There’s something truly special about the first day at a new shoot location - the anticipation, the unknown and the excitement (and the dreaded fear of how your Spaniel will behave). This year, our new day was at the stunning Eastlands Estate in Warninglid, and it was nothing short of spectacular. A Warm Start at The Crabtree The day kicked off with a hearty breakfast at The Crabtree, where all the guns gathered to meet the keeper and one another. The hosts were exceptional, taking the time to learn everyone’s names and making us feel right at home. There was no rush, just a relaxed atmosphere as we enjoyed our meal and prepared for the day ahead. Each of us was even given a personalised shoot bag for our cartridges—a lovely touch that set the tone for the day. After breakfast, we drew our pegs and geared up in the car park. As we drove along the estate’s main driveway, I was hit with a wave of nostalgia. The place brought back fond memories of pony club camp from my childhood—though my dad might not share the same sentiment, given the ancient horsebox he had to drive/fight with back then (but that’s a story for another day!) First Drive: Storm Eowyn Makes Her Entrance Our first drive saw us on peg 6, positioned in the middle of a large field that sloped upwards towards a cover crop. With two back guns behind us, we were ready for action. The beaters began their work, and soon enough, birds were zooming overhead. Storm Eowyn was already making her presence known, and the wind added an extra challenge—or advantage, depending on how you looked at it! When the horn blew to signal the end of the drive, it was time for B, my trusty (!) Spaniel, to shine. She picked up all the birds around us and even helped sweep the field. Her confidence has grown so much this season, and I couldn’t have been prouder. We regrouped at the cars for a quick drink and some nibbles, and the keeper treated us to a magnum of Bolney bubbles—a delightful nod to a local vineyard. It was the perfect way to reflect on a successful first drive. Second Drive: A Valley Adventure The second drive took us into a picturesque valley. Some pegs were perched on platforms over a stream, but we found ourselves halfway up a bank in a scrubland area bordering Leonardslee. The beaters worked their magic, and the birds came flying back over us. They were fast and tricky to mark, but I gave it my best shot - pun not intended. Once again, B was in her element. She retrieved a couple of birds but then disappeared into the woods bordering Leonardslee. I heard the excited Spaniel yelp and had immediate visions of her leaping around amongst the wallabies (and probably appearing on the village facebook page) but after a few anxious moments (any Spaniel owner will understand the panic!), she reappeared triumphantly with a pricked hen bird. It was a reminder to trust her instincts—she’s more capable than I sometimes give her credit for. The Shoot Hut: A Hidden Gem After the second drive, we made our way to what can only be described as one of the best shoot huts I’ve ever seen. Tucked away in the woods, it was a cozy haven with comfy armchairs, a roaring log burner, and a well-stocked bar. But the real star of the show was the food. The venison loin, culled on the estate and cooked to perfection, was hands-down the best I’ve ever tasted. I may have gone back for seconds… or thirds. Third and Fourth Drives: Battling the Elements By the third drive, Storm Eowyn was in full force. We were on peg 4, tucked into a small clearing in the woods. The birds were high and fast, and while I won’t admit to how many my partner missed, it was another exhilarating drive. B had a moment of rebellion, running past a cock bird in a gorse thicket multiple times before finally retrieving it—after a rather embarrassing pit stop (when nature calls and all that!) The final drive saw us on peg 7, braving the howling wind and driving rain in the middle of a soggy field. I’ll admit, I spent most of it trying to avoid the rain hitting my face straight on so I didn't see much of the action! When the horn finally blew, B swept up brilliantly, bringing back seven partridge despite the challenging conditions. A Well-Deserved Lunch at The Crabtree After a soggy trek back to the cars, we headed to The Crabtree for lunch. I made a quick detour home to change into something warm and dry, returning feeling rather smug. The meal was fantastic, with delicious food and impeccable service. The conversation flowed, and the wine kept coming, followed by cigars. It was the perfect way to wrap up an incredible day. The Tally and Looking Ahead We'd agreed a mixed partridge and pheasant bag of 150, with the final tally being 168 It was a magnificent day—possibly one of our favourite shoots to date. Our syndicate has already committed to two days at Eastlands next season, and I can’t wait to return. Whether it’s for the birds, the dog, or that unforgettable venison, Eastlands Estate has secured a special place in my heart. Here’s to many more days in the field, surrounded by great company, stunning scenery, and the thrill of a shoot day. Until next time! --- *Have you ever experienced a game shooting day that left a lasting impression? Share your stories in the comments below!*