English Style Driven Pigeon Shoot

[86er]

The local bird hunting resort consulted with me to find a way to generate summer income. They were considering dog training but I told them that requires a full time committment and was results oriented. I suggested monthly pigeon shoots (among other things) so I set one up for them. Today was the first go at it. We had 20 shooters and flew 330 birds. The shooters rotate shooting butts in a circle every so many minutes. The pigeons are "driven" from the wood and dog handlers pick the the shot birds. There was one no-show and one cancellation so Brandon was able to shoot and I shot some while tending to other chores and "choreographing" the event. Justin chose to work in the kitchen and was responsible for a large strawberry cake. CRS, Jim (my lawyer) and Piller's son were there representing levergunners. Brandon shot 63 rounds from his .410 single shot and hit 11 birds. I shot 26 shots and killed 19 birds. Interestingly, I had a W&S 12 bore pigeon gun with tight chokes and 1.25 ounce #6 shot. Many pigeons lost feathers and began flying erratically but were able to keep flight for a while. Sometime they were shot several times before they fell. Brandon waited patiently for incomers at 25 yds or less and had a very high kill ratio even though he had 1/2 ounce of # 7.5 shot. Just proves that hitting the birds in the front end is more important that anything else. I did not get to see many of the other shooters but I heard CRS and Jim had some impressive shots and Piller's son knocked down a few too. Overall, 167 were killed. Here is one photo - maybe CRS can post the group photo.

[rjohns94]

Very nice

[crs]

The shoot was a first for me and a lot of fun. It was simialr to shooting big tough doves and they were challenging targets. When the group pix are emailed, I will post one of the group wuth birds.
I think the owner of the bird hunting operation has a real winner here, as the shoot was oversubscribed with 10 shooters turned away.

[6pt-sika]

"choreographing" the event.

That sounds to tediouse for my taste !

[gamekeeper]

I hope the beaters were supplied with beer, otherwise it ain't English style!....

Well done Brandon, you are going to be serious competition to your Pa..

[cshold]

Well done

[piller]

My son had a great time, at least if the fact that he has mentioned it about every other sentence since I got home from work about 7:30 pm yesterday is any indication. When one falls on my weekend off, I will have to go. Jarrod even said the food was good, and he is a very picky eater.

[Marlin32]

Similar to Pheasant Tower hunts I have been on here.(they call them european hunts.

Might do the same there, hunters in circle, pigeons chucked out of a tower in the center.
Makes for an interesting shot as pheasants can really get moving. Pigeons would be even faster.

Would like to give that a try.

[Rusty]

Makes me wonder what Brandon could do with a 28 ga. He sure is some kinds shooter.

I saw an H&R 28 youth model in a store a few weeks ago. I didn't even know they made a youth 28. I had to special order mine and pay a premium to boot.

Looks like a great time.

[3leggedturtle]

Makes me wonder what Brandon could do with a 28 ga. He sure is some kinds shooter.

I saw an H&R 28 youth model in a store a few weeks ago. I didn't even know they made a youth 28. I had to special order mine and pay a premium to boot.

Looks like a great time.

I bought one them a year ago March. I only bought cuz it was $115. Guy at the PS said the person who traded it in only shot 2-3 times. Shells are cheaper than .410, tho will load both afterwards. But both Pitchy and I figured out why it was shot so little. When big guys shoot it with the short stock, even tho it has a great pad. It knocks the heck out of your nose and cheek. The barrel fits nicely on 3 other frames I have, just haven't shot it yet with a full sized stock.

[SIGHTHUNTER09]

Thank you for helping my brother Mr. Joe.

[crs]

BTT - Group picture added July 7,2013.