Charlotte Denny – Charli Denny

A Certified Stalker!

There are three main components to a successful deer stalk: patience, precision and the ability to remain quiet whilst in hideously uncomfortable surroundings. What put me off having a go with a rifle is that I am famously- seriously ask anyone that knows me- impatient, erratic and incapable of sitting still/being quiet for more than 5 minutes at a time. The immense challenge was undertaken by Steve Rawsthorne, one of the rifle specialists at Holland and Holland, to guide me through the Deer Stalking Course offered at the shooting grounds- taking me from zero to hero on the range.

Despite my recent endeavour into the world of shooting- you might recall I took part in Holland and Holland’s green feather course- I have never before shot a rifle. Gulp. I was assured that my lack of experience was not a bad thing; I wouldn’t have picked up any bad habits needing to be urgently rectified. Still, as I glanced over the information pack provided with the course I couldn’t help but feel dubious about my chances of success.

Before leaving the pavilion I was provided with all safety equipment and taught the correct way to carry and handle the rifle either loaded or unloaded. Then it was off to the range, I had everything to learn and a deadline of only three hours.

For those who aren’t familiar with the course, it consists of three hours instruction, including ammo, culminating in a proficiency test and multiple choice quiz. You can take the hours separately (although it is advised if you wish to split the course to take the first two hours together) or all at once. I decided upon the latter, hoping that my eyes and attention span would last the duration.

At the 100 yard station on the rifle range

We started at the 50 yards station on the range where we went through the first section. We talked about all elements of safety; Steve demonstrated using the rifle, explaining everything I needed to know to be competent. Proof marks and the fallout range of a bullet (a centrefire round will travel up to 4k uninterrupted!) were just a few of the things discussed, only signed off for once I had fully grasped the concept and importance of each point. Once the information was imparted we moved on, but I was asked to reiterate what I had learnt throughout the three hours.

At different stages in my lesson and under varying levels of stress, for example, after rushing a shot and blowing a perfect 5 on target- ARGH- I was asked to make a decision as to whether or not a shot was safe to take. Full-size silhouettes of deer can be found strategically placed around the field, some partially hidden or on the brow of a hill and others fully visible and in front of grass banks. Visualising the deer put into context how careful you must be when out stalking, and I know now how serious the stakes are when deciding to take a shot.

After Steve was satisfied with my safety and basic understanding of the rifle, I got to practice with a .22. Much to my shock I hit the target every time, one even in the centre. So great was my surprise I made Steve sign the target for me to keep, nobody would have believed me otherwise. With a little confidence we progressed on to section two.

Looking professional — Learning to triangulate and breathe correctly before taking a shot is vital

In the second section I learned all about the rifle itself, its mechanics and the ammunition used. I was introduced to technical terms like ‘grain weight’ and ‘click’ and learnt how to zero it before starting to shoot. The .243 looked much bigger and much scarier compared to the .22. I was concerned about the recoil and noise; not such a ridiculous fear when you can hear the rifles at the range from inside the clubhouse! Steve reassured me and offered to demonstrate what I would be doing, how to triangulate and then line up a shot with my face in the right position on the comb. I was surprised to learn that breathing is as important with rifle shooting as it is with yoga! Seeing him take a shot first, talking through the process and letting me see the results helped with my initial reservations, and I was keen to have a go myself.

Then came the real shooting! I practiced standing off sticks (my favourite) sitting in the high seat, prone with bi-pod and even kneeling (my absolute least favourite.) I was hooked. What’s so satisfying about shooting a rifle is that you can see the results for longer than it takes for a clay to disappear in a puff of smoke. Taking the target down to see that four or five rounds made their way neatly through the centre is a huge confidence boost, and the most encouragement you could get when learning.

The practice all gears you towards the shooting test, making sure that you are safe and adept enough to shoot a rifle off site. To pass, you need to take 11 shots on aim across two different targets. The first is similar if not the same as the target you practice with- it’s not so distracting trying to put 5 bullets into a target when you’ve done it several times before. The second target is a life size silhouette of a deer with a circle depicting the ‘kill zone,’ the area of which a shot will humanely do its job. It took me two attempts to complete the first target. I rushed a shot right at the end, jeopardising my previous 4 and having to retake them all. I am proud to say, though, that I breezed through all shots after that with time to spare at the end.

Steve was a fantastic coach throughout, giving me tips, tricks and pointers to make my life easier (and safer) when out shooting with a rifle. He was incredibly patient and encouraging and his relaxed attitude made me feel comfortable with the firearm from the beginning. The course allows plenty of time to build up to the test both theoretically and practically so you don’t feel rushed or under any pressure. I couldn’t believe h

Passing my target practice with flying colours!

ow quickly the time had gone but after just over two hours, it was time to undertake section three, and my multiple choice test.

Before completing the quiz, Steve talked me through the rest of the pack. Along with all completed sections signed off by your instructor you’re given additional information to take home as a reference for what you’ve learnt. Deer stalking codes of practice and BASC membership are just a few of the topics covered as well as in depth information about identifying deer, their seasons and the legalities of shooting them. If you’re applying for a firearms certificate/licence the pack provides a fantastic reference point for the officer assessing your application.

I won’t ruin it for you should you decide to take the course, but the multiple choice test is not something to be too concerned about. Everything you learn throughout the three hours is so ingrained by the time you’ve finished; it’s hard to believe you didn’t know it all before. You’re given a healthy forty five minutes to complete the quiz but I’d be surprised if you needed any more than thirty. After completing the final section I was handed my certificate and information pack and let loose on the coffee pot which went a a long way to defrost my frozen nose.

Before the course I had no idea about numbers of deer or the reasons they needed to be culled. I always struggled with the idea of stalking, thinking it to be an unnecessary practice, perhaps even cruel; I mean, we’ve all seen Bambi. What I’ve learnt, though, is that Britain has some of the healthiest herds in the world, relatively undisturbed by disease and overpopulation, and this comes down to the steady cull of deer- the money from which goes back into their conservation. That’s not to say I’m ready to grab some camo waterproofs and head out just yet, I have a way to go, but I’ve come to understand and appreciate the importance of the issue.

What makes the course so enjoyable is the balance of practical and theoretical knowledge imparted. There’s a lot to get your head around, especially starting off with no experience, but the course is cleverly designed to immerse you gently and completely- you’re never overwhelmed with too much information at any one time and the practical elements break the theory up nicely.

Until next time!

Shooting- The Ladies Game

It won’t come as a surprise to most that the shooting world is not quite as all-inclusive as one might hope- to me though, it was. My mother was a keen shot in her younger years, shooting a twelve bore quite possibly larger than herself, and I have grown up surrounded by women involved and successful within the industry. Working at Holland and Holland I’ve met hundreds- possibly thousands- of ladies who’ve decided to take up the sport, as individuals on lessons or as part of corporate groups and so the notion of negative attitudes towards female guns is an alien one to me.

The traditional nature of the sport has led to generations of men in the field- fathers and sons bonding over barrels- and women have largely been side-lined from the action. Typically invited as guests of shooting parties, few lucky enough to partake in the fun themselves, women have never been common in the line. That’s not to say that they are or have ever been banned or discouraged from the field necessarily, the industry boasts many seasoned and successful ladies, just that for the most part their roles have been less involved.

Modern opinions of women in the field tend to be positive and anti-women shooting attitudes rare. The ratio of male to female shooters is, of course, still hideously outbalanced but no longer I think from a lack of encouragement. In fact, sexism in the field these days tends to be limited to thoughtless boyish comments not meant to offend rather than overtly offensive statements or behaviours. You’re far more likely to hear a dumbfounded ‘outshot by a girl!’ than a scoffed ‘women can’t shoot.’

Steve Denny, director of operations at Holland and Holland, suggests that a shift in societal views as well as the access to training has led to an increase in numbers of female shooters over the past ten years especially. The efforts of the company have really helped to diversify the sport; as shooting has become accessible to a greater variety of people from a wider range of backgrounds the sport has evolved, and so too have the attitudes of those partaking in it.

hnh — Taking part in the Holland and Holland Green Feather Course

One thing I have noticed at Hollands is the attitude towards young girls learning to shoot. I’ve easily seen as many out with their fathers as boys, and often they seem as eager if not more so than their male counterparts- perhaps because shooting is a much more exhilarating hobby to engage in than typically female pursuits. The Young Shots Mornings practice equality in the field, teaming children up based on height, strength and age rather than gender and it is refreshing to see boys and girls alike comparing clays and sharing in each other’s victories.

Chrissie Alexander-Davis, known for her long standing representation of the British team and famed for her competitive success in gun down disciplines, has
been a freelance instructor for Holland and Holland for 30 years. Discovering a local clay club whilst walking her dogs, Chrissie’s immersion into the shooting world was rapid and complete. She herself learned at Holland and Holland and confides that it was the gentle and encouraging attitude of her instructor that kept her coming back, an opinion shared by many ladies today.

The extra input from an instructor at the beginning of a woman’s journey into shooting is important, she tells me. If handed a gun with no real direction or experience the ratio of hits to misses is likely to dissuade them from the sport when actually, a little advice goes a long way. Learning about eye dominance, for example, could change the game for a lady who’s found her success to be inconsistent or, perhaps, illusive.

Heading off to a shoot this month herself which boasts five ladies in the line, Chrissie admits that she has personally found male attitudes to be generous and encouraging in the field. The best way to tackle shooting for any lady, she tells me, is to “get out there, enjoy the sport and be prepared to have a lot of fun.” Most men are thrilled to see a lady in the line and share in their success, an encouraging thought for any woman a little nervous about their first shoot.

Chrissie tells me that shooting afforded her the opportunity to do incredibly exciting things and meet likeminded people who would become her great friends. I think perhaps that’s the most common thing I hear from ladies when asked about their feelings on the matter. Shooting is about more than just the sport, which is of course great fun in itself, but also about meeting people and sharing in a complete experience.

That’s what’s so great about all of the courses offered at Holland and Holland: not only is it a place where young girls and women are encouraged to pursue the sport, but also one that caters to all ranges of experience. Young girls going beating, loading or on their first shoot, women eager to join family or friends in the field or ladies looking for a fun new hobby that pushes their boundaries- Hollands has something to offer everyone and often at heavily subsidised rates.

2015 marked the twenty year anniversary of Holland’s Green and Silver Feather courses. The first of their kind designed specifically to immerse women into the world of shooting. Having been given the opportunity to partake in one myself last year, I really can’t sing their praises enough. What distinguishes them from the competition is the experience the company has in teaching women to shoot- the years of honing not only the teaching techniques used by the instructors but also the tips and tricks that really work for women in the field. On top of all of that they offer a way in to the industry- hosting a competition for all participants with the chance to win a peg on a ‘ladies day’ shoot.

Chief instructor Chris Bird believes that a positive first experience is imperative for ladies learning to shoot- and that starts with a gun that fits correctly and comfortably. Guns chosen for lessons need to be as suited in strength and proportions to women as they are men, recoil sensitivity and often nerves mean that the fit of firearm is crucial for that first lesson. This is perhaps where Holland’s is truly set apart from the rest. With the advantage of a comprehensive gun room there is a firearm to fit every man, woman and child of all varying shapes and sizes.

Chris stresses that there is “absolutely no reason whatsoever that women shouldn’t be able to enjoy the sport” and acknowledges that women “learn with a style and elegance which leads to results.” Women are just as capable in the field and, with cartridge performance so improved, there is really no reason why they can’t be as successful as men. In fact, many men are opting to use 20 bores, opening up a much more level playing field. The defining feature of a good shot is in no means gender but instead attitude.

Putting in to practice my Green Feather experience at the Holland and Holland Ladies Shoot

Arguably the biggest hurdle on a ladies journey to the field isn’t learning to shoot well but instead making the leap from clays to live birds. Finding a place on a shoot is hard for anyone with no personal contacts in the industry, let alone women, especially if a syndicate is a stretch on the purse strings. Holland’s courses aim to bridge that gap, introducing ladies to like-minded individuals and giving everyone the opportunity to make those necessary connections and it’s not only the ladies packages that do so- the Pheasant Sharpener, for example, offers the same. It’s a necessary step in the right direction for those struggling to get a wellington in the door.

There are certain aspects of shooting that are more suited to men than women, namely being able to relieve oneself between drives without coming face to face with a nosy Labrador hurtling through the brush. That being said, the industry is definitely heading in a promising direction in terms of ladies and (hopefully) amenities. From here onwards the numbers of women in the ranks are only going to increase, a fact welcomed by most and encouraged by good quality, value for money courses like the Feathers.

For anybody learning to shoot, especially women, I would encourage them to take a look at the various courses offered at Holland and Holland. Tried and tested packages and days are available throughout the year and cater to everyone. Designed by Steve Denny- who himself boasts over forty years in the industry as an instructor and director of business- they focus on what really matters when learning to shoot: safety, technique and enjoyment. For me at least, it’s worth it for the experience, not to mention the friendly faces and cup of coffee at the end of a cold sessions shoot!

Part V

The Shoot

Date: Saturday 5th December 2015

Venue: The Carington Estate at Winchbottom

I woke up on Saturday morning nervous, incredibly nervous, and I couldn’t shake the butterflies. Apprehension is the wrong word, what I felt was more a concern that I

might show myself up. The issue being that I’m incredibly competitive and although being told on numerous occasions (Sorry Clive!) that the day was not a competition, I didn’t want to underachieve compared to the other ladies.

Decked out in my shooting attire I definitely felt the part. Typical as it sounds I had a nightmare trying to find appropriate clothes; as a jeans and trainers kind of girl I found nothing worthy of donning in my wardrobe and spent a good few hours online browsing khaki chinos. It was a relief arriving to find I was more than suitably dressed, my shooting coat attracting compliments from a few people over the course of the day.

We arrived for coffee and bacon rolls at 8.30am. I noticed straight away that I wasn’t the only one anxious about the day ahead. Out of eight ladies on the shoot, five of us were new to the field and it showed in our excited chatter and exclamations of “If I just get one!” We drew numbers for pegs and were told that we’d be shooting straight through to lunch – the weather forecast was ominous and we didn’t want to disrupt the course of the day. With introductions and welcomes out of the way we kitted up and headed out to the car park where a convoy of 4×4’s were ready to chauffeur us between drives.

steve denny sonia charlotte holland and holland

Getting out of the Land Rover at the first drive I noticed the change in weather straight away. Although it wasn’t cold the wind had picked up and after five minutes in the fresh air my cheeks were rosy from the onslaught of gusts. It proved a little troublesome on the drive, making it difficult to get the birds flying in the right direction. At peg five I was lucky enough to have a few shots which was more than a few ladies had. It was a relatively good start and I shot my first pheasant – a hen- all nerves dissipating after that.

It’s a strange feeling to shoot a living bird – in complete honesty I was worried about how exactly I would feel about it. I decided that if I was content to eat meat then I should be willing to put it on my own plate and it was nice knowing that I had shot my own dinner that evening. I’ve hit enough pheasants with my car over the past few years it was a relief to be able to actually eat one. That being said I don’t think I could do it purely for the sport, I think I’ll stick to the clays for that.

Once the drive was over a hum of excitement settled amongst the group, everyone eager to recount their experiences. It was a great atmosphere to be a part of, everyone congratulating and cheering each other on. I was handed my pheasant on the way back to the car (no easy task for me as I have a crippling phobia of birds, ironically enough) and had a few photos taken; you know, to prove that I’d actually hit something. On discovering it was my first pheasant I was ‘blooded,’ initiated properly into the fold, and although slightly grossed out I was extremely proud.

The second drive went much like the first with a few less birds. Our pegs were adjusted slightly in the hopes of predicting the birds’ flight in the wind – unfortunately, unlike the trajectory of clays, pheasants are far less predictable and many were lost in the opposite direction. I hit a cock pheasant that was blown so far I didn’t think I had actually hit it until congratulated after the whistle was blown.

We had a quick break after the second drive – offered delicious soup and a small glass of slow gin which kept us warm while the beaters headed off in the direction of the next field. Chocolates and twiglets were passed around while everyone discussed the first two drives and patted the occasional Labrador that broke away from its pack.

charlotte denny holland and holland As the drives went on the wind became progressively worse. For a group consisting of relative novices I’d say we did fantastically well. The wind got up to 40 miles per hour at times which made the birds incredibly fast and unpredictable in flight. Most of us had practiced shots loading for us, and everyone commented on how difficult the day would have been even for a more experienced gun.

The last three drives went well depending on the peg you were at. I didn’t get a single shot on the final drive which was a shame, the birds all disappeared in the opposite direction, but I had my fair few on the two previous. With a gale blowing I was always that little bit too slow, just a smidge behind the birds and I could hear Clive’s voice in the back of my mind telling me I’d “tickled the tail feathers.”

Despite my own dwindling success rate it was thrilling just to watch the other ladies hit their birds. Every pheasant in the bag was met with congratulations and compliments and the infectious positive atmosphere had everyone almost giddy with excitement for the whole day. Seeing the success of the other ladies made me want to do more shooting; more practice, more clays, more birds. It hit my competitive nerve, and I found myself wanting to count the pheasants I hadn’t hit instead of the ones I had.

We finished shooting at around 1.30pm and went straight in for lunch where we were dished up rabbit and root vegetable stew with mustard mashed potatoes. Orange drizzle cake and a cheese board occupied the rest of our attention while our host offered around wine and coffee. The food was delicious and for the first time that day silence descended upon the group. All of the fresh air and walking had ignited everyone’s appetites and it wasn’t long before the cheese board was scraped clean.

I realised at this point, sat at the table with a group of people I had never met before, that a day of shooting consists of so much more than just pheasants. The camaraderie of the ladies and friendships formed over not just the day of the shoot but also the green and silver feather’s courses where most people had met was enough to sell me on taking out my next course at Holland and Holland. Having joined the group late – I didn’t get a chance to meet everyone for the competition day prior to t

he shoot – It was a welcome relief to be taken under the wing of the more experienced ladies and accepted into the group by everyone automatically.

I was told by one of the ladies that the shoot had become an annual event for her, persuaded back every year at the prospect of another great day filled withfantastic company, delicious food and a wonderful day of shooting. And I must say that I completely understand why: the Green and Silver Feathers courses at Holland & Holland offer a fantastic program which not only excels your shooting but also immerses you into a world that you might never have had a chance to experience otherwise, and all of that with a group of like-minded ladies.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped me along over the past few weeks. To Steve and Sonia Denny, who’s commitment to these courses has inspired more than a thousand ladies to take up shooting, develop their skills and stand beside men and women alike in the field capable of holding their own. Also to David Broadway and everyone at the Carington Estate who helped to make the day of the shoot thoroughly enjoyable. Finally to Clive Jeffrey who’s instruction and guidance made it possible for me to have such a successful day in the field. Thank you!

And thank you for reading,

Until next time…

Part IV

The name of the game (get it?) this week was ‘expect the unexpected.’ 20 shots at four stands with minimal input from Clive; that is, if he could resist the temptation to correct me for long enough- onus on me then! The point of this was to prepare me for what’s in store this Saturday when I head off for my first formal game shoot. To get me used to every aspect of the day’s shooting; from loading my own cartridges to mounting the gun when a clay (or pheasant, hopefully) appears.

We started at the high tower. Gulp. With no comprehension of when the clays would appear and in which direction they might be headed I panicked slightly, a fear that was quickly forgotten after hitting the first two. I set a good precedent for the rest of the lesson missing only a few and mostly to the right. With that confidence in my back pocket we headed off to the next stands.

At the low tower I shot from a variety of distances, starting further back and progressing forwards until the clays became impossibly high- for me at least. When I got back to my original ‘peg’ Clive asked me if taking the shot felt different, and it did. I had become more aware of the time I had to move the gun before pulling the trigger and the urgency I felt to rush and take the shot decreased.

All previous stands paled in comparison to Jacksons Hole, a trap that spits clays out so high and at such a rapid pace it’s hard to even see one emerging

from it let alone point a gun in its general direction. Clive assured me that he wasn’t joking and demonstrated. I had a few practice runs with the gun unloaded, before taking one shot. A few more practices on the high tower are definitely in order before I get the hang of this one-one attempt was enough to dispel any ego I’d developed from the previous stands.

I’ve come a long way in four lessons; the high tower alone is proof of that. At the start of my instruction I couldn’t imagine being prepared enough to head off to a formal shoot. But, four hours later here I am, gun in hand and lucky cartridge stored in the pocket of my new tweed coat ready to tackle this weekend’s main event.

I owe a huge thank you to Clive. Without his unrelenting patience and encouragement I wouldn’t be able to hit the pattern plate let alone a pheasant.

Wish me luck!

Part III

This week I learnt an incredibly valuable lesson: having the right frame of mind is imperative to a successful session of shooting. I was nervous about getting back out into the stands after my previous encounter with the high tower and it interfered with my confidence for the first ten minutes or so that I was out. It didn’t take long under Clive’s instruction, though, to start building it back up again.

We spent most of the hour focusing on what I already knew in theory, practicing mounting the gun to the right position in my shoulder and bringing it up to meet my eye instead of ducking my head onto the comb of the stock as I want to do. Breaking the habit was hard and I felt a little guilty that Clive had to repeat himself so regularly. I got there, though, and we progressed on to more technical matters.

“…having the right frame of mind is imperative to a successful session of shooting.”

It turns out that shooting at anything heading right of the barrels is a considerable challenge for me. I tend to turn the gun with my wrists instead of maneuvering my body in the right direction and so we spent time trying to master the movement properly. It still needs work and I don’t doubt it’ll be a focus of next week’s lesson, but I’ve become much better at following the sharp incline of the clay.

Charlotte Journal of a novice shooter

We concluded the lesson once again with the high tower. I’m happy to say that my competitive nature overpowered my defeatist attitude and I approached it this week with vengeance in mind. To my extreme satisfaction I did well, hitting many more than I had previously and avoiding the dreaded ‘ruffling of tail feathers’ remark I’ve come to hate. (I’ve kept the empty shell of one cartridge as a good luck token in the hopes that it might help me smoke a few more in the future!) To say that I’ve mastered the high tower would be a great untruth- but I’m on my way and I can’t wait for next week’s lesson.

Until next time…

Part II

Nothing could have prepared me for the intensity or difficulty of this week’s lesson. With less than two months to go until ‘Game Day,’ I have a lot to learn- and fast- and there was no edging me in slowly this week! The session centred on what I can expect to encounter on the day with a heavy emphasis on safety

in the field. I practiced everything; from taking the gun out of the slip safely (which I’m assured I will become less cack handed at the more I practice) to mounting it out of shoulder whilst waiting for a drive.

After firing four shots at the grouse butt to ensure I hadn’t forgotten everything I’d been taught in my first lesson- and I’m proud to say I hadn’t, hitting 3 out of 4 clays straight from the off- we headed to the low tower. A few practice shots later and I was learning to start with the gun out of shoulder, something I was incredibly weary to try and convinced would hurt. I worried that bringing the gun to my shoulder whilst trying to process the direction of a clay and where I needed to be in relation to it would be too much.

The unsettling thought that I might rattle my shoulder or bruise myself with poor gun positioning concerned me. Clive was, as always, incredibly patient; he demonstrated, explaining the mechanics of what I was doing and had me practice without the pressure of firing a shot, repeating the movement until I was comfortable and confident enough to continue. I was relieved to find that it didn’t hurt and pleasantly surprised to see that I was still hitting clays. Answering questions after each shot really helped me to gauge my progress, understanding what went well and what wasn’t quite right was far more useful than simply being told where or when to shoot, and I became irritated at my own mistakes as soon as I could identify them.

“Understanding what went well and what wasn’t quite right was far more useful than simply being told where or when to shoot”

We spent the majority of the lesson covering the basics at the low tower, the varying directions I might be faced with and how to move the gun safely and effectively in each. Towards the end of the lesson we moved on to a more formidable challenge, a stand which will keep me coming back for lessons until I have proved to myself that I can and will best it.

The high tower h 2013-12-14 10.22.51 as quickly become my nemesis, a sentiment I seem to share with most guns, novice or otherwise. I tried to convince Clive that I should start with the gun in place- it being a different stand and me being relatively new to the whole process- but he was having none of it. You could sum up the whole ordeal with the concise ‘you tickled its tail feathers,’ a phrase I’m determined to hear as little as possible in my coming lessons. My bruised ego was comforted by the knowledge that Clive was happy with my movement of the gun, getting there quicker will come in time (hopefully).

Another hour of shooting was over far too quickly. Perhaps a week to let my arms recover and the new information sink in will better my shooting but I have a feeling that it is indeed practice that makes perfect and I have an awfully long way to go!

Until next time…

Part I

It’s fair to say that shooting runs in my family. My grandfather, Michael Rose, worked his way up the ranks of respected instructors, carving out a career speckled with famous faces, stunning landscapes and even royalty. The lineage doesn’t stop there though, my paternal grandfather, Peter Denny, who started as a gamekeeper – went on to train gun dogs professionally and run shoots in Suffolk, a tradition which has been passed down in my family. It is my father, though, who has had the most influence over my experience of the shooting world, now working as Director of Operations at the prestigious Holland & Holland Shooting Grounds.

Now 21 and fresh out of university I have decided it’s time to take up the mantle. I confess that I have shot before, though neither extensively nor frequently. I understand the lingo and the basics; you pick that up with a few years around a place like Holland & Holland, beyond that though, I’m a clean slate, an open book, and I’m hoping (enthusiastically) that genetics will play an obliging role on my journey from novice shot to clay-blasting extraordinaire.

“Clive’s relaxed approach made me feel comfortable not only with the gun but also the knowledge imparted.”

My first lesson was with Holland & Holland’s instructor Clive Jeffries; a man whose unrelenting patience really is to be commended. The session was about more than just hitting clays; we discussed many things, from safety and its importance to the dynamics of mounting and moving a gun. It was a little intimidating at times (guns are, honestly, quite terrifying to a beginner) and a lot of information to take in all at once, but Clive’s relaxed approach made me feel comfortable not only with the gun but also the knowledge imparted.

I was relieved to find that the weight and recoil of the gun was more than manageable throughout the hour. I was a little nervous heading out that my embarrassingly underdeveloped arm muscles would let me down or that I would batter my shoulder in the process. It wasn’t until I placed the gun on the table at the end, however, that I noticed a slight ache in my arms and shoulder, a sign that either it didn’t hurt or I was enjoying myself too much to care!

The hardest part of my lesson was undoubtedly learning that shooting at something isn’t always going to work. I’m a perfectionist, I like to be precise, and shooting where something is heading as opposed to where it currently is was incredibly hard to get my head around. It was frustrating and a challenge but every miss made me want to try again- I was hooked!

I enjoyed every aspect of the lesson and was disappointed to head back when the hour was up. There’s something extremely satisfying and addictive about smoking a clay, or hitting a clay, or clipping it at all really. Although I’m sure in my excitement that I’ve forgotten most of the basics already, I look forward to putting them into practice again- hopefully with a few more hits.

Until next time…