He Was NOT Expecting This on a British Shoot

Published on March 29, 2026
Duration: 21:49

This video details the experience of an American shooter, Dwight, on his first driven bird shoot in the UK, organized by Delaney Sons. It highlights the differences between clay and game shooting, emphasizing the need for adjusted gun speed, lead, and sight pictures to account for factors like wind and bird trajectory. The instruction focuses on practical techniques for engaging fast-flying game birds in various terrains, from open fields to woodland drives, offering insights into the art of picking birds and ethical shooting.

Quick Summary

Driven bird shooting in the UK differs from clay shooting due to live, unpredictable game birds and environmental factors like wind. Shooters must adjust gun speed, lead, and sight pictures, often aiming 'above and behind' for high or distant birds. The community aspect, fostered by organizations like Delaney Sons, is a significant part of the experience, creating lasting friendships.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: First Day Nerves & UK Shoot Experience
  2. 00:52Delaney Sons: Connecting American Shooters with UK Game
  3. 01:22Community Time: Building Friendships Before the Shoot
  4. 02:00Instruction & Expectations for a First Shoot Day
  5. 02:28Journey to Coosborne Estate: Beautiful Terrain & First Drive
  6. 03:43Game vs. Clay Shooting: Adjusting Technique
  7. 04:00Wind's Impact on Bird Flight & Shooting
  8. 04:26First Bird & Ethical Shooting Principles
  9. 05:00Improving Lead and Shot Placement
  10. 05:31Successful Shot & Dwight's Reaction
  11. 05:49End of First Drive: Dwight's Reflection
  12. 06:34Finding Rhythm in Game Shooting
  13. 07:13Second Drive: Woodland & Riverbank Shooting
  14. 07:33Technique for Shooting Through Trees
  15. 08:06American Hunting vs. UK Game Shooting
  16. 09:18Successful Shot in Woodland Drive
  17. 10:03The Art of Picking Birds in Game Shooting
  18. 10:43Third Drive: Flank Position & Challenging Conditions
  19. 12:04High-Flying Birds & Fast Reactions
  20. 13:12The Remarkable Experience of UK Game Shooting
  21. 14:22Final Drive: Dwight's Performance & Learning
  22. 15:18Engaging Challenging Birds on the Last Drive
  23. 16:10Confidence Boost: Successful Shots & Lead Adjustment
  24. 16:39Dwight's Progress & Pride in His Performance
  25. 17:00Delaney's Focus on Community & Experience
  26. 18:11A Decade of Building a Shooting Family
  27. 19:21Building Teams Based on Sensibilities and Ability
  28. 20:36The Passion Behind Delaney's Shooting Experiences
  29. 20:44The People You Shoot With: The Best Part
  30. 21:03Outro: TGS Outdoors & Supporting the Channel

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between clay shooting and driven bird shooting in the UK?

Driven bird shooting in the UK differs from clay shooting in several ways. Game birds are live and unpredictable, requiring adjustments to gun speed, lead, and sight pictures. Factors like wind significantly impact bird flight, and the terrain can present unique challenges not typically found in clay courses. The social aspect and community are also more pronounced in game shooting.

How does wind affect shooting driven game birds?

Wind is a critical factor in driven bird shooting. It can push birds off their intended flight path, especially those with fixed wings. Shooters must consciously account for windage, adjusting their aim and lead to compensate for the bird's drift, which can be substantial on a windy day.

What advice is given for shooting birds at height or at a distance?

When engaging birds at height or at a distance, it's crucial to apply significantly more lead than you would for closer targets. The advice is to aim 'above and behind' the bird to allow for its trajectory and speed. This requires a more aggressive swing and a greater understanding of the bird's flight path.

How important is the community aspect in UK shooting experiences like those offered by Delaney Sons?

The community aspect is paramount. Delaney Sons focuses on bringing like-minded people together, fostering friendships and creating a supportive environment. This emphasis on the people you shoot with, rather than just the birds, is a key reason many return, turning acquaintances into lasting friendships and even collaborative hunting trips.

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