Driven Game shooting in the United Kingdom commences with Grouse shooting on the 12th. August -the GLORIOUS 12th.- and Partridge shooting in September with Pheasant shooting in October and continues until the 1st. February.

Pickers up, usually with one or more dogs, are responsible for the retrieving of shot birds and stand behind the guns, often very far back, to collect all the birds shot.

Beaters, under the instruction of the gamekeeper, underkeeper or shoot captain, drive the birds in a controlled  manner and flush them over the guns- an operation which requires a great deal of planning and no small degree of coordination to be successful. Well controlled and obedient dogs are an asset to a beater.

Shoots can vary from a small family style informal shoot, walk and stand shoots(guns take it in turns to act as beaters) to large formal shoots.

It is essential that adequate pickers up and beaters are available to ensure that the days shooting is successful.

We want also to assist people of all ages and walks of life to participate and experience the benefits of taking part in countryside pursuits.

There is a Forum where people, especially newcomers, wishing to offer their services can post,  and also for shoots with vacancies, even at short notice, to post and obtain the extra people they require.

http://www.pubs.myfunforum.org