Tufftyke and Willowsaul get a day on the driven Grouse

Firstly i would like to thank my good friends Dr John Dickson and Mr Richard Hinks

who ever so kindly offered myself and my friend Vicky to shoot on a driven grouse day. it was only the second time that i had ever shot grouse and it was a first for Vicky so as you can imagine we were a little exited at the prospect. The forecast said we we're in for a real mixture of conditions and the moorland didn't disappoint us with a combination of sun, rain, and wind throughout the day.

We were both asked to take dogs so Dex played his seniority card and secured his place, and Vicky couldn't well leave her ftch at home so Sally took her rightful place along Vicky side.

Its a long old walk from the place where we parked the 4x4 to the shooting hut but the views are stunning, the combination of sun and rain could be seen way into the distance drifting across the moors.

luckily we drew the butts next to each other, this would be a perfect opportunity to a bit of Micky taking i thought but much to my disappointment Vicky shot very well on the day and accounted for more than her fare share of the total bag.

We had a total of 6 drives, and at the end of each drive we swept up with the dogs to find the shot birds which added to the day, always nice to see your dogs adjust to a discipline they aren't familiar with and i have to say both dogs worked really well ensuring all birds were accounted for.

We had a great day, the final count was 67 brace, the weather made for testing shooting and walking come to that, we were made to feel very welcome by everybody who was involved with the day and i would like to thank them all from myself and on behalf of Vicky.