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a plan and discuss tactics. There was no doubt that every single team was taking this very seriously – like Tyson Fury approaching Anthony Joshua. Thoughts of lifting the
extraordinary Ptarmigan Trophy, sculpted by renowned sporting artist Jason Sweeney, and of which Ptarmigan coat to opt for were at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Next was Bullocks Drive for a mixed bag. With clays firing from all directions this certainly kept shooters on their toes. Tactics were of upmost importance to ensure that all bases were covered. This is also where Guns needed to channel everything they knew about game shooting. There was a bit of everything – pheasants, grouse, woodcock, partridge. You name it, Bullock’s Drive threw it at you. Once again, it was clear no one was going to go without a fight. The steep, wooded valleys and high hedges of the estate offered the most perfect venue for an enjoyable yet challenging day. An added bonus was the spectacular scenery and heritage around every corner, like the eccentric Rococo follies and temples, steeped in the history of the Dashwood family. The last drive before elevenses was simulated grouse on Holmes Bank. This is often the flush that many people aren’t too keen on tackling – usually due to the fact they don’t get to shoot grouse that often. With birds coming in low and fast overhead, as well as quartering in from left and right, teams needed to remain observant at all times. There was a phenomenal buzz in the atmosphere as all the teams gathered by the lake for elevenses. “Scores on the doors!” exclaimed
Marcus Janssen, much to everyone’s delight. The top ten teams were announced (in no particular order)
which only elevated the ambition of those who made it onto the list. And we were off again, this time
to Dorrells Wood. Drive four was possibly the most difficult of them all – bouncing rabbits. As each team took to the stand, 100 clays sprung in from the left and right, ricocheting off tree roots and uneven ground. This flush definitely topped the leader board for the most entertaining as even the best of shots struggled to predict the direction of the bolted ‘rabbit’ at high speed. The last drive of the day was the famous Walnut Tree Bank for high pheasants. On this drive teams had a
choice, something which had never been done before at West Wycombe Park: all three guns on the front line, or two front Guns and one back Gun. This suddenly had teams reassessing tactics, discussing the pros and cons of each line-up option. “We’re going three up,” announced Andrew Gilruth of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust team decisively as his comrades joined him on the front line. With the fifth drive over, the big question was, who had made the final shoot-off? Teams were guided to Horseman’s Ride where they welcomed
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The Schöffel Country coat collection takes centre stage outside West Wycombe House
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Team NGO’s Justin Garrod quickly reloads during the surprise shoot off
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Elevenses with a view
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www.tandgmagazine.com June 2018 | Tackle & Guns | 51
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