Putting the Ole Mossberg 410 Hush Power with ELEY Ammunition to good use, what a memory that is I telle muckers.

Goose my cocker spaniel really had his work cut out retrieving all these Corvid's etc.​

It was not just what they were eating, it's the poo over everything they are ruining everything in my friends cattle yard too.

I have had Foxes attacking the lambs, this was dealt with quickly and efficiently using with my trusty 243 for the foxes, also with the Corvid's attacking the lambs taken with my trusty ole S410 and couple of pigeons from the grain mill.​

The pigeons will do nicely for my Countryman's breakfast cooked at the back of the truck and washed down with a fresh brewed mug of Yorkshire Tea.

The Stalking Show 2026.​

As always I attended the Stalking Show with my team representing Pass It On Young Sports.
Whilst there I received an invitation to attend the after show party, I don't normally go as I tire very easily nowadays, but the show owners were very insistent I picked up something for the kids.

Along with my team I went along.

The show has started this NEW Countryside Awards Event, I sat there totally unaware of what was about to happen.

I received the very first award they have ever awarded, this award is for my dedication to service, to Country Sports and Young People.

I was and still are in shock, a complete surprise this was and I am blown away, it was the greatest pleasure nay honour to receive this award and I can't thank The Stalking Show team highly enough for this great honour and award.

It now sits pride of place with my British Empire Medal on my mantle piece.

But never forget this is totally a team effort what we do at Pass It On Young Sports, I couldn't do what I do without my amazing team of volunteers nationwide.

As we say at Pass It On Young Sports.

Teach Them Right, Coach Them Well for TOGETHER WE CAN INSPIRE.

This picture screams a million words to me, never was there a truer word said in jest.

The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club's pop up breakfast shoot.

We originally booked this mid month shoot at Woodspring Clay Shoot NR Weston Super Mare, alas the venue was closed for a family wedding, so we re arranged to go up to our home ground that is The Mendip Shooting Ground NR Wells Somerset.

We started off with our normal meet and greet at the shooting lodge cafe for a hearty breakfast and a gallon of tea before heading out shooting.

All the boys had a wonderful time busting clays with the usual jovial banter, this was highlighted by one of Somerset Freemasonry brilliant PAPGMs who has a cracking sense of humour.

This day was one of our first training days where we are coaching our team for next year's National Masonic Shooting events we are heading up here in Somerset.

It is our chairman (Me) who is our head coaches job to train our Somerset Youth Team for said event and others, young Rhys his 12 bore, I have coached him since he was 6 years old with air rifles and Sam here shooting with a Berretta 20 bore, both young men really broke some fantastic long crosses and more, I think the smiles says it all as was the proud look on his dad's face.

If you're subscribing craft member your edible to join our club, if you have a young person who is family etc they are eligible to shoot on our youth team, so drop us a line via our website link below.​

We meet on the first Sunday of each month, full details on our website on the link below. www.somersetmasonicshootingclub.co.uk

Above and below pic approx. 10 years apart of Rhys and The Ole Hedge Creeper both at shooting events.

Coaching Sam one of our youth shooting team members.

Josh my vice chairman who is part of the clay preservation society, there is a story in this photo below.

Having fun coaching The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club below.

Happy St Georges Day one and all, also enjoying the masonic ladies night at lodge with a farmer friend and TV and Film Star, King Of The Jungle Christopher Biggins, a jolly fine fellow too.

Pass It On Young Sports England Famous Taster Day April 2026.

The shine rose over the eastern hills and shone bright all day as all the volunteers arrived at Jackland's Fishing Lakes NR Nailsea North Somerset to build this now famous taster day.

A true celebration of the Countryside and Country Sports.

Mags our national secretary set up the reception desk next to the Bristol Fly Tyers guild and Somerset branch of The Masonic Fishing Charity.

Outside, Feral Bush Craft, The Somerset Squirrel Initiative, North Somerset Bee Keeps, Weston Ferret rescue, birds of prey, the Big Cat Man and The Pass It On Shooting and Fishing Club set up the sub power air rifle and pistol range and course fishing and fly fishing for trout.

The gates opened and the young sports and their families never stopped arriving all day, we were literally rammed to capacity all day, mere videos, photos and words do not do this wonderful day the justice it truly deserves.

Sending a massive shout out to all our volunteers as you guys made this day a triumph as well as Jackland's Fishing Lakes.

Our next Taster Day is the 20th of September 2026 back at Jacklands Fishing Lakes NR Nailsea North Somerset.

Our weekly rifle range is every Thursday NR Nailsea North Somerset too.​

If you would like to know more about any of our events etc please call our secretary on Telephone: 07501962893
www.pass-it-on-young-sports.org.uk

The Somerset Squirrel Initiative.

Yesterday we held our official launch of the initiative here in Somerset at The Pass It On Young Sports Countryside Celebration Taster Day at Jacklands Fishing Lakes NR Nailsea.

We were packed out all day with questions and kids filling our word search all about red and grey squirrels and conservation.

We talked to several prominent land owners and possible folks wanting to come on the Lantra course and become Somerset Squirrel Rangers.

Our next event with be on the Pass It On Young Sports stand with The Grey Area group at The North Somerset Show.​

If you would like to know more about what we do or have squirrel problems on your land etc.
Drop us a line via our Facebook Page or our website on the link below.
www.reallywildadventures.co.uk

I hope you have enjoyed catching up with me in my humble scribbles, there have been lots more adventures, I don't have time to write about them here, pop over to my face book fan page as they are all on there too, click on the link buttons and videos on this article for more inspiring bits etc.

Remember when dealing with negative people etc, forgive easily and go to bed each night with a clean heart, you will sleep more soundly, let karma deal with them as GOD sees fit.​

Cheers The Ole Hedge Creeper
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

Happy St George's Day One and All.

Massive apologies for not putting pen to paper sooner as it were, I have read all your many emails, smoke signals, carrier pigeon messages etc.

I have been so busy this April what with shows, taster days, shooting club events and masonic fishing gigs etc, I quite simply have not had time to write anything.

I will I promise get on to this in early May some time after the bank holiday Monday .

I have 2 events and one show to head up in that time too.

The first being this Sunday the 26th of April, full details on the poster below or click the event button below.

but for not TTFN

Cheers The Ole Hedge Creeper
​

A piece I saw on an American Duck Hunters Page, no matter where in the world you are, there's something truly special when you finally become a wildfowler, when you finally get the gift of a Wildfowler sight as written so passionately about in my first book and the chapter entitled Teal Time, books available from my website.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk ​

The Somerset Squirrel Initiative

Is a conservation club type group of like minded conservation individuals, who are all Lantra qualified in this field for Grey Squirrel management and Red Squirrel, Wildlife and Habitat Conservation in Somerset.
www.reallywildadventures.co.uk​

Have you got an estate, a farm, woodland, Forrest, cops or land that needs grey squirrel control and help with conservation issues????

Drop us a line on our Facebook Page or via our website link below.
www.reallywildadventures.co.uk

Volunteer Chef Lecturer.

Yesterday I had the greatest privilege nay honour honour to be a guest lecturer at a very prestigious catering college.

I was there volunteering as the chairman of my shooting club the Woodspring Pigeon Shooting and Wildfowling Club www.woodspringpigeonshootingclub.co.uk , doing my game prep master class.

This lesson was so special as all of the brilliant young chefs were all SEN young people.

I met so many great young people here and was really inspired by them.
All fresh game I had shot, rabbits, wood pigeons and grey squirrels.

They learnt how to pluck the birds, skin and gut the rabbits and squirrels, butcher everything and then get cooking.

I did a whole section on conservation, ethical food, and how our countryside works, this was greatly enjoyed by all.

These young chefs came up with some wonderful recipes, it was so nice to see my KFR and Pop Corn squirrel recipes being done.

I awarded 2 young chefs top spots by giving each of them a signed copy of my game cookery recipe books, I especially loved the Jamaican version of my KFR and the Cream of Squirrel Patties with a tarragon sauce.

Every young chef also received a game recipe leaflets collection from me too.
These young chefs were brilliant and really inspired me greatly.​

If you would like me to come along and do something like this or a talk drop me a line.

The Shoot Club Christmas Party

What a wonderful Pass It On Young Sports Christmas Party we had, all the young sports had a wonderful time and the shooting club Christmas League Presentation was well attended with lots of surprise winners too.​

Best Friend and mums Kate and Jenna taking top scores in the ladies shooting, a bit of jovial banter was when Jenna asked me to present Kate with a medal for being able to shoot over big mountains, this got big round of applause Ans a lot of laughs too.

Capricorn Birthdays 3 Days Apart​

Dad
Sending out a mahoosive Happy 76th birthday today to my ole Dad and Masonic Brother, a truly inspirational man who has taught me and inspired me more than he will ever know.

Happy Birthday Dad looking forward to a virtual beer and partying like its 1949

A Calling To My Church

I promised a friend I would call in to the church of my boyhood and light a candle for family and friends.

Not sure why but I really had a spiritual calling here to do this.

I met the vicar and several other people from the church, really nice people god bless them.

A very nostalgic time spent there, I prayed and even read a small part of the bible.​

All I can say is I had a spiritual moment whilst on my own there and feel I have some new guidance for 2026 for my young sports and for myself, watch this space.

Grey Squirrel Management Course​

We have this grey squirrel management course running in the North Somerset/South Bristol area, just off the M5/M4 corridor, email Ryan for booking details.

A Celestial Farewell to 2025:​

The Moon Meets the Seven Sisters
As the clock ticks down on the final hours of 2025, nature is putting on a display far more ancient and beautiful than any fireworks show. On New Year’s Eve, look up into the winter sky to witness a stunning cosmic dance.

Our bright, glowing Moon will be gliding incredibly close to the Pleiades star cluster—also known as the "Seven Sisters." In mythology, these sisters were transformed into stars to save them from pursuit, shimmering eternally in the night sky. To see them reunited with the Moon on the very last night of the year feels like a special omen of peace and wonder for the year ahead.

When: The night of December 31, 2025

Where: Look for the bright Moon; the tiny, dipper-shaped cluster of blue stars will be right nearby..

Tip: If you have binoculars, grab them! The glare of the moon can make the sisters shy; binoculars will help them sparkle against the lunar glow.

The Wolf Moon​

January 3, 2026 The Sky Unleashes the Super Wolf Moon

The first Full Moon of 2026 doesn’t arrive quietly.
It rises bigger, brighter, and closer than usual, igniting the winter sky with raw lunar power.

This is the Full Wolf Moon at perigee a true Supermoon, appearing up to 14% larger and 30% brighter, glowing low on the horizon like a burning ember in the cold night air.

As ancient legends echo through time, the Moon climbs while wolves once howled beneath it, marking survival, resilience, and renewal at the heart of winter. Tonight, that same Moon watches over us again ancient, powerful, and unchanging.

This isn’t just a full moon.
It’s a celestial opening statement for 2026.

Happy New Year From The Marsh

2025 Good By, Hello 20026.

What a way to see out this long year but to go out Wildfowling with my best boy Goose my cocker spaniel.

The full wolf moon rising as the sun sets, the smell of the water, frost around our ears, the air as still as a mill pond, wildfowl in the air, whistling wings all around me and the voice they gave us singing was enchanting as they drop in paddles down slipping air wiffling all the way in.

I just couldn't fire a shot I was so enjoying mother nature at her finest.

So Goose and I came home with full hearts and an empty game bag.

Time for a well deserved warming glass of port and a fine meal Goose got a fine meal too, then we drift off to sleep In front of the fire with good film.

Now that's living like a country king with his hound by his side I telle.​

Happy New Year one and all.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

​The Incomer

A land owner was losing livestock and asked could I pop along and deal with this red devil 

So I popped along at dusk and set up the Ile 234 on the trigger sticks with the NiteSite Eagle RTech Dark Ops, also using the NiteSite Spotter for a change instead of the Night Pearl Thermal.

I watched hares and rabbit frolic, bats Fleat through the air, a barn owl water the field and deer quietly and gracefully meander about delicately feeding on the meadow grass.

I knew Charlie was about as I could hear vixens calling in the valley bottom NR the woodland.

Just then I spotted him on a direct route to the lambing shed, I gave a hare distress call on my hand he froze then came bolting in, I had to bark at him to stop.

A really easy text book shot as a single shot echoed through the night as the rooks in the rookery shouted their distasteful call, then silence again as mother nature returned to it's calm of peace and quiet in the night air.

Nothing beats being out in mother nature I telle.

One thing I love is a spot of ratting with dog or air rifle, here a solo mission for an hour with my air rifle and NiteSite Viper produced this nice little bag.

The Wetter The Weather The Better The Hunt.

It's been said you have to be a little crazy to be a wildfowler.

Nothing beats a good wind, a little rain in the air and the sound of wildfowl slipping air, paddles down coming to my calls.

This evening flight was no different, a brace of Green Heads (Mallard) my Ole dog retrieving them in fine style what a memory made.

I love all country sports but wildfowling has a special place in my heart right next to traditional ferreting ​

The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club
Monthly Breakfast Shoot.

It was blowing a hooley and raining sideways, this didn't dampen our enthusiasm or stop our Somerset Brethren and Guests enjoying a wonderful mornings clay busting at The Mendip Shooting Ground Somerset.

The day as always starts off with a Mighty Mendip Full English Breakfast washed down with a pint of fresh brewed tea or coffee.
Then out on the sporting layout for some clay busting.

Some of us are part of the clay target preservation society too lol.

After the shooting it's back to the club house for some jovial banter, coffee and cakes and to tot up the scores.​

Why not come and join us, full details of all our events and how to become a member of The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club are on our website on the link below www.somersetmasonicshootingclub.co.uk

​Gordano Lodge recently held a wonderful 3rd degree ceremony and held an Italian Banquet night as part of our culinary journey through Freemasonry Universal.

​Read the full inspirational news story on the website link below.

I hope you have enjoyed my latest humbles scribbles of an old Countryman with his trusty hound by his side.

All that's left to say is I wish  one and all a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

I will see you all on the other side in 2026 for some more wonderful adventures together.

Brother Dad and I at my Installation as Worshipful Master Of The Lodge

​What a month and it all ends with me being installed as Worshipful master of one of my Masonic lodges I am a member of, so I will start this month a little back to front, below is a lodge report off their social media site.

​Gordano Boys on TourGordano Lodge Installation of our new Worshipful Master
As the photos come flooding in from the many brethren who attended Monday night's fantastic installation meeting, I feel it only fair to share them in their own unique parts.
These photos are from many of the brothers of all eminences from many province's all over the UK not just Somerset.

All who travelled all the way down to share the night with their friend and brother our new WM and to enjoy Gordano Lodges famous hospitality.
The ceremony was first class and masterfully led by the out going Master, DC and all the other PMs of the lodge, to a packed to the rafters temple.

Many non members asking and wanting to take part in the ceremony to make it even more special for their friend and brother our new WM.

The 3 sets of tools especially stand out as all were given by non Gordano Members.
There were many brethren of very senior rank in attendance as well as a plethora EAs, FC and MM a testimony of the high regard they hold for our new WM who finally attained the chair of KS.

A plethora of The Adair Club was there to support in good numbers too including our illustrious Chairman.

The festive board again was packed to the rafters with a waiting list to dine.
This really was a jolly enjoyable evening, the laughter, chatting and joviality was inspirational, especially the magic trick of vanishing gavel on the WMs table, this caused much laughter.

The Indian Banquet was quite simply excellent and not a plate went back with food on it, you could say this was a meal you could really get your teeth into.

The evening ended all too quickly as nobody wanted to leave.

It was remarked yet again, where but in Freemasonry can you find a packed room full to the rafters of good men from all walks of life, all happy to be in each others company.
Next month Gordano Lodge are holding a 3rd degree ceremony with our new light blue team, come see these inspirational young masons in action for their first time.

The evening is also a celebration of Italy and our brethren there, finished off with a fine Italian Banquet.

We are trying show Freemasonry Universal in a Culinary Journey for all our ceremonies with a different country each month, this is our New Worshipful Masters idea and it is already a success on its first night.

If you would like to join us book in quickly as we will be packed out once again, drop our secretary an email for the summons at gordano.lodge@gmail.com or for booking in for dining contact pr.dukamp@gmail.com

If you would like to know more about becoming a Freemason drop Gordano Lodge 6244 a line or email us at gordano.lodge@gmail.com or click on the website link below.
www.somersetfreemasons.org

Read the full inspirational news story oof this wonderful evening  on the link button below.

​Gordano Boys on Tour 

My first visit as WM with several other Gordano members to my mother lodge Tyntesfield Lodge in Nailsea.

We saw a wonderful first degree ceremony and MCV and had a lovely festive board too.
Bro Dad as he is the lodges Adair Club Rep presented Bro Malick with his official Adair Club Badge and I as the NW Adair Club Rep presented Bro Prosper from Southey Lodge with his badge.

A wonderful night spent with good men and Masons at my Mother Lodge.
​
If you would like to know more about becoming a Freemason drop
Gordano Lodge 6244 a line.
or email us at gordano.lodge@gmail.com or click on the website link below.
www.somersetfreemasons.org

The Somerset Masonic Shooting Clubs monthly breakfast shoot at The Mendip Shooting Ground Somerset.
What a fantastic shoot we had, well attended, the sun shone and we even had lady shooters joining us.

A scrumptious Mighty Mendip Full English breakfast each too with a gallon of tea.
Now that's got to be one of our best breakfast shoot days to date.​

If you would like to join us brethren or even challenge Somerset to a friendly shoot day or see our events then please click on our website link below.
www.somersetmasinicshootingclub.co.uk

The Incomer
A land owner was losing livestock and asked could I pop along and deal with this red devil.

So I popped along at dusk and set up the Ile 234 on the trigger sticks with the NiteSite Eagle RTech Dark Ops, also using the the NiteSite Spotter for a change instead of the Night Pearl Thermal.
I watched hares and rabbit frollic, bats Fleat through the air, a barn owl water the field and deer quietly and gracefully meander about delicately feeding on the meadow grass.

I knew Charlie was about as I could hear vixens calling in the valley bottom NR the woodland.

Just then I spotted him on a direct route to the lambing shed, I gave a hare distress call on my hand he froze then came bolting in, I had to bark at him to stop.​

A really easy text book shot as a single shot echoed through the night as the rooks in the rookery shouted their distasteful call, then silence again as mother nature returned to it's calm of peace and quiet in the night air.
Nothing beats being out in mother nature I telle.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

Cold Calling
It was a bitterly cold night when my farmer chum called and said we have a brace of foxes attacking the lambing barn.

We have chased them away several times as has the old farm dog but still they won't leave.

I got there set up with the Ole 243 mounted on the trigger sticks with my NiteSite Eagle RTech Dark Ops.

They were attacking from the den at the woodland at the top of the hill, the old farm dog chased them to earth several times but still they came back.
I set up just as it got dark and waited, right on qué I spotted them with my NiteSite Spotter.

They sat at the base of the hill and the first one dropped to my shot, the other ran on and I called it back in and shot it not ten yards from the other.
I wish I could say it was a brilliant long shot, but no I like it easy less chance for error both inside a 100 yards.​

Again these two stick in my memory for so many reasons.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

Field Craft and Tracking.

This one really was a tricky red devil.

He kept giving the farmer and his son the slip.

So on a very wet , windy cold night I was asked can I go deal with some rabbits and a problem fix that was attacking live stock.

The call started with a strong Somersetshire accent saying Bis that ye, my neighbour Farmer Fred says you be the best man to call for dealing with problem fixed.
I do chuckle when I get those sort of calls.

I dealt with a few rabbits before dusk with the 22lr then switched to the 223 as Dark. Started to fall.

I already had an idea where this fox was coming from after tracking him, I used an old trick my Pappy showed me almost 45 years ago, this works like a charm and got the fox where I wanted him and masked my scent too.​

Well the rest is history really, I would love to say it was a shot of a life time, but was really text book, I do like it that was less chance of a miss etc.
www.throlehedgecreeper.co.uk

Daytime Fox Control.​

This one really gave me the run around, until I tracked it and worked out it's seemingly irrational pattern.

Attacking live stock and always finding it's way around the electric fences, farm dogs and the farmer with his shotgun.

Come HELP!!! I need you was the call.

No good calling it as he had already been educated by others who missed it taking pot shots, both by day and by night.

Tracking and time learnt field craft and well thinking like a fox put this red devil in the bag.

A single shot rang out in the late afternoon, then the peace and quiet of mother nature was resumed.

I left leaving nothing but footprints and memories, with mother nature none the wiser I was there.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

Pass It On Young Sports sub power Air Rifle Range Night

What a Spooktacular Halloween air rifle range night we just had.

The shooting was quite simply brilliant withe the Christmas League in its last few weeks, everyone is bringing their best game.

A huge shout out to Norman for standing in as RO as Jon our normal ROb was off ill with the dreaded lergy.

A big shout out to Laura for arranging all the Halloween games and buffet, didn't the kids look great.

A truly wonderful night's social target shooting.

If you would like to join us every Thursday at this NR Nailsea North Somerset sub power Air Rifle Range Night.​

Please CALL, DO NOT TEXT our secretary on Tel 07501962893
www.pass-it-on-young-sports.org.uk

I hope you have enjoyed my humble scribbles about my adventures both in mother nature and not, I hope you enjoy the poem above I wrote for remembrance Sunday all those years ago, I believe its still very relevant to this day, until next time I say proper job mucker one and all.​

November Fall
By The Ole Hedge Creeper
www.theolehedgecreeper,co.uk

Wait For it lads, or as Sherriff  Beufort T Justice said in Smokey and The Bandit, Hold up with that car wash Gentlemen.

Wildfowling On The Moon

It's that time of year when everything is in season again, Wildfowl, Game and all natures bounty to be foraged, it's a particularly good year for mushrooms.

Sat there watching the moon come up over my decoys, the sound of wildfowl on the wing and they slipped air paddles down toy calling right into my spread.

So many fond memories of evening flights like this.

Ahhhh I am fully alive again after a summers slumber. ​

The Magic Of an Evening Flight.

I don't know why both morning and evening flights are good with great memories of both.

But evening flight for me holds such magic, the setting sun, the wind at your back, the sound of wildfowl on the wing, their whistling wings as they pass over, turn to my call dropping in in wings set paddles down right into my decoys.

The sound of the ghost riders in the distance (wild geese) getting closer and responding to my calling, as you strain your eyes scanning the horizon for their wing tips.​

Yes evening flight is definitely my magical time spent in mother nature's living larder with my Ole dog by my side

Air Arms S200

Such an underrated air rifle but in the right hands it can be deadly effective in the field as well as on the range.​

Right there is some good eating.

An Early Morning emergency Call from a farmer friend who keeps some pet hens.
Not a bad hour with the Ole 223 pre breakfast.

I certainly didn't expect that start to a day that's for sure.

Come quick there's a fox trying to get into my hen house enclosure.

So I grabbed the first rifle out of the cabinet this day it was the 223 s turn to saddle up and ride out.
I was there in 20 mins by the time the clock turned 30 mins I had it in the bag and said put the kettle on farmer.

Back home in time for breakfast too.​

Now that's how its done boys.

My Ole Air Arms S410.

Another cracking day proving an air rifle and good field craft fills the bag.​

Out of my entire collection of Air Arms Air Rifles, the S410 is my favourite above the S510 but only just

Today's Food Heaven.

Ahhhh winters on the way so we kick off autumn in fine style.

Winter food is my favourite style of cooking, just look at this oxtail stew cooked in the slow cooker, with root vegetables and proper Herby dough boys (dumplings) served with a home baked sour dough crust bread and fresh local proper salted butter.

Nom nom nom, now That's Eating Like A Country King.

All the meat came from Perry and Son Butchers, the veg from a farmers garden, the butter and bread mix from the farm Shop.​

Get it in you son horse it down Nom Nom Nom stick a fork in me I am done, pass me another cider.

An Emergency Call

I was just about to decide what to have for my tea, the wind was blowing a hooley and the rain driving sideways.

A very old friend and local land owner called, can you come quickly I have a pair of foxes attacking my hen houses in the orchard right now.

I grabbed the Ole 223 and the 243, I always carry a back up of everything just in case, I have been caught out with equipment failures before.

I got there pulled the thermal spotter out and saw said foxes, added the thermal clip on to the 223 and well shot the first fox from the seat if the truck.
This was when disaster struck, the thermal clip on scope lost all clarity, nothing else for it go old school with my night master clip on lamp and the 243 the scope on that gun works better with the lamp.

Spotting with the thermal spotter fox no 2 came in and again off the bonnet of the truck I took the 2nd fox.

What can I say equipment let's you down but old school and field craft always wins the day.​

A quick cup of tea and I went home with an Indian takeaway not bad for 2 hours out not moving from my Ole truck I say eh.

The Solo Mission

An old farmer friend was losing live stock to a daytime fox, he asked me to pop along and see if I could stop this red devil.

Alas nothing showed but sat in the comfort of my truck rifle at the ready with my binoculars scanning the paddocks, I had a lovely time watching nature.

Wild mallard dropping into the ditch pond, geese flying over head, rabbits frollocking and feeding in the late afternoon sun.

A green woodpecker singing from a telegraph pole, also known as the rain bird in many cultures, for if she sings it will rain within 24 hours, she did not lie.

The farm cat stalking the young rabbits, a dash a flash and a squeal as he trotted off to the barn with his dinner.

All this and so much more just sat watching quietly from the comfort of my truck.
I am glad Charlie did not show as I did not want to disturb nature this day, I will go back soon.​

Just another day and adventure in the life of a Countryman.

The Importance of Checking Zero.

Before heading out on live quarry I always check zero, or if I miss one shot it's tools down until I then re check a zero on a paper target.

I was taught the quarry deserve the very best humane shot no matter if it's a rat or bigger quarry.

Especially between batches of ammo or using a different brand of ammo etc.

This day was no different, I checked zero it was slightly off, not enough to miss but enough for me to find tune.

The night fell and I went to deal with this red devil that was taking the livestock.​

A single shot rang out in the dark of night and all fell silent again, leaving mother earth in peace once more.
Also if you miss a fox you educate them making the job so much harder the next time.

MY TRUE LIFE HERO

Right there in the centre pic is my Pappy(Grandfather) my true life hero,

He is a man who had a passion for teaching the young sports and who instilled that passion in me.

Royal Navy man boy who fought in the 2nd world war.

Only in recent years after his passing we found out what a true hero he really was.

Although he never spoke of it, a natural born leader and inspiration to many especially his 3 sons and many grandchildren and more.

So when you see me inspiring the young sports look in my eyes for there you see my Pappy.

The original Ole Hedge Creeper who had forgotten more than I will ever know.

Rest easy Blue us Collins boys got this you taught us well.​

www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk
www.pass-it-on-young-sports.org.uk

The Magic Of an Evening Flight.
I don't know why both morning and evening flights are good with great memories of both.

But evening flight for me holds such magic, the setting sun, the wind at your back, the sound of wildfowl on the wing, their whistling wings as they pass over, turn to my call dropping in in wings set paddles down right into my decoys.

The sound of the ghost riders in the distance (wild geese) getting closer and responding to my calling, as you strain your eyes scanning the horizon for their wing tips.​

Yes evening flight is definitely my magical time spent in mother nature's living larder with my Ole dog by my side.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

Frampton Country Show 2025

What a most excellent show this was, the rain held off for most of the day, the show looked lovely and the country people and more came out in force and supported the show.

On our Pass It On Young Sports stand we also had Brendan Anderson from The UK and Ireland Red Squirrel Protection group, he was a huge hit as was my dear friend Michael Perry from Perry and son butchers next door.

I did my hilarious pigeon shooting and wildfowling demo in the Countryman's show ring, this as always was a massive hit and drew large crowds as the laughter and applause could be heard right across the show.

A truly wonderful day spent with real country folk, already looking forward to next year now.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk
www.pass-it-on-young-sports.org.uk​

The Wood pigeon Whisperer

Air Rifle V Shotgun

The shotgun boys from the shooting club were out on all the adjacent crop fields, this kept the birds moving.

I was on a small field next to a series of horse paddocks where the Ole Air Arms S510 was the perfect tool for the job.

Using 4 decoys in my deadly Diamond D pattern and time learnt field craft and no hide I filled the bag.

Not bad for only a couple of hours, the Ole dog enjoying herself doing the retrieving.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk ​

Three separate hunts and 3 memories that will live in my memory banks forever for so many reasons.

Deer stalking with the Ole 243, rabbit shooting with my lovely little Air Arms S410 and pigeon shooting with my old dog by my side.

Best of all they all put sustainable organic wild meat on my dining table.

My famous Royal Bunny Burgers, Wood Pigeon Burgers and citrus Venison Sausages all perfect for the BBQ and more.

All my recipes are available in my game cookery books available from the website link below.

By golly great memories and wonderful food, what more could an old school Countryman ask for eh.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk ​

The Sweet Seventeen HMR

A cracking little round for that little longer pest control and precision shooting.

Plus what you can turn the vermin you shoot into.

Southern fried popcorn squirrel and pan seared wood pigeon breast on on a bed if pan fried new Herby potatoes.

Now that's eating like a country king nom nom nom.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

Arabic Aromatic Sheiks Delight

My Puppies recipe as in my first book The Ole Hedge Creepers Recipes From The Hedgerow.

Here using all the fresh shot wood pigeon nom nom nom 

Books available on my website link below 
www.theolehedgecreeoer.co.uk ​

I hope you have enjoyed reading my humble scribbles as much as I have enjoyed remembering them and writing about them.

Don't forget all my recipes and more are available from this website in my books page, just click on the picture link below.

So that's so long for now from Goose and myself.

Cheers From The Ole Hedge Creeper

Amen to that, I have never been a people chaser, recent events have proved this, something to remember when you try to use me or disrespect me, my door shuts very quickly and will not re open, for I will not allow the same snake to bite me twice.

​The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club in Association with The Adair Club are proud to host our annual Targets Shooting Day.

Date and Venue;
The 16th of August 2025.

The Mendip Shooting Ground, Somerset.

10am until finish.

This is for Clay Target Shooting, Air Rifle and Air Pistol Target Shooting.

All welcome Family, Friends and Young Folk.

There is a fantastic cafe restaurant there serving breakfasts up to full meals, kids most welcome.

This is also Gordano Lodges annual Clay Shooting Day too.

If you would like to know more or get in contact with us via the website link below.
www.somersetmasonicshootingclub.co.uk

​The Three Amigo's

The boys are back in town.

A nostalgic pigeon shoot (crop protection) with my Ole Dad and uncle Dave, although I left the boys shooting as I had to get to a physio appointment in a swimming pool.

None the less we had a wonderful time together and our dogs Goose, Tilly and Tess worked brilliantly.

The boys tell me I missed some great shooting, if only the trees could talk eh lads, lol a bit of a family joke.

Feeling happy that we got to spend some quality time together as we used too, it does not happen often enough now days.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

The Right Tool For The Job.

I am often asked what is my favourite gun?

I answer this quite easily.

I always say use the right size hammer to hit the right size nail in the hole.

I wouldn't use a 308 for rabbit control now would I.

Also Shotgun V Air Rifle for crop protection?

Now the Shotgun can be put to great use as can the air rifle.

This particular day we had several shooting club members protecting crops in the area, this kept the birds moving.

I was on a small field of crops very NR houses, a main road and next to a horse paddock.

The tool for the job here was The Air Arms S510 Ultimate Sporter, with 4 decoys and no hide just say in the hedge line shooting off the primos trigger sticks.

Nice and quiet with no obtrusive bangs of the shot gun, this was a good test of not only my Marksmanship skills but my decoying skills too.

So there's my answer, choose the right tool for the job in hand.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk  ​

Axbridge and District Rotary Club

Yesterday I had the greatest honour to attend the Axbridge Rotary Club in Somerset, Presidents hand over lunch.

I was the guest of my dear friend Paul the new President and his lovely wife Sam.

A truly fantastic afternoon spent with inspirational wonderful people, a fine meal was had too.

I was truly inspired to hear how much they had raised for local charities etc and how much work they do for our local communities.

I think I want to know even more now about what the Rotary Club does and possibly help out.

A really lovely day spent with lovely kind hearted people, it was an honour to be there.

If you would like to know more about The Axbridge and District Rotary Club, volunteer or donate, or the rotary club in general, click on the website link below.
https://axbridgedistrictrotary.org.uk/ ​

An old permission

I got called in to a very old permission of mine, I have not shot here for a couple of years as I left another air gunner to look after the place as they had nowhere else to shoot.

My old friend called me in saying we have not seen the other fellow for over a year and he does not answer his phone.

Ok it's not a big place but for an avid air gunner there's a fair bit of sport to be had right across the quarry list.

I popped in and while drinking a mug of tea in the landowners garden I shot these rabbits in the veg garden.

Not a bad hour me thinks, now I will go back to looking after this place myself.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk ​

Well thats enough for now, the temp gauge is reading 36 degrees and the cold beer is calling me from the fridge, I hope you have enjoyed reading my humble scribbles as much as I have writing and remerging all the adventures.

I have just raised a glass to salute all those that took part in D Day 81 years ago today.

Especially my Pappy (Grandfather) Ole Blue or Sandy to his Navy Chums.

He was a gunner on the HMS Norfolk, along with the HMS Suffolk were the first two ships to engage the pride of the German Navy the Bismarck and help sink her, the pic of him and his Norfolk Brothers in arms in Malta after the ship being patched up.

On D Day he drove a landing craft on sword beach alongside thousands of others, the stories he told me of that first day still brings tears, he taught me to avoid war at all costs.

I am going to bed with this awesome true story film of a D Day veteran, this could easily be me watching my Pappy and Nan, tears and laughter will flow and bring back so many memories of my wonderful Grandparents, good night one and all, I will dream of all those that have fallen on this day and every day since, god bless one and all.

Watch The Great Escaper film trailer on the link below

https://youtu.be/C-Qw4asqFUY?si=jU7Gr_DPAKEvmOZt ​

A New Permission

I got a call from a very nice lady after being recommended.

Please come quickly we are overrun with rabbits they are destroying everything.

Blimey they do have a rabbit problem too, beautiful ornamental gardens, manicured lawns and very well looked after horse paddocks all being destroyed by the rabbits.

The necessary paperwork work filled out over a nice cup of tea, I then spent about an hour shooting and filled the back of my truck up with fresh shot rabbits.

I only hobbled a few yards then sat on my pop up seat shooting off the sticks with the trusty old Air Arms.

Goose my cocker spaniel very much enjoyed retrieving the shit rabbits only after he got his head in the game and stopped chasing the lives ones about lol.

The lady watched me with her binoculars from her bedroom window, she complimented me on my shooting, saying blimey you don't you ever miss, I chuckled and said pellets are expensive, we moth laughed.

I will go back this week and let a couple of the other shooting club guys look after this one as I am still not the best if health, but I still have the spirit in me to keep having a go.
www.theolehedgecreeoer.co.uk ​

Sunny Sundays Dream​
You know when you have well earned a G&T and the Guitars come out it's time to chill www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

Aroma Therapy

There are some aromas in life that really fire your senses, like the smell of fresh cut grass or the Autumn Rain.

For me food has always ignited my senses, onions frying, smoked bacon whilst camping, walking past a curry house, woodsmoke from the fire in the farmhouse pantry.

But none is more arousing than the aroma of fresh baked bread as you awake in the morning.

Last night I dug out my bread maker and set it to start baking in the early doors.

I awoke with a hunger like a famished beast, I was dreaming of a good Ole bacon sandwich made with warm crusty bread and a pint of Yorkshire tea to wash is down with.

I was not disappointed ahhhhh nom nom nom
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk ​

Fathers Day 2025

This photo is one of my favourites, for it has 4 generations of us Collins Boys all in one photo.

Two men who shaped me into the man I am today, whom I cannot thank enough.

First my Pappy (Grandfather) a truly inspirational hard working man, super intelligent and loved his family beyond the words I can write, Royal Navy man and and boy and WW2 hero and DDay landing Veteran, he drove the landing craft on to the beaches under heavy fire, this man taught me how to read and write and so much more, a true Gentleman of the old school who knew how to treat a lady as a lady and loved only one woman (my Nan) with a passion beyond compare.

My Dad another hard working family man who raised us boys (bro Shaun) and I well, he taught us many things from standing on your own two feet to, country sports, purse net making, carpentry, building, decorating and so much more, a practical man life lessons taught to us through work, he taught us how to hunt shoot and fish.

I am in this photo with my Son Ryan, now a full grown man of nearly 33, he has my grandson Franklin 9, so not only am I wishing my Pappy and Dad a happy father's Day, I am also wishing my son Ryan and Grandson Franklin one too.

You never understand a father's love until you are one too, the Tracey Lawrence song Till I Was A Daddy Too says it best, click on the link below and have a listen.

https://youtu.be/QW8AR3-EaAM ​

I headed up The Somerset Branch of The Masonic Fishing Charity at the Nailsea Masonic Hall Open Day.

We were putting on our Magnetic Course Fishing and Velcro Fly Fishing Stands, these were well received by all and we had a wonderful day.

A big shout out to our volunteers who did a wonderful job and we could not have done it without them.

Especially
WBro Richard Ellis (Estune)
WBro Howard Ford (John De Clivedon)
WBro Richard Warry (Parrot and Axe)
Mrs Margaret Langford (Masonic Widow)

If you would like our branch to do something for your lodge, Temple open day etc please email us at mtsfcsomerset@gmail.com
www.mtsfc.org.uk

If you would like to know more about becoming a Freemason drop Gordano Lodge 6244 a line or email us at gordano.lodge@gmail.com or click on the website link below.
www.somersetfreemasons.org ​

Axbridge and District Rotary Club

Yesterday I had the greatest honour to attend the Axbridge Rotary Club in Somerset, Presidents hand over lunch.

I was the guest of my dear friend Paul the new President and his lovely wife Sam.

A truly fantastic afternoon spent with inspirational wonderful people, a fine meal was had too.

I was truly inspired to hear how much they had raised for local charities etc and how much work they do for our local communities.

I think I want to know even more now about what the Rotary Club does and possibly help out.

A really lovely day spent with lovely kind hearted people, it was an honour to be there.

If you would like to know more about The Axbridge and District Rotary Club, volunteer or donate, or the rotary club in general, click on the website link below
https://axbridgedistrictrotary.org.uk/ ​

​The Story of The Chicken, The Fox and The NiteSite.

Several years ago I was called to a free range chicken farm, the hens were getting hammered by foxes both by day and by night.

Everything had been tried to keep the foxes out, a small fortune was spent on electric fencing, it was all live as one of my young sports found out.

Two different sets of foxes, ones that attacked by day and ones that attacked by night.

A scaffold tower was erected for me to shoot the daytime ones, this worked very well and I dealt with those foxes very quickly, there is a famous photo of mine with the chickens surrounding the shot fox.

Now I did not deem the tower safe to shoot from at night, so I shot from my truck, rifle at the ready with the NiteSite on scanning the area where the attacks had been the worst hit, all the hens were locked away and bed down.

So there I am sat in the pitch black of the night, the only light is on the screen of my NiteSite.

All of a sudden the hen in the photo came out of the darkness flapping and landing on my arm. Let's just say I think I left a brown stain on my car seat.

Soon after this still with the hen on my arm I shot a fox, I entitled the photo there he is boss that's the fox that ate Gladdis.

Funny stories that can only happen in country sports eh.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

​The Right Tool For The Job.

I am often asked what is my favourite gun????

I answer this quite easily.

I always say use the right size hammer to hit the right size nail in the hole.

I wouldn't use a 308 for rabbit control now would I.

Also Shotgun V Air Rifle for crop protection????

Now the Shotgun can be put to great use as can the air rifle.

This particular day we had several shooting club members protecting crops in the area, this kept the birds moving.

I was on a small field of crops very NR houses, a main road and next to a horse paddock.

The tool for the job here was The Air Arms S510 Ultimate Sporter, with 4 decoys and no hide just say in the hedge line shooting off the primos trigger sticks.

Nice and quiet with no obtrusive bangs of the shot gun, this was a good test of not only my Marksmanship skills but my decoying skills too.

So there's my answer, choose the right tool for the job in hand.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

As the saying goes, Only Mad Dogs and Englishmen Go Out In The Mid Day Sun, by golly this has been a hot month but we soldiered on, but I must say both me and the dogs waited mostly for the cooler evening than the day time as we strapped ourselves to a fan each.

I hope you have enjoyed this months humble scribbles as much as I have enjoyed remembering them and writing them.

Until next time may i wish you all a safe and happy month ahead.

Mad Dogs and Englishmen
June The Month Of The Tropical Sun.
By The Ole Hedge Creeper
​www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk