Year of the Gamekeeper - Part 1

Published on April 4, 2020
Duration: 15:30

This video follows gamekeepers Matt and Dave through early March, detailing their essential tasks. It covers managing pheasant pens, pest control operations targeting rats and foxes, and habitat management through game covers and wild bird mixes. The segment also touches on egg production for game birds and the importance of creating realistic nesting environments.

Quick Summary

In early March, gamekeepers undertake a vital mix of animal husbandry, pest control, and habitat management. This includes tending to pheasant pens, conducting pest control operations against foxes and rats using firearms like the Blaser R8 and shotguns, and managing game covers for wildlife benefit.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Year of the Gamekeeper
  2. 00:10March Tasks: Pheasant Pens
  3. 00:46February Recap: Clearing Up & Game Covers
  4. 01:03Building Lamb Pens
  5. 01:18Downtime Activities: Coppicing & Maintenance
  6. 01:25Pest Control: Foxes and Rats
  7. 02:12Matt's Rifle Setup: Blaser R8 & Thermal Scope
  8. 03:12Ammunition and Rifle Performance
  9. 03:41Thermal Spotter: Pulsar Axion
  10. 04:27Dave's Shotgun: Stoeger 3000 Peregrine
  11. 05:22Shotgun Extraction Issue
  12. 06:35Pest Control Focus: Rats
  13. 06:52Rat Hunting: Shotgun and Lamp
  14. 08:38Back to Daily Jobs: Habitat Management
  15. 08:46Dave's Work: Game Covers & Wild Bird Mix
  16. 09:56Benefits of Game Covers
  17. 10:39Replicating Natural Nesting Environments
  18. 11:20Egg Production: Lane Pens
  19. 11:52Picking Up Eggs: Variety and Fertility
  20. 12:31Egg Taste Comparison
  21. 12:55Lamb Pen Setup: Buckets and Red Feeders
  22. 13:20Nesting Sites and Egg Protection
  23. 13:57Pen Design: Wind Protection and Territory
  24. 14:16Hopper and Drinker Systems
  25. 14:23Bird Acclimation and Handling
  26. 14:47Egg Collection Process
  27. 14:53March Gamekeeper Summary
  28. 15:01Concluding Remarks

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary tasks of a gamekeeper in early March?

In early March, gamekeepers focus on a vital mixture of animal husbandry, including managing pheasant pens and egg production. They also conduct essential pest control against threats like foxes and rats, and engage in habitat management by maintaining game covers and wild bird mixes.

What firearms and gear are used by gamekeepers for pest control?

Gamekeepers utilize specialized equipment for pest control. This includes rifles like the Blaser R8 Professional Success, often paired with thermal scopes such as the Pulsar Axion for spotting. For closer range work, shotguns like the Stoeger 3000 Peregrine are employed, often in conjunction with lamps for night hunting.

How do gamekeepers manage pheasant egg production?

Gamekeepers set up lane pens to create individual nesting sites for hens, aiming to replicate natural environments. They collect eggs daily, protecting them from the elements and predators. The design of the pens provides shelter from wind and breaks up territories to prevent copper fighting.

What are the key considerations for game cover management?

Game covers are planted with mixes like canary grass and wild bird seed to benefit not only game birds but also other wildlife. The goal is to create realistic nesting environments that mimic natural habitats, providing essential food and shelter throughout the year.

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