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As the pheasant season gets underway, BASC’s chairman Eoghan Cameron highlights the positive impact gathering with friends and family on a shoot day has on us all.
- - Features
- - Features
A day to remember for young shots in Ashbourne
A cold winter morning in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, saw a group of eager young shots aged 10 to 18 gather for an unforgettable day of driven pheasant shooting.Â
The young shots event brought together aspiring game shooters under the guidance of experienced coaches and volunteers. It was more than just a day in the field; it was a celebration of skill, tradition, nature and camaraderie.
The event was made possible through the generosity of the Bradley shoot, which donated the opportunity to host a group of young shots for a driven day.Â
As the fog hung heavy in the early hours, spirits were high as the beaters, pickers-up, and participants prepared for what would be a memorable outing. Under the watchful eyes of seasoned mentors, the young shots were given the tools and guidance to hone their skills in a safe and encouraging environment.
The thrill of the driven shoot
As the fog lifted, revealing the beautiful rolling fields and woodlands of the Derbyshire dales, the birds began to fly. The pheasant and partridge provided an excellent test for the young guns.Â
Thanks to some steady hands and sharp focus from the young shots, there was some truly impressive shooting on show.Â
For some, this was a day of firsts. A first time on a driven shoot and, for several, the thrill of taking their first pheasant. The coaches were on hand to guide the young participants every step of the way. They helped to ensure the attendees displayed safe shooting skills, while educating them on respect for the countryside and the traditions of game shooting. It was heartening to witness the mentors share their wealth of experience with the next generation game shooters.
A community effort
Days like these rely on teamwork and generosity, and this event was no exception. The beaters and pickers-up as always played an integral role in making the event a success. The smooth running of the day was a testament to their skill and effort.
Of course, no shooting day is complete without hearty refreshments, and the organisers made sure no one went hungry. A spread of delicious food kept energy levels high, fuelling the young shots for the day’s challenges.
Drives concluded and guns packed away, all participants and mentors gathered to reflect on the day’s highlights and divvy up the bag, heading for the nearby Tiger Inn afterwards for chip butties all round.Â
Find a young shots event near you
We have plenty upcoming young shots events, so check our event’s page to find out about days local to you.
Inspiring the future
BASC’s commitment to introducing newcomers to shooting is a key aspect of our purpose. Events like these not only expose young people to the sport but also instil a strong sense of responsibility, sportsmanship, and appreciation for rural life. By providing expert coaching and a supportive environment, BASC ensures that the next generation of shooters is equipped to uphold the sector’s values and ethics.
This event in Ashbourne was more than just a shooting day – it was a demonstration of community spirit, shared passion, and the joy of learning something new. For the young shots, it was a chance to create memories and skills that will last a lifetime.
A huge thank you goes to everyone who made the day possible: the generous shoot hosts, the dedicated beaters and pickers-up, the coaches and volunteers, and, of course, the Tiger Inn for their warm hospitality.
As the young shots departed with stories to tell and smiles on their faces, one thing was clear: the future of game shooting is in very capable hands.
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Murray Woodward
Murray is a regional officer for BASC Central, having previously worked in the BASC Game and Gundog team. Murray has a background in gamekeeping, farming and volunteer management. He is a keen rough shooter, enjoys ferreting and going beating with his springer spaniel Broc.
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