By Phil Taylor
Ever since I began game shooting, I’ve dreamt of having my own shoot. Last year, that became reality on a farm where I’d been doing pest control. What started with feeding one pond to flight a few ducks grew into a small, friendly and sustainable shoot I’m proud of. The aim wasn’t to go commercial but to create relaxed days with friends, a modest bag (around 30 birds) and plenty of laughs.
How It All Began
At the end of the previous season, I suggested putting a few ducks down. By late winter, the idea had grown into three duck ponds, plus a spinney for pheasants after I’d noticed a few lingering around my deer feeders.
Planning & Preparation
I sourced ducks from Charles Grisdale in Wales and, with the guidance of experienced keepers, prepared the ground. Ponds were fenced – two with electric, one requiring 200m of chicken wire plus solar fencing. Overgrown trees were cleared to open the canopy.
Feeding & Watering
Ducks started on grower pellets, then a pellet/barley mix, before moving to barley alone. Pheasants had King Hat and barrel feeders, plus hand feeding of maize and wheat on small rides.
With no water system, I lugged up to 300 litres at a time in bottles and containers. Worming meant emptying and refilling drinkers, while apple cider vinegar was added to help bird health.
Tech & Pest Control
ZEISS Secacam trail cameras were essential. Instead of long hours waiting for foxes, I could check the app in minutes to see where and when they were moving – saving time and improving results.
Delivery Day
The ducks settled in quickly. The pheasants, however, were chaos – scattering far and wide within hours. We tried to dog them back in but mostly had to hope they’d return once the weather cooled.
The First Shoot Day
September 2nd arrived with coffee and pastries at 9am, three relaxed duck drives and elevenses in between. I was nervous, but by the end of the day we had 31 birds – bang on target.
Looking Ahead: 2025/26 Season
I’ve learned loads, made mistakes and already improved for the coming season:
- Two new ponds added
- A partridge drive in the works (thanks to Joe for rearing them)
- Ducks delivered earlier and already flying
- Pheasants arriving mid-July
- A proper pheasant pen being built
- A 40ft shipping container being converted into a shoot room for coffee, elevenses and drinks
The only frustration has been dry weather – over 100,000 litres of water pumped into one pond. But that’s game keeping for you and we’ll carry on.
A massive thank you to beaters, pickers-up, helpers, landowners and of course the dogs – the real stars. I can’t wait to get going again.
Stay safe, shoot straight and have a great season ahead!
Tips & Tricks Learned
- Bird sourcing: Get your duck growers early to maximise their age and performance for the start of the season.
- Fencing: Chicken wire plus solar fencing keeps ducks in and predators out.
- Habitat: Clear pond edges and open canopies for healthier flight lines.
- Feeding: Use auto feeders to reduce distrubance; transition gradually from pellets to grain.
- Watering: Hand-fill drinkers, worm through water, add apple cider vinegar as a tonic.
- Trail cameras: ZEISS Secacams save time and reveal fox movement patterns.
- Teamwork: Lean on experienced keepers and helpers – success is a shared effort.
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