March Newsletter
Let’s Jab, Jab Shoot *
Please forgive the pun, we are Sporting not Literary Agents. But there is truth in the message, just as the boxer uses his jab to lay the ground for his knock-out blow, so getting vaccinated will set us all up to get back into the field to do what we love doing. Here in the UK the roll out of the vaccine is currently progressing very well and indeed it is ahead of schedule. To our friends around the World, we offer you our best wishes and we are confident that we will meet again, and it looks increasingly likely that that will be sooner rather than later. Last Season taught us three things. Firstly, it reminded us just how precious days in the Field are. Suddenly, when we could no longer go hunting the hole that it left in our lives was very real. Whether it is a small day with a few friends or a transatlantic trip of a lifetime, don’t prevaricate, do it before you are left regretting missing out. Secondly, it showed what a remarkably stoical and responsible bunch of people shooters are. We met every hurdle that we faced – and there were many – not just with a determination to overcome the adversity but to do so in the “right way”. For more than three quarters of the season we shot in some format or other whilst adhering to every regulation that was placed upon us. Lastly, we learnt to appreciate the efforts of shoot owners and operators more than we perhaps have in the past. Those who put down birds took enormous financial risks in the face of frightening uncertainty. It all nearly worked out fine, but we must remember that the national lockdowns that followed Christmas were a terrible blow to these people. It is no exaggeration to say that if we don’t support them this year many of them will not be with us next season. Demand has been very strong so far this year. Hardly surprising but pleasing nonetheless. We have already sold more grouse days for the upcoming season than we have for many many years. We now have a waiting list of clients for both driven and walked-up sport. We have also witnessed a marked change in sentiment amongst overseas clients who are increasingly willing to commit to next season. In response we have welcomed new members to our syndicates, added some very high-quality driven shooting to our list of venues and extended our stalking access. I have touched on the difficulties faced by our suppliers. It should not come as a surprise that many if not the majority have increased their prices for this season. Not only are they wearing the financial scars from last season, but they also face increased poult and feed prices for this year. We have also seen a general tightening of Terms and Conditions; this is not universal but a 50% non-refundable deposit is now the norm not the exception. We can understand why. If you are to ask an operator to take all the risks associated with releasing game birds it is not unreasonable that they ask the guns to share some of the risks. Shooting is not cheap, but an excess of parsimony now will surely result in a lessening of choice and opportunity in the future.
Shoot in Scotland and stay in a Castle
One of the perks of our job is that we get to visit some wonderful places. Birkhill Castle is one such venue. We have long been fans of the shoot here, tall hardwood trees, sloping terrain and a stiff sea breeze make for some very challenging pheasants. Throw in some stunning scenery and drives where the guns stand on the shore of the Tay estuary and you have a truly memorable experience. We are delighted to announce that we have now secured access to the Castle as well. Back-to-back driven days with accommodation in the Castle for up to 20 guests, life doesn’t get much finer. Please click on the link to download more details. Do please get in touch if there is something that we can arrange for you. It looks like we will experience a bumper season this year, we hope that as many of you as possible will be part of it.
*Jab is a British word meaning to inject a dose of a vaccine.
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We look forward to you joining us for your next hunting adventure
Vernon P Waters