Day One: 

Introduction and classroom session beginning with the essential safety briefing followed by an in-depth description of the logistics of a Driven Pheasant Shoot 

Instruction on the correct footwork, stance, posture and the all-important gun mount

The best techniques for tackling high pheasant and partridge at 40 yards and more 

The differences between the Stansbury and Churchill shooting techniques

How to choose the right shotgun and gauge with the best choke and cartridge combinations for Driven Shooting

Explanations of the minutiae and mysterious terms in Driven Shooting; pegs, keepers, loaders, picker ups, beaters, flankers and more

The best choice of clothing for Game Shooting in the British Fall 

Tipping for keepers and loaders 

Using a single gun with a “Stuffer” and the “Two gun Tango” with a Loader and a pair of guns

A break to enjoy a catered lunch

The afternoon will be spent on the shooting grounds and the group will be divided into three teams of four.

There will be three training areas, each presenting a true-to-life presentation of a Driven Game bird in flight. Each team will work with one of the instructors for an hour and a quarter, then move to the next instructor and training area, rotating throughout the afternoon. This will give everyone the opportunity to put into practice the lessons from the morning classroom session. The day will end with a classroom wrap-up with a question and answer session, and finally, a “stirrup cup” and a few choice nibbles.

Day Two:

A brief re-cap of the lessons from Day One, followed by a full day of simulated Driven Game Shooting, run as a real Driven Game Shoot in Great Britain. 

The class will divide into pairs, teaming up with a fellow Gun, taking turns to shoot and load for each other. Pegs will be drawn and the six teams will take their places on their pegs for the first drive. 

One Gun will shoot while the other loads, and there will be a whistle blown half way through each drive to indicate when to change from Loader to Gun. At the end of the drive, the Guns will move to their next peg.

There will be two drives in the morning- the first will be simulated Driven Partridge, the second, simulated Driven Grouse.

The morning drives will start at a gentle pace to allow the Guns and Loaders to warmup and get into the swing of double-gunning. The instructors will be making the rounds critiquing and offering helpful advice on each drive. 

Refreshments will be served between the drives, in the traditional manner.

A catered lunch will be served after the morning drives

In the afternoon, there will be two drives of simulated Driven Pheasant. The same rotations will apply as in the morning, with Guns and Loaders taking turns mid-drive and the teams moving pegs after the drive.

The instructors will be circulating to offer assistance and coaching throughout the drives. 

At the end of the day there will be a question and answer session followed by wine and hors d’oeuvres.

Note: You will shoot between 350 and 500 shells during the day. While shooting, loading or observing, shooting glasses, hearing protection, hats and gloves must be worn and long-sleeved shirts are recommended.