Women in shooting take aim at partridge introduction day

BASC Wales’s introduction to partridge shooting event offered the chance for newcomers to game shooting to head out for an unforgettable day in mid Wales.

As BASC celebrated a record number of female members at the end of September, reinforcing its commitment to increasing participation for women in shooting, our Wales team hosted an Introduction to Partridge Shooting Day at the fantastic Harpton Estate in Powys. 

The event gave newcomers a chance to learn about driven shooting in one of mid Wales’s most scenic valleys. Despite the wet and windy weather brought by Storm Amy, the enthusiasm never dipped. Participants took on four drives, learning key elements of shooting safety and etiquette, and many went home with a partridge for the table – a proud first for several of the group.

The day began with coffee and breakfast rolls in the shoot cabin before everyone headed out into the valley. Between drives, the group watched the beaters and pickers-up working their dogs and saw how teamwork underpins every successful shoot.

BASC’s Wales director Steve Griffiths said: “We are delighted to see more women getting into shooting. This day gave those taking part the confidence and knowledge they need to enjoy the sport safely and responsibly.”

Lunch in the shoot room brought everyone back together over partridge stew and crumble – a well-earned end to a memorable day in the field.

The Harpton Estate is renowned for its conservation work, with any surplus income from the partridge shoot reinvested into practical conservation efforts and species restoration projects. The estate has seen growing numbers of curlew year on year, thanks to the dedication of the landowner and gamekeeper in managing habitat and supporting wider biodiversity.

Steve added: “It was inspiring to see such clear commitment to conservation at Harpton. The estate shows how responsible shooting and habitat management can work side by side for the good of both people and wildlife.”

BASC would like to thank Harpton Estate, the beaters, pickers-up and gamekeeper Aaron for hosting the day and helping create such a positive experience for new participants.

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