Sporting Agency

ENGLAND

As with any social and sporting endeavor there is a set of guidelines and etiquette associated with Driven Shooting. Don’t be alarmed, Emily Post will not be watching or will you get a slap on the wrist. But as with any etiquette, it helps everyone know what to expect and what is expected. The essential guide for field etiquette: Be Safe and Be Sporting.

One thing to keep in mind is the effort that has proceeded your arrival. The head gamekeeper and his team will have spent the best part of the preceding year building up to your shoot, at times working 18 hours a day, seven days a week. If you have the chance, take the opportunity to thank the keeper and his team for their hard work on the day.

SCOTLAND

Regardless of the formality of the invitation, you should try to respond as quickly as possible and in writing if you can. As you might expect, there are many logistics to arrange in putting a team together, and thus the sooner you can let your host know if you can attend the better. It goes without saying, but if you accept, you should only cancel in case of an emergency. It is common to return the kindness of the invitation in the future. Even if you can’t host a day’s shooting, reciprocate in some way.

SPAIN

It is important to come prepared and dress for the shoot. Each shoot is different, but it is best to bring clothing that will keep you comfortable, warm and dry, with an eye to earthy colors and NO CAMMO or BLAZE. Driven Shooting attire should not be confused with duck hunting gear. Tweeds, wools and earthen colors are expected and you should avoid bright colors that will flare the birds. Blaze orange is required for upland or walk up hunting but should be avoided on a driven shoot as the birds flying overhead can see it and will quickly divert their course.

In addition to considering the weather, make sure that you can comfortably mount your gun and that you are not impeded by what you are going to wear.
A traditional Tweed Shooting Suit usually consists of the following: Breeks, Long socks with flashes, Shooting Vest, Sport Jacket, and a Field Coat or other outerwear.  Additionally matching or coordinating trousers can be included. You certainly don’t have to wear all of this, but if you are asked to dress traditionally, consider what you pack. You should also ask your host how formal dinners will be. On some English and Scottish Estates you are expected to wear black tie.

NEW ZEALAND

Safety is the cornerstone of good sportsmanship and should be your first priority at all times. Nothing will get you banned from an estate, or not asked back, faster than poor gun handling or god forbid, an accident. Always keep in mind what the beaters and gamekeepers might see from their perspective.

Judging your ability and following some basic rules will be the best place to start when considering sportsmanship. Commonly it is considered very bad form to shoot a low bird or to poach a bird that would be considered your neighbor’s. If you are a skilled shot, be generous and let a few birds fly over your neighbor.

Know your ability. Don’t shoot a bird that is out of your range as you may only cripple the bird. If you think you have fallen a wounded bird, make a mental note so you can mention it to the dog handlers.

Additionally you shouldn’t shoot a bird a close range. “Pillow-casing” a bird will garner sideways looks particularly on English estates that sell the shot game to a game dealer.

Aim for good, clean kills. If you are having an off-day, stay positive. Of note, it is commonly thought of as unsporting to ask how many birds your fellow gun took in a drive or boast of being on a truly hot streak.