Atlantic salmon.

Falconry

Christopher — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:26:26 +0000

Enjoy falconry, the most dramatic and spectacular of field sports, amidst some of Britain’s most beautiful and picturesque countryside.

Using the superb instincts of these birds, pursue a range of quarry from rabbit to grouse. Experienced instructors share their lifetime’s passion and knowledge, teaming you with a range of hawks and falcons.

As with all our days, bespoke tailoring answers the client’s specific requirements. Hunting days for those falconers who wish to fly their own hawks or falcons with or without instruction are available throughout the year.

Driven Woodcock

Christopher — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:21:01 +0000

Exceptional driven woodcock shooting is available on a very limited basis for complete teams of six guns between November and January.

Although numbers can’t be guaranteed, driven woodcock represents the best chance of joining the exclusive Woodcock Club. We’ve seen as many as five birds in the air over a single gun at one time. Be warned, these sporting birds are addictive in the air and on the plate.

Forced south by cold Scandinavian winters, woodcock emigrate to British shores in late autumn. The warmer Celtic fringes host the largest congregations of birds and guns. Whether in conifer forest or deciduous woodland, these challenging birds are a sporting target.

Driven Shooting

Christopher — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:47:45 +0000

Tailored days that match style, size, price and location with gun.

We offer shooting countrywide, from exclusive family estates to commercial shoots of all sizes. Whatever the driven quarry, grouse, partridge, pheasant, duck, or woodcock, our days surpass expectations.

Outside Days works closely with shoots to ensure that whether you are a single gun or an entire team, we can find shooting to suit you. One on one instruction is available to support those new to the sport or those wishing to improve.Whether it is a day out on your doorstep or an excuse to explore the corners of this island, driven shooting can take you there.