Not something you do every day.

[FightTheBan 1,147]

Well, today I did something with the work a little out of the norm...a ptarmigan shoot.

 

I was to meet at the lodge for 9 am sharp, there was a hard frost in the ground but the sun was up and starting to slowly thaw out. A real lovely morning.

The guns pulled up and I grabbed a space in one of the landrovers. We bagan the slow and bumpy ascent up the hill towards the top corrie, flushing the odd grouse and hare as we bounced up the track.

 

By the time we got to the end of the hill road, an hour had passed and the sun had dissapeared behind a curtain of mist and cloud (suddenly felt a bit cold in my light fleece ).

 

As we started the slow and arduous climb up the face, the weather changed somewhat and there was a bitter cold wind. But as the guns had travelled from down south we persevered.

 

When we were nearing the summit, we lined out along the shoulder 30 yards apart (4 guns, me and the headkeeper).

The line made its way forward through the mist and we peered closely to see if we could make out any white feathers amongst the rocks.

 

As the morning went on, we bumped a few small coveys that were nestling amongst the rocks out of the driving wind, but alas the guns werent quick enough to bang at them. They can fairly shift with a gale force wind behind them!

 

Luckily, the mist cleared as we trundled on and we started seing movement up ahead. The first shootable covey flushed and one was dropped for five shots. On picking it up, you realise what great wee birds they really are and the weather they face every year is amazing.

Throughout the rest of the day we flushed in excess of Ptarmigan, in coveys up to 25. Each of the guns shot one bird, and one shot a brace leaving the bag at 2 and a half brace...for 36 shots.

 

The guns were delighted and have taken the birds back for the taxidermist.

 

Here are some pics for you to get a rough idea of what it's like 1000 metres above sea level!

Didn't bother with the pics I took at the top as the mist was too bad.

 

 

 

 

One of the Ptarmigan for those of you who don't know what they look like.

 

 

 

Feel free to add any interesting days out you have had.

But for me this was the first time I have ever done a ptarmigan shoot and with the low populations of them it may well be my only.

Hope you enjoyed the read and my piss poor photography.

 

 

FTB

[Catcher 1 639]

Biggar 98.I hated walking up them hills.But we did get a few grouse and it was all free.Plus the jet,s used to fly by.(below you) Click to enlarge.

Edited November 1, 2010 by Catcher 1

[FightTheBan 1,147]

That up on tinto hill bud? or over towards douglas.

 

FTB

[FightTheBan 1,147]

Inverness-shire.

On me doorstep.

FTB

[Catcher 1 639]

That up on tinto hill bud? or over towards douglas.

 

FTB

 

 

Its bigger did the ground for years

[Catcher 1 639]

Got ground on tit

That up on tinto hill bud? or over towards douglas.

 

FTB

 

 

Its bigger did the ground for years

 

 

Got ground on tinto:thumbs:

[FightTheBan 1,147]

Its 20 miles north of pitlochry.

 

Just working up here at the month not actually from here so won't ken any of the names.

 

My mates used to have all the shooting on tinto hill near biggar, catcher.

 

Very few grouse there now, all been guzzled by vermin.

 

Leadhills is well managed and shooting big bags

 

FTB

[Catcher 1 639]

Its 20 miles north of pitlochry.

 

Just working up here at the month not actually from here so won't ken any of the names.

 

My mates used to have all the shooting on tinto hill near biggar, catcher.

 

Very few grouse there now, all been guzzled by vermin.

 

Leadhills is well managed and shooting big bags

 

FTB

 

 

I did say 98.That pic was taken on the biggar hills.Could name the farm but i wont.Also have two farm in tinto.Owned by brothers.So please dont tell me its was,ant.Can get a few lads on hear to back it up.atb. Catcher.

[FightTheBan 1,147]

You misread my post. I wasn't doubting you at all. Merely stating that my friends father had the shooting at tinto some point in the past.

 

I don't doubt you have the shooting there.

 

ATB

 

FTB

[Catcher 1 639]

You misread my post. I wasn't doubting you at all. Merely stating that my friends father had the shooting at tinto some point in the past.

 

I don't doubt you have the shooting there.

 

ATB

 

FTB

 

 

No probs bud .ATB. Catcher.

[FightTheBan 1,147]

You have a PM Catcher.

FTB

[Lab 10,979]

Well, today I did something with the work a little out of the norm...a ptarmigan shoot.

 

I was to meet at the lodge for 9 am sharp, there was a hard frost in the ground but the sun was up and starting to slowly thaw out. A real lovely morning.

The guns pulled up and I grabbed a space in one of the landrovers. We bagan the slow and bumpy ascent up the hill towards the top corrie, flushing the odd grouse and hare as we bounced up the track.

 

By the time we got to the end of the hill road, an hour had passed and the sun had dissapeared behind a curtain of mist and cloud (suddenly felt a bit cold in my light fleece ).

 

As we started the slow and arduous climb up the face, the weather changed somewhat and there was a bitter cold wind. But as the guns had travelled from down south we persevered.

 

When we were nearing the summit, we lined out along the shoulder 30 yards apart (4 guns, me and the headkeeper).

The line made its way forward through the mist and we peered closely to see if we could make out any white feathers amongst the rocks.

 

As the morning went on, we bumped a few small coveys that were nestling amongst the rocks out of the driving wind, but alas the guns werent quick enough to bang at them. They can fairly shift with a gale force wind behind them!

 

Luckily, the mist cleared as we trundled on and we started seing movement up ahead. The first shootable covey flushed and one was dropped for five shots. On picking it up, you realise what great wee birds they really are and the weather they face every year is amazing.

Throughout the rest of the day we flushed in excess of Ptarmigan, in coveys up to 25. Each of the guns shot one bird, and one shot a brace leaving the bag at 2 and a half brace...for 36 shots.

 

The guns were delighted and have taken the birds back for the taxidermist.

 

Here are some pics for you to get a rough idea of what it's like 1000 metres above sea level!

Didn't bother with the pics I took at the top as the mist was too bad.

 

 

 

 

One of the Ptarmigan for those of you who don't know what they look like.

 

 

 

Feel free to add any interesting days out you have had.

But for me this was the first time I have ever done a ptarmigan shoot and with the low populations of them it may well be my only.

Hope you enjoyed the read and my piss poor photography.

 

 

FTB

That sounds like it was a cracking little day mate........haven't shot them myself, probably wont either......never know though eh...

[miss lurcher bitch 319]

well done lads looks like you had good time and cracking pics mlb

[Catcher 1 639]

You have a PM Catcher.

FTB

 

 

Got it bud:thumbs:

[FightTheBan 1,147]

Its 20 miles north of pitlochry.

 

Just working up here at the month not actually from here so won't ken any of the names.

 

My mates used to have all the shooting on tinto hill near biggar, catcher.

 

Very few grouse there now, all been guzzled by vermin.

 

Leadhills is well managed and shooting big bags

 

FTB

 

ahhh I see, loch ericht right? Thought I recognised it........ see many whiteys???

 

 

 

Sh1t loads mate. A was droolin at the mouth

 

FTB