3 minute read
Making Simulated Shoots, Truly Simulated
By Tristram Allen
When simulated shoots first emerged no one could have predicted just how popular the concept would become. Despite the large following, there are still many game shots who profess to not enjoy simulated days. Why is this when simulated game days are meant to simulate a driven day?
We quizzed several of our shooting clients, colleagues and associates to discover the reasons and their responses fell into three main areas. Firstly, the birds are of a height they wouldn’t normally raise a gun up to, let alone shoot. Secondly, the guns are pegged so close together that as one client explained, “It’s like having to be quicker than Billy the Kid to even have any chance of shooting a clay before your neighbour pinches it!” Lastly, none of them enjoy the feeling of their arms about to fall off after shooting for seven to eight minutes at a flat out pace.
At Truly Simulated, we set out to create a simulated shoot that would mirror a real driven day. The first step was to design a trap system that could provide the realism and variety of targets you see in the field. For this challenge we collaborated with Promatic Traps to create a one-of-a-kind system. We soon realised that we would require two of these five trap systems in order to make our drives authentic and allow us to space the guns even further apart. Because as we know, the birds don’t flush from a single point and it’s the sheer variety of speeds and angles that makes live quarry so testing.
Once we had the realistic targets sorted, it was time to make our birds truly challenging. Oxfordshire has some gorgeous rolling hills but the area is not known for producing high pheasant and partridge like the West Country. We decided to use two 120 ft mobile lifts to give our birds some serious height. The lifts not only make our birds more testing but also enable us to make the drives last longer. We stretch each drive out to approximately 15-20 minutes with a pace more reminiscent of a busy pheasant drive.
Located within easy reach of both the M40 and M1, the picturesque Edgcote Estate provides us with a fantastic venue to operate from. Over the course of the day you’ll enjoy four topically different drives, including one after lunch, because who doesn’t enjoy a full day of shooting?
We recognised that in order to complete our days we needed the hospitality to be one step above the others. Therefore we work with incredibly passionate game chefs to prepare exceptionally delicious dishes. You will start the day with a breakfast bite and continue on with elevenses and liquid refreshments in the field, followed by a two-course lunch and then round off the day with a well deserved afternoon tea complete with a drink of your choosing.
Whether you already enjoy simulated shooting or it’s something you’ve never considered until now, our days ensure everyone’s enjoyment. For more information on booking your Truly Simulated game day this summer please visit our website www.TrulySimulated.co.uk or give us a call at 07494 052511.