12/08/2004 - Adam Bromfield reports on Dove shooting in Morocco

We have just completed another highly successful year in which we organised a vast array of different days and trips for guns - both in the UK and worldwide.

It is easy to assume that as the season in the UK draws to a close, things become a lot quieter for us. This is far from the case, as we immediately start planning for the year ahead. Demand for days is constant, due to clients knowing that they need to get their days booked up sooner, rather than later, in order to secure their preferred dates on the best shoots and get their invitations issued.

The past six months has certainly seen some highs and lows, but most of the difficulties experienced during the season were, as is so often the case, caused by factors during the spring and summer months. This should remind all of us who shoot that keepers have a very full calendar for 12 months of the year - a lot of hard work takes place while we are watching cricket or tennis and shooting is far from our minds. A late spring made cover crop establishment difficult and this was followed by a tough rearing season for lowland keepers. Game keepers on the high ground were subjected to terrible weather at precisely the wrong time for hatching and diseases had 'a field day'; this produced a grouse season that may well rank as one of the worst in living memory.

However, despite a tough start in many areas, the pheasant and partridge seasons unfolded surprisingly well, with good weather for holding birds and few days of easterly winds - the bane of many shoots. Most shoots, while not boasting of a vintage season, have reported great 'flying' days and useful returns on birds released.

Chargot and Miltons in the West Country, Ashcombe and Hedge End in Dorset, plus Drynachan and Newlands in Scotland are just some of our numerous shoots who have all produced some exceptional days.

Worldwide
In Europe, we had an excellent season in Spain and a reasonable start to our new(ish) operation in Hungary.

With five of Spain's top shoots at our disposal - La Nava, Cotos, Brea de Tajo, La Flamenca and Las Golondrinas - we have been able to offer our clients a broad range of shooting to suit all abilities of marksmanship. Just 35 minutes from Madrid, Brea de Tajo has proved very popular for 'weekenders', while Cotos was heavily booked for its combination of luxury private accommodation and superb sport.

Throughout February and March, we have a number of days in Spain where guns want a befitting end to their season often shooting in shirt sleeves, which makes a welcome change from thick jumpers and jackets! Las November and December, we entertained a large American party, together with several smaller British groups, on our fledgling shoot 80 kms. north of Budapest in Hungary.

Argentina has again remained in strong demand, especially now that we are able to offer five-star accommodation in Cordoba Province at the Estancia El Colibri. Unique access to the dove flight lines, coupled with a good, nearby golf course, riding and polo all make for a wonderful shooting holiday - at any time of the year.

Last summer saw an increased number of couples heading for Morocco, where superb dove shooting over four days, coupled with accommodation in the luxurious Gazelle D'Or (a former hunting lodge and now a superb estate) and day trips into the Atlas mountains make for a memorable holiday.

In Africa, we ran two trips in South Africa on the Rovos Rail Train - one of the most luxurious in the world and perfect for those wanting something completely different to celebrate a special occasion or anniversary - and we introduced new Kenya 'bush and coast' holidays, combining driven and walked-up mixed shooting with fishing in the Indian Ocean.

As you read this, we're already planning ahead and taking bookings, so wherever you want to shoot, do call us so that we create the perfect trip for you.