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Get inspired with our young guns & beaters!







Scarlet and Gracie playing stuck in the mud!

The Prince of Wales recently gave a speech to world business leaders highlighting that the educational system is struggling to develop young people' s life skills. Without these skills can they cope in the real world? The heir to the throne highlighted that self esteem, self confidence and eye contact are essential elements to have for young people to manage themselves outside of education.

This made me think of the wonderful youngsters I have met during the shooting season and how their experience is helping them develop as individuals. Their dedication, enthusiasm and the roles they play on a shoot day gives them an opportunity to develop these essential skills. It's great to see we are encouraging and supporting  the younger generation with their love of shooting, dogs and conservation. And in return their energetic presence and positive attitude to the sport can make a real difference on a shoot day. Reflecting back on the season there is no doubt these youngsters possess the essential life skills. By recognising and encouraging their interests we are helping to build a bright and successful future for one of winter's most popular country sports. Here's a snap shot of our shining stars.... 

 

  

 

Brothers Sam and Oliver Mursell have always been keen on shooting. Following in their Dad's and Grandad's footsteps the young guns have been beating throughout the season and can't wait for beater's day. Both agree they need more practice to improve their shooting and they firmly believe that perseverance, determination and having fun is the key to succeeding. Oliver is the heart of the beating line. He has various responsibilities on the shoot which helps him develop his self management skills. He is passionate about the sport and conservation and his focus is realistic. One day he would like to manage his own game shoot.

 



Sam's role is taking charge of the game cart which requires common sense and encourages responsibility. He is quietly confident and his radiant smile always lights up the field!

 

 



Talented musician Josh Hathaway has a genuine passion and enthusiasm for the sport. He has been beating and shooting since he was 10 years old. Josh learnt his shooting and conservation knowledge under the local shoot captain. The seventeen year old who is currently studying for his A levels enjoys the social and sporting aspects of the shoot day. His friendly and approachable manner is refreshing and he shows genuine interest in people and life. Josh is a natural communicator and it's clear he possesses those essential elements - confidence, self esteem and eye contact....all three are shining brightly.






12 year old Ella has set herself a goal that is challenging but achievable...The 12 year old junior handler loves taking part in gundog working tests and one day she would like to be part of a picking up team.

 

 Bramble enjoying her first season working the line. The young beaters love watching the spaniels on a shoot day.

 

 

 

    

Ella and Jessica's enthusiasm is like a breath of fresh air...They believe their beating experience has strengthened their team work, adaptable and confidence. They love being part of the beating line and watching the dogs work. Some of the drives can be challenging with thick woodland full of brambles so the girls use their imagination and pretend they are in Hunger Games!

 

Learning to shoot, working the beating line or helping with the pickers up provides opportunities for the youngsters to develop key transferable skills relating to many areas of life. Seeing these young people on the shoot demonstrates their enthusiasm, determination to have fun and enjoy a day in the countryside.

 

“Enthusiasm is the mother of effort, and without it nothing great was ever achieved.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

 

 

A successful first walked up!



Photo taken - www.purbeckpaws.co.uk

It has been a wonderful winter in all parts of Dorset  and a highly productive season for our gun dogs. So far for the beating and picking team it has been an enjoyable  and challenging season as most of the team are new to this domain. As I continue my  gun dog journey with Ivy I have realized that our training on a shoot day doesn’t always go according to plan. Fortunately on a small shoot like ours it is acceptable to be flexible when things don't go to plan and as a novice picker up it’s been a huge learning curve. Therefore I  try to make  a mental note on each shoot as to  what I can work on outside of shoot days. I’m a firm believer most faults come from the handler and I don’t want to put pressure on Ivy during a shoot as this can cause more problems so our training days are a perfect way to go back to the basics or work on a specific area.



 

 

One of the many key lessons I’ve learnt is to reinforce the straight line retrieves. In between shoots days I have been practising memory retrieves to build on Ivy taking straight lines through cover and over obstacles. This has increased her confidence and strengthened our trust in asking her to take the line when I give her the command.  

 

"Dogs have emotions and we need to learn how to read their body language more accurately to become better trainers." By Graham Cox (2014)

 

 



Several members of the team have spent the season working hard as beaters and pickers-up. Today they had a unique opportunity to join the guns and take part in a walked up...



 



 

Break time...there is nothing like a refreshing cuppa!

 



One particular aspect of Ivy’s training which I constantly work on is her steadiness to shot. I realize she is new to the field and being a young dog she tends to get excited in the first drive. As I become more confident at reading Ivy's body language and understand her intentions I can (hopefully) prevent her running in.



Margo

Sam enjoying the day with his dog Margo...Her first season picking up and transforming into a remarkable peg dog.








Murphy

 

Back in the summer Murphy had his first puppy class at Purbeck Gundog club. The Patterdale cross Spaniel was certainly the odd one out with all the usual accepted gundog breeds being present. Mark found it  very daunting and more than once he questioned whether he was doing the right thing. Would Murphy ever make it as a working dog? Today was Murphy's 6th successful shoot. He has been accepted by all and has become the flagship of the team. Mark is delighted with his progress and having him by his side in the walked up is a truly rewarding experience. Mark realizes there is plenty to work on but he is so proud of this little dog who he rescued from the Devon floods last year. The walked up is a special occasion for the pair....especially as they are both celebrating their birthday today!

 

 

The heart of the beating team, Dodger and Archie enjoyed quartering the ground today and being part of the walked up.

 

 




Jason and Sam...enjoying their first shooting experience.

You can almost hear the pheasant's knees knocking when these two top guns turn up!

 









An essential item for the beating team!

As a novice getting ready for a day's picking up can be quite daunting. So although I will already have an idea of what to take with me it's good to ask others....

The beating and picking up team: From left to right - Emily, Rick, Wendy, Sam, Mark, Mick, Paul, Tim, Chris, Shirley and Michelle!
Picture taken by Sarah Smith Purbeck Paws Photography
 

'What is the one essential item you pack in the car for a successful day beating or picking up?'

Mick, the heart of the picking up team, has a keen appreciation of what handlers need on a shoot day. "It's got to be a first aid kit as you never know when your dog may get injured." Pet photographer, Sarah Smith agrees with him, "Whether you're out walking the dog or working your dog a first aid kit is essential to have in the car."

Local beater, Rick, explains that his desire for a specific cuisine is an essential  requirement for a successful day beating. "It's got to be an Italian themed lunch. One of the Italian meats really makes my day! It all started when I used to go mushrooming as a kid with the family and my grandparents would clip me around the ear and get me to pick the poisonous ones and tell me they weren't!" Rick grins and  adds "Our lunch would be ciabatta and salemi or one of the Italian meats and that's what I continue to do now."




A bird on the ground is better than two in a bush!

Jason and Tim share the same idea. "It's got to be a hip flask!" The boys agree the silver gem is the essential accessory for the beating line. Easily accessible and undetectable inside the jacket pocket it's easy to see why the rich flavour and aroma of port keeps them focused on the job!

New to picking up this season, Sam chuckles. "Ah..my dog lead is the one essential  for me." He pauses and then adds, "I can't believe I left my lead behind on the last shoot!"

Michelle loves beating and enjoys working her spaniel. "My essential item has got to be my dog." She smiles and adds "I wouldn't be here without him!"  Chris who helps to run the beating line agrees. "My dogs are essential for me to have a great day!"



Murphy and Mark enjoying the December sunshine!

Mark has invested in something he feels is essential for a good day out beating. "I love my  tweed cap...it's one of the first things I pack in the car!"

"Food!" Paul grins, "I don't mind what kind of food. It just needs to be edible!" He pauses for a minute and adds, " I do always make sure I've got a tow rope and shackles in the car, as you never know  if someone needs help."

Spaniels  Dodger  and Archie  have effortlessly found a place in the heart of the beating line. Dodger's handler, Emily is delighted with his progress and admits after a full day on the shoot an essential item has to be a towel for the dog. "I always try to get the excess water and dirt off him before starting the journey home."

What's my essential item? It's my tea flask!  When I arrive at the shoot there is a mixture of excitement and understandable apprehension.  My morning brew settles the nerves and by the time the first drive starts I'm relaxed and ready to work Ivy. I wouldn't be without my drink pod!

Photos taken by Sarah Smith. For more information please visit http://www.purbeckpaws.co.uk/

An introduction to one of winter's most popular country sports!

A snap shot of a newcomer's experience....


A  friendly welcome is a great way to start the day and working with a team who shares your passion is a golden privilege...  

We all have to start somewhere...5 years ago my gun dog training began with no knowledge or experience of the working gun dog domain. I've enjoyed every training class and working test and met some fantastic handlers throughout my journey.  My  goal was focused towards taking Ivy on a shoot and experience being part of a picking up team. The shooting season is well under way and this year I've had an opportunity to join a picking up team for a local shoot.  A few of the beaters and pickers are newcomers which  has instinctively brought us together.  We've had two successful  days  so far and we're looking forward to many more.  I've tried to capture some moments  and thoughts with a snap shot of a newcomer's experience in one of winter's most popular country sports..... 

Sam and Margo

Sam was thrilled with his first day. "I had a great day on the first shoot. It was ideal for Margo! Due to the relaxed atmosphere which put me at ease and allowed me to really enjoy it. We were beating for 3 drives and then joined the picking up team for the rest of the day. I was really pleased with Margo's steadiness throughout the day, and look forward to many more days out in the field this season. The second shoot was such a great day and I'm so proud of my dog. I guess I would say that being thrown in at the deep end was probably the best thing that could have happened for me really. Margo was brilliant throughout the day. Prior to the shoot  I got very worried doing lots of classes and training sessions thinking that my dog wasn't ready to work. But in my opinion there is no substitute for going out there and having a go. I'm under no illusions that my dog will be a FTC but I think given time to iron out some of the faults Margo is going to make a great picking up / peg dog. I'm very proud of her!"
  


Emily and Dodger



Tim's got the beating bug!



Victoria and Emily - Heart of the beating
 team!

Emily loves being part of the team. "I've been beating many times before however never have I worked my own dog, and that's a completely different experience! The feeling I got was amazing and such a buzz! Knowing all the training and hard work had paid off was incredible! Seeing him flush his first few pheasants out put a smile on my face for the whole day! The atmosphere from everyone was brilliant it was such a laugh! I can't wait till the next time!!"







Minstrel relaxing after a long day!


Tim is elated with his first day. "Our first time beating and I can quite honestly say we loved it...despite the wet weather! I started the day not knowing how minstrel would behave, but she was great even to the point of picking up her first bird from then on she had pheasant on the brain, but still she kept her concentration and listened for my commands. We've been bitten by the bug! It was our second time beating yesterday and  we both turned up with a lot more confidence. Minstrel didn't disappoint. She was amazing and she's turning into a lovely little working girl. We had another great day!"

Murphy's first day!

Mark and Murphy having a cuppa!

Mark loved his beating experience. "We both enjoyed our first day beating together, even though we lost each other for a while in a forest full of Christmas trees! Murphy is a Patterdale Terrier cross Spaniel and will soon be 12 months old. He was rescued from a flooded farm as a pup in Somerset last winter. Murphy now knows what a pheasant is! First drive first pheasant flushed within 50 yards. It just got better from there... "

 

Lunch break!

 





Gun dog trainer Chris Walton from the Purbeck Gundog Club was delighted with the day. "The shoot has started from scratch with the guns who
know nothing about running a shoot relying on help
from those who do! A first for them, a first for most
of the beaters and pickers and a first for me running the line! I can honestly say that the second
week became easier and more relaxed, so by the end of the season we should all have cracked it! A jolly good learning curve for all. Good job I've got the voice for it!"






Looking calm and composed for the day ahead!

 Rick is the life and soul of the beating line. "I'm so pleased I said yes to going beating. Seeing the dogs work as they were intended to do with their owners, flushing the game out for the guns and the Labradors detailed to do the picking up, steady and ready fro action. Now I appreciate how it all works together. What a great day, roll on the next one!"   
  


Michelle loves being part of the beating team!




Archie and Dodger...Our devoted team!



 Katie and I...having a catch up before the day starts...

 


 What did I do with my brace of birds?

 

Thanks to my husband's superb culinary skills...Pheasant breasts braised in cider...Caramelised onions, bacon and cider combine in the perfect recipe for roast pheasant...Happy days! 



 Being part of a picking up team and working Ivy is truly incredible.  One of the biggest challenges in meeting any goal is finding the motivation to stick with it. Ivy is my motivation!

Having fun with the Varney Brothers!

Thousands of visitors flocked to the Dorset County Show last weekend. This year marked the 15th year of the ever popular lake side scurry in the Country Sports arena with the Twistmount Gundog Team. The aim of the timed scurry was to test the dogs in water.

A dummy was  thrown out to an island and the dog had to swim through the water to retrieve the dummy and deliver back to the handler.

Twin brothers Neil and Nigel Varney managed the event and both were dedicated in providing family entertainment  and educating people on the world of dogs. As the scurry got under way you watched and listened to the dynamic duo and within minutes it was easy to see why this event was so popular. 

“Everyone likes a clean bum but no-one likes a smart ass!” yells Nigel as the twins captivate the audience with their sharp wit, smooth sarcasm and passion for country life. Their playful and  teasing commentary was infectious and the distinctive brotherly banter could not be ignored.  There was no doubt this nail biting timed event had you gripped from the start and encouraged a variety of  breeds to enjoy the scurry.

"We’ve had labs, spaniels, pointers, terriers and collies have a go today" Neil added. " We have all sorts of dogs enter and it’s great to see the dogs enjoying themselves."  Neil who is the international recognised gundog trainer of Twistmount Gundogs travels the country giving demonstrations, holding training sessions and seminars and judging competitions. Both brothers said "It’s just dogs being daft and having fun!"

 

Neil who is the keeper of a successful shoot at Somerset smiled as he recalled a lakeside memorable moment.

 "A dog came off the island, didn’t pick the dummy, spotted a poo bag on the outskirts of the lake, picked it up and headed back towards the crowd. He then proceeded to shake and not everyone made cover!" Neil and Nigel laughed. "The crowd love it when things going wrong! Especially when the dog goes out and picks the dummy and then comes back the long way, going all around the outside of the lake and gets  everyone wet. It's great entertainment!"

The Varney Brothers were in their 15^th year of delivering demonstrations at the show. It may sound obvious but the key to getting noticed is to make sure you have something fresh to share. Neil and Nigel have that certain something. They embraced their unique talent and with their knowledge, experience and friendly approach they delivered a fun scurry which was second to none.

Pictures taken by Sarah Smith. For more info visit: www.purbeckpaws.co.uk

 

Bloxworth Summer Gun Dog Water Training 2014

Bloxworth summer 2014 water training has been rewarding, progressive and fun! Ivy and I have learnt so much and Corbinsbere has given us plenty of opportunity to highlight our strengths and work on our challenges. It has been  fascinating to watch the dogs work in water. Their confidence at the bank and determination to retrieve in the water is outstanding. Their hunting speed and style on the island is a pleasure to watch. Here are a few quotes and pics from the handlers to encapsulate our summer of water training. Enjoy!

"Margo really loves the water so these water training sessions are great. It’s nice to see her enjoy herself. My main challenge is dropping the dummy on delivery!" Sam Cobb and Margo

 

"Last year we had a lot of trouble with the floods whilst working on the shoots. Everywhere which we normally retrieve on land was under water so I want to make sure that my dogs and I are prepared for this year as there could be a lot of water work. My main challenge is entry into the water on a drop." Steph White and Tilly

 

"The water training has been great for Serin’s confidence, especially for the working test environment. He needs to build his confidence at the bank and the training sessions have allowed us to practice in a relaxed atmosphere." Barbara Greaves and Serin.

 

Barbara Greaves firmly believes the Corby Cake Club is going from strength to strength! 

Luscious Lemon Drizzle and Carrot Cake...If at first you don't succeed or retrieve..have a slice of Corby Cake!

"The challenge for me was to get Jet to go out further in the water and to stop him shaking when he comes out with the dummy in his mouth. Tonight is the night..I’m really pleased with the last retrieve!  I wanted to push him on a bit more and I’m happy with his progress!" Jackie Shore and Jet.

  

 

"There are many benefits to these water training sessions for both handler and dog . It’s great to work through the sessions and reflect on the progress we have made.." Lindsey Pendleton and Toby.

                         "Last year Sid wouldn’t go in the water for me and now he loves it! My aim is to get Sid out working this year!" Di Cooling and Sid.

" I’ve loved these water training sessions. My main challenge is to deliver the dummy without shaking first! There are lots of challenges and you can never be complacent. It’s about  bringing them all together and making it work for you and the dog. I started off treating the water retrieve differently but actually it’s the same as a normal retrieve on land so I’ve learnt a lot from these sessions. Coco has achieved so much from these sessions. She wouldn’t go in to start with and now she loves it!" Pat Rogers with Sam and Coco.

 



 

Ivy

Margo

 

The Corbinsbere Team

 

 

Bloxworth Summer Water Training 2014...