The Ole Hedge Creeper

The Tree Fairy and The Squirrel

4/4/2025

The Tree Fairy and The Squirrel
Tree Rats and Fairy Dust

Where has the mad month of The March Hare gone??? here I am writing the April article, it only seems like yesterday I was writing the March one.

Well here we go on a whistle stop tour of the last month, oh boy has it been a crazy month in so many areas, I literally dont have the time to write the full story.

We start off out on a shooting permission with the club I am chairman of, one of the estates where we have permission to cull the grey squirrels, the big house as we call it was getting hit pretty bad on their ornamental lawns and flower beds, this was not only squirrels but rabbits too.

One of my fellow clubmen helped install some live catch traps and a squirrel feeder, the traps were filled with peanuts and the feeder with wheat, this is what the gamekeeper uses for his pheasants and partridge so is good bait to use to get the tree rats where we want to shoot them, ie on the feeder, I will say this month shot squirrel count is quite impressive, I did remark its quite picturesque here I was expecting a Fairy or two to make an appearance by the trickling stream on this lovely sunny afternoon, we have shot a lot of rabbits here too with the Air Arms S510 Ultimate Sporter, all from my truck which is good as I cant really walk anywhere now day due to an industrial accident and my spine is buggered.

We have also been helping an old lady on the estate too, she has a lovely big garden and like to sit out and watch the song birds on her bird feeders, alas feed the birds and you will get squirrels and rats, watch the video below this will show you best how we have been doing.

I did attend a Red Squirrel Protection and Grey Squirrel Management course in Berkshire, this was class room based and very disabled friendly, I met a lot of nice folk, very knowledgeable folk too, I saw the oldest granary in the UK dating back to the 1700s, this was raised up mon Straddle Stones a fascinating story about how these stones were invented by our ancestors, google them and have a read absolutely fascinating.

I went to visit Jackland's Farm Shop and Michael Perry and Son Butchers to pic up some wonderful locally sourced produce, by golly mere words, photos or even the video attached just do not do the quality of these products the justice they deserve, ok so you might pay a little extra from a local butcher etc, but the quality is far superior, often you get more for your money or the product goes a long way further, buy British, Buy The Best!!!!!! if you want to hear from a Farmer/Butcher, go look up The Frustrated Farmer on Face Ache Or You Tube, that boy says it straight, he don't hold back I Telle, very entertaining too I might add.

It was Mothers Day too this month, I lost both Mum and Nan a moth apart back in 2020, not a day goes by when I don't think of them more than several times a day, especially when preparing any meal as they were magnificent cooks and knew how to feed us Collins Boys well, I cannot find the phot of the bench my brother and I built for my Nan and Pap’s, but I can find the one we built for Mum, both are up in our big wood up on the state, again mere words or photo’s just don't tell you how much I miss these wonderful women who had taught me so much.

What a month for freemasonry in Somerset, we had the Provincial AGM, I took my Dad for his first time there, wow what a day this was, we advanced Dad in to the Mark Degree this month, installed Big Mike as a Brother Knight in The Knights Templar, visited so many lodges as The Adair Club and Gordano Boys on Tour, and so much more I just don't have enough time or space to do Somerset Freemasonry the justice it deserves here.

Finally our hilarious pod cast Crock Pot and Spud’s (The Nailsea Twice) is blowing all expectations out of the water, the hits are flying in internationally, we have such a huge wide fan base now its almost taken the tinterweb by storm, here we are now in season 3 episode 5, where in gods name did those 3 seasons go, or where do we find so much to talk about, I must say the Q&A section from the fan base is very popular, without blowing our own trumpet, we truly rae a pair of FUNNY FxCKERS or as some are calling us the modern day Two Ronnie’s, all I will say its a lot of fun recording them so pklease keep tuning in and keep sending the questions, we do have our very own Face Book Page and Podcast Site now too, click on the button below for the latest Episode.

Crock Pot & Spud's Latest Episode

Well I hope you have enjoyed my humble scribbles as much as I have writing them and looking back, especially over some of the photos I came across whilst looking for the pictures of Mums Memorial Bench.

So until next time Ave Good Un Muckers One and All.

The Tree Fairy and The Squirrel
By The Ole Hedge Creeper
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

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The Mad March Hare

13/3/2025

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The Mad March Hare
A Month of Two Halves

If You Go Down To The Woods Today Yor Going To Get a Suprise.

Apparently if you look in the latest issue (March) of Airgun World you might recognise one of the folk in there, a 4 page spread no less as the Guest Editor.

Apparently as a bonus to this there's a fantastic pigeon recipe from the same fellow too on a 5th page I am hearing.

Ooooh I wonder who it can be hmmm?????

Go buy Airgun World now from all good stockists or online
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

The British Shooting Show 2025.

Another good show this year, I attended for a couple of hours here and there on the MaxOGun Stand as they sponsored Pass It On Young Sports to have a small spot there on their stand.

I book signed,signed Airgun World magazines as I am in it this month as a guest editor, I got to do all sorts of game calling from a lovely comfy chair as I can't stand for long or walk to much either, I spoke to some of the most wonderful people and especially the young sports.

Met up with some old chums too, it was really nice being there all be it in a very small way this year, bring on 2026.
www.pass-it-on-young-sports.org.uk
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

Gordano Boys on Tour

This last weekend saw yet another awesome meet up of The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club.

We did a shoot one weekend at The Mendip Shooting Ground, then the following weekend at Woodspring Clay Shoot.

A plethora of brothers from many lodges including Gordano Lodge joined us for both events.

The best was however a mornings clay and target shooting at The Woodspring Clay Shoot NR Weston Super Mare, a truly fun shoot at a very scenic venue indeed.

If you are a subscribing craft Mason in Somerset and would like to join our merry band, no experience needed as we have our own coaches, please get in touch via our website link below www.somersetmasonicshootingclub.co.uk

Or if you would like to know more about becoming a Freemason drop Gordano Lodge 6244 a line or email us at [email protected] or click on the website link below www.somersetfreemasons.org

Hunting With Dad.

I was asked by a friend of a friend could I go along to their very large Country House and shoot some rabbits.

They have some wonderful ornamental lawns and flower beds being destroyed by said rabbits.

Dad and I popped along with Ole Goose my cocker spaniel for the retrieving as I am not so good on my legs at the moment, using the Air Arms S510 a Night Pearl Thermal Spotter and my good Ole Nite Site Eagle Dark Ops.

As soon as we got there Dad shot a pigeon that came in to roost, the night fell and we switched to NV, saw a few rabbits and in a couple of hours we managed 5 without moving from the truck, Goose enjoyed retrieving each one including the pigeon at the start, my boy never missed a beat, loves that little dog muchly

3 mallard landed in the pond not ten yards away, a badger snuffled around scaring them off, I heard a Russel of leaves, and then a squeal, not 20 yards away I saw a vixen ( female fox) hunt naturally and take a full grown rabbit right next to me the other side of the pond,

This was awesome watching this predator hunt and take her meal back to her cubs.

The evening was spent in almost complete silence, but a million words and memories were exchanged.

Now that's an evening spent as a true Countryman with my Ole Dad and my bestest boy Goose The Cocker Spaniel.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

Gordano Boys on Tour.

Last night I had the greatest honour to be at the Advancement of My Dad RJC snr into The Nailsea Mark MM Lodge.

We all joined together as a team to put on a wonderful ceremony into this fantastic degree, our WM lead masterfully from the front, members and guests who came from all over the province to help and make this a memorable night for my Dad to become a Mark Man.

A fantastic festive board was had with great joviality proving why this is known as the friendly degree.

If you're a MM and would like to join this wonderful Mark Degree drop me a line.
If you would like to know more about becoming a Freemason drop Gordano Lodge 6244 a line or email us at [email protected] or click on the website link below www.somersetfreemasons.org

Gordano Boys on Tour.

Last night I attended Coleridge Lodge for a fantastic double 2nd degree ceremony and 60 years in Freemasonry certificate presentation.

The ceremony was wonderful and we had a fantastic festive board, great food and even greater company to be amongst good men and Masons.

Whilst there I had the greatest honour in my role as The NW Rep of the Adair Club the official light blues club of Somerset, to present Bro Andreas and Brother John with their official light blue pin badges, bro Mike Hutchings my right hand man here helped present these badges too.

A truly fantastic and special night it was too smib.

If you would like to know more about becoming a Freemason drop Gordano Lodge 6244 a line or email us at [email protected] or click on the website link below www.somersetfreemasons.org

Home made Big Game Mac and fries.

A simple double venison burger (recipe in my game cookery book) with crunchy onions, cheese squares and tomato ketchup in a finest brioche bun, served with hand cut fries then cooked in best beef dripping in my chips pan.

Nom Nom Nom.

All my books are available from my website link below and all the money goes to Pass It On Young Sports.

Now That's Eating Like A Country King
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

Tonight's food porn pics, lovely local Perry and Sons Buthers faggotts, fresh mashed spuds, mushy peas, thick onion gravy washed down with a fine glass of cider
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk
#theolehedgecreeper #foodporn #farmfresh #foodheaven #faggots #mushypeas #mashedpotato #oniongravy #cider #supportbritishfarmers #supportlocalbusiness #supportukfarmers

I was looking back over some past memories and days in the field, I thought I would share some of my favourite memories in photo form with you.

Season 3 episode 1.

WOW where has the past 2 seasons gone?

In this week's hilarious episode of Crock Pot and Spud's Mondays from 7pm unless you have the free pod beam app you get it live.

Is a Big Mac really a Big Mac or is she just a quarter pounder with cheese lol.

We have Jess in the studio with us too, but which Jess?????

Questions, jokes, funny stories and more.

Tune in on the podcast button link below

Crock Pot and Spuds Podcast Button Link

I hope you have enjoyed my latest humble scribbles, well until next time ava good un muckers one and all.

The Mad March Hare
By The Ole Hedge Creeper
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

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A Seasons End, Well That's A Wrap Folks.

3/2/2025

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A Seasons End
Well That's A Wrap Folks.

Well it only seems like yesterday we started this Game and Wildfowling Season, now here we are just as it ends, what a season its been too, not just for Goose and I but also my Young Sports, their families and all my family and chums, I will try and do it the justice it deserves with my humble scribbles, but I feel I will fall very short with the justice it deserves, even with the photos and indeed videos at the bottom of this article.

First lets start with My Food Heaven Pic's and Videos.
Home from Wildfowling to a wonderful home made steak and kidney suet pudding, all the meat was from Perry and Son Butchers, with veg from the local veg shop, new potatoes, carrots and peas with a thick gravy, oh and some proper butter from Jacklands Farm shop for the spuds.

By golly Goose and I enjoyed that, our hearts are now as full as our bellies, now that's how to end a Wildfowling season I telle nom nom nom.

The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club a club I am Chairman of, along with many members from around the province joined us for a wonderful duck shoot in Devon, thank god for the keepers 4x4 shoot buggy as he was able to drive me to and from as my legs are still not good.

A wonderful time was had by all and we harvested some lovely free range, organic wild meat for the table.

After the evening flight was over and the guns locked away, Several of us all went for food and a drink afterwards at a local pub, a jolly social event this was too, if you are a subscribing Somerset Masonic craft member and would like to join the club click on the website link below.
www.somersetmasonicshootingclub.co.uk

The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club held an inter club shooting competition day at the Mendip Shooting Ground.This day was very well supported by many masons from across Somerset.

First place top gun went to Josh Fidler JDC,
Joint 2nd place went to Robert Collins (Snr) Gordano Lodge and Richard Combs Sylvanus Lodge,
3rd place went to TD from JDC and the wooden spoon to Craig Harding from The Adair Club.

A full report will be on our website and the province new letter on the website links below very soon.
www.somersetmasonicshootingclub.co.uk
www.somersetfreemasonry.co.uk

Red Squirrel Protection and Grey Squirrel Management.

Also using some of the traps we use on the Grey Squirrel Management Lantra training courses, these were bought from a local agricultural shop or The Trap Man.

Here also using the original prototype of the Katch It Traps trappings combe top left.

These are licenced humane traps are widely available from most good stockists, the spring trap version with 1" mesh are good for holding rats as well as squirrels, I particularly like these for domestic use, especially when non target pests are caught, where there are Red Squirrels and Hedgehogs etc, all can be easily released un harmed.

Grey Squirrels are non native to the UK, they are a massive conservation nightmare, let alone the vast damage they do to our native broad leafy woodland and other forestry, taking song birds eggs, chicks and killing the adult birds and ground nesting birds, they are also the direct threat to the decline of our native red squirrel, The Air Rifle is still the best tool for getting the job done quickly and humanly and is what I call my Landrover gun with Air Arms Field Diablo 5.52 pellets.

Well That's A Wrap Folks.

A Seasons End.

Goose (my cocker spaniel) and I ended our wildfowling and Game Season on a real high, with a magnificent flight that will live in my memory forever, the best part I didn't fire a single shot although I could have shot a bag full of wildfowl.

I drove down to one of my ponds next to the river, parked up and hobbled the ten yards from the truck and sat on my seat, gun at the ready, calls around my neck, Goose with his jack pyke wildfowling coat on, all was set, the dog was on high alert as he loves Wildfowling as much as me.

As I say just being there and being treated to one of the most spectacular sunsets was quite simply heavenly. a calmness came over me, the sound of the moors coming alive with all manner of wildlife not just wildfowl, the jackdaws heading home to roost, an old crow caw caw cawing over head.

Duck on the wing their whistling wings all around me, ahhhh I am home again exactly where I started this season, I started calling and watching how the duck responded to me, Mallard, Teal and Wigeon all dropping in paddles down as they slipped air into my little pond, Goose was not to pleased with me as I didn't even raise the gun to salute them.

Then the ghost riders the wild geese came in, I laid the calls on think and in they came calling back, so close I could feel the air from their wings beating down on me, Goose again looked at me with a look of really boss you could have had them easily, ahhhh it's ok boy I have a freezer full of game, tonight is a salute to the end of another wonderful season harvesting from mother nature's living pantry

Sat there quietly Barney the Barn owl came to say hello, just as he did at the start of the season, Goose and Barney playing chase in my lush long meadow grass, I swear those 2 are chums, Sid and Sonia my resident swans came to say hello, much to Goose telling them off for being in his part of the river, his singing voice was in fine fair.

The light dropped to dark and I said my usual farewells and prayers for yet another wonderful season on god's green earth and being able to harvest from mother nature's living larder.

I went home and had home made steak and kidney pudding so did Goose, our bellies are now as full as our hearts, we went to bed dreaming of wildfowl, Goose muttering in his sleep as I drifted off myself with much the same dream of Wildfowl on the wing calling back to me and Goose retrieving that long lost teal.

I hope you have enjoyed my humble scribbles of a True Countryman, Goose and I will be having more adventures as the summer comes on, although I will be driven now as I cant yomp across the hillside like I used too.

A Seasons End

And that's A Wrap Folks

www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

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A Countryman’s Winter Wonderland

17/1/2025

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A Countryman’s Winter Wonderland

I must start off with apologising that this article is a few weeks late coming out, quite simply put I was away for Christmas, New Year and a bit of time into January, upon my return my feet have not hit the floor running, I have been gliding in all directions.

You see back in September of 2023 I was badly hurt in a serious industrial accident at work, within this fortnight I was also poisoned by my medication and my body has had a major reaction to these Med’s and others, this in turn has caused a series of chain reactions in my body, but as always I struggled on forging forward leading my troops into battle, I made an oath long ago, that was I would never let my Young Sports down and I never have yet, unfortunately this has caused some other health issues, my Doctors haver ordered me to take a complete rest, so this I did and I went to stay with some very dear friends in the Welsh Mountains who are working sheep farmers.

A bit of a busman's holiday really, I spent most days out on the hill being driven around in the farms 4x4 buggy, my dogs Goose and Tilly enjoyed this too very much, I cant stand for long let alone walk, so my dear friend drove me everywhere, I think I need to get one of these 4x4 Buggy’s they go anywhere.

Each day my friend would go out on the mountain to check his flock and I and the dogs would join him, he would stop and say here is a good spot to let the dogs work the vast bracken banks, whilst he went on foot to check his flock, Goose and Tilly loved this very much, it was like a sea of Bracken and the dogs lapped it up, bolting rabbits, hares, squirrel, fox and other game, I didn't really shoot I just sat there letting them enjoy themselves, occasionally I gave a command or two and got them going, but for me I didn't want to disturb the peace and quiet of the mountain, plus I was getting more enjoyment watching my dogs work from my comfy seat in the 4x4 buggy.

I must say I and the dogs had the most wonderful time, we really did not want to come home, unfortunately we had too as I have a plethora of hospital appointment, tests and treatment to deal with in 2025. I must say all of this really has taken the wind out of my sails, but as always you cant keep a good man down, I will find a way to function even if it is with less vigour than before, there is also my oath to never let the young sports down too, this oath keeps me fighting on and not just vegetating on the sofa.

I spent my birthday over there too, I went for a wonderful meal with some Welsh Masonic Brethren and their families in the village pub, a roaring log fire, a cracking pint of Guinness, wonderful food and Fantastic company, what more could I ask for to celebrate a birthday that was hard won, for I almost checked out this year, I am very grateful to our wonderful NHS all the doctors and nurses and other staff I telle.

I even got to see a Welsh Masonic temple, meet some more brethren who are also great shooting men, visit some real culture and try some wonderful traditional Welsh food.

As for the weather we had everything known to man, High Winds, Rain, Floods, -5 frozen and frosty, the best part of 8 inches of snow, to scorching hot and everything in between, I must say I love the Welsh Mountains, the variety of everything, the friendliest and most generous people, the food and drink, just everything, there nothing I can say I dislike, apart from having to leave this Countryman’s Winter Wonderland, even having a tree come down on my little Railway Carriage/Log Cabin Home was an adventure, my friend using a chain saw as the key to let me out in the morning, yet again another story to add to a life times tapestry, The Lord always looks after me and gives me a tale to tell to those who will listen.

I must say when we pulled up at home and I let the dogs out, the sombre look on their faces mirrored my own, oh no were back here, no more rabbits to chase.

Because of my health I have decided to take more of a back seat from now on, sort of semi retire, so you wont see me at all the shows from now on, just the select couple, of course my team will be at them all, but I personally wont be, so please show my team the love and support you have done so for me all these years, I will still be here writing my humble scribbles and making the odd cameo appearance, but for me now, I want to smell the roses and drink the wine after a lifetimes hard work, plus spend more time inspiring my Young Sports and less time with all you Hairy Back Sided Ole Blighters.

I hope you have enjoyed my latest humble scribbles as much as I have enjoyed writing them, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a belated Very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous NEW YEARS.

A Countryman’s Winter Wonderland

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

Don't forget our weekly hilarious pod cast Crock Pot and Spuds Mondays 7pm, click on the button link below to be take to our social media page and more.

Crock Pot and Spuds Pod Cast Button

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December Sunsets

15/12/2024

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December Sunsets
Wildfowl, Rats, Freemasonry & Sunsets

What a start to the month I have had, the end of the November and the most amazing sunsets this month, first I must apologise for the lateness of this article, I have replied to as many of you as I can, my health is not so good of late so Has taken the wind out of my sails a little, alas a life of hard work, battling the elements out in mother nature etc my body has taken a battering over the years, now it seems its time to pay Peter as it were.

The start of the month saw the end of the massive November Moon, I have heard tales of huge swords of teal and spears of wigeon flighting in all over the country, so Goose my Cocker Spaniel) and I headed down to the river one evening to see what was about, I parked up walked only a few yards and was sat on my seat next to the river, it was a lovely soft evening with a little breeze, I was all warm and cosy, I only feel truly alive if I am out in mother nature, so much so I relax so well I fall asleep most often, this night was no different, Goose cuddled up with me I dozed off, the flight started and I had geese, ducks and all manner of wildfowl dropping in, I shot like a pro Goose retrieving duck after duck, I shot a right and left at geese and ole Brook went out to retrieve them just like when she was a young pup, it was at this point my heart was full, my smile as wide as a Cheshire Cat that I suddenly awoke and it was all dark, Goose still asleep on my lap next to the trickling river, I slept through the whole flight, it was only a dream and Good Ole brook just a memory as I lost her several years ago, non the less it was a magical flight and an honour to be there, my dream was amazing, Goose and I headed home for a warm meal and a glass of port, both of us just happy to be out in Mother Natures Living Larder.

I have been very busy with my Freemasonry this month, I have visited as many lodges as a guest and in my official capacity as the NW Rep of The Adair Club, this is the official light blues club of Somerset. I have seen some of the most wonderful first degree ceremonies and welcomed newly made brothers into the Craft, whilst giving them their Adair Club Pin Badges.

I also attended my Royal Arch Preceptor y this month to see the ne Savage Workings, this was highly entertaining as was the most wonderful festive board afterwards.

The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club is in full swing and even Storm Darragh Could Not Dampen the hard core Brethren club members from attending our Christmas shoot, click on the button below if you would like to read the full story of that day.

Somerset Masonic Shooting Day Full Story Link

We also helped out a local school with their Christmas Fair and raised a lot of money for the charity and school, read the full story on the link button below.

School Christmas Fair Article Link Button

Our new pod cast series Crock Pot and Spuds has really taken off, the hits are flying in, we have a huge following and lots of people writing in asking questions and wanting to hear more, in the new year we will be adding special guests into the mix too, if you would like to listen in click on the link below for our socials etc.

Crock Pot and Spuds Pod Cast Link Button

This month I have been flat out book signing ready to get all the Christmas orders out on time, I found myself re reading my books and had forgotten how entertaining they are, so many stories and memories, like Chippy throwing up paunching out rabbits, Collins Boys on Tour on a Devonshire Estate where we had a long weekend, ferreting, shooting with air rifles and shotguns alike and feasted like kings, as George says you read my Books in Rob, by this he meant he could hear my voice when reading them, I must say I did too whilst reading them, my latest cook books are available on the link button below.

The Ole Hedge Creepers Books Shop Link Button

If you would like a fantastic deal on Shooting Sports and Country Pursuits Insurance, there is a money off code here.

George and I got out and did a bit of a rough shoot and did a bit of grey squirrel control and dray poking, this was a great deal of fun and enjoyed immensely as we don't get to spend time together much now days.

Lastly I managed to get out by request from a very old farmer friend of mine, he was plagued with rats around some feed clamps, thankfully I could do this as I could shoot from the truck or off sticks from by the side of the truck, my legs are not working too well and I cant walk any distance, so the truck is my wheelchair as it were, I decided to use an air rifle I have not used in ages, The Walther RM8 in .22 my favourite calibre, I also used my Night Pearl thermal spotter, it was late afternoon early evening and I started hitting the rats, as the night drew in I added my NiteSite Eagle Rtec Dark Ops on top of the gun, still to this day even with all the new Thermal and Night Vision I have, I say the NiteSite is still the best, I had forgotten how much fun this gun and set up was to shoot, every rat I shot I did with a full on belly chuckle, thoroughly enjoying myself, that only lasted a couple of hours until the cold got into me so I had to call it a night, my Farmer friend did the clearing up for me and said just this morning filling his second wheel barrow of dead rats, how many did you shoot, I chuckled and said not as many as you have, we both laughed and I said I will pop back later this week if I feel up to it, so look out for that report in next months article.

I hope you have enjoyed my humble scribbles, so all that's left to say is may I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

P.S I forgot to say we also had a most wonderful Pass It On Rifle Range Christmas party and Christmas league trophy presentation for the kids and adults, this was awesome, a nice buffet, with disco and party games put on by one of the Young Sports Mums Laura, a huge thank you to her, a truly wonderful night was had by all.

December Sunsets
Wildfowl, Rats, Freemasonry & Sunsets
By The Ole Hedge Creeper
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

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October Madness

9/11/2024

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October Madness
Winter Is On The Way

Blimey what a whirlwind month this has turned out to be.

Well first of all I must apologise for being just over a week late getting this article out, I there me rag doll out of its pram and almost the laptop out of the window, so when I say the computer crashed it almost did, right out of the office window and down with the cattle.

I had just written a wonderful article ready to upload here, probably some of my best work ever, real passion about this time of year and all country sports, my uncle Dave was messaging me at the same time, I had one of those technical senior moments, I pressed the wrong button the computer and deleted the whole article, as it vanished before my very eyes I let out a Viking war cry with both fists in the air, I have only now felt compelled enough to put pen to paper once again as it were. So here goes this months blog, you get what you get lol.

This month I thought I would take you on a sort of nostalgic old school winter food journey, as many who have my cook books know I have had some fantastic inspirations in the kitchen, but this article like my second game cook book (The House Wives Cheats) I dedicate to my Mum and my Nan, two amazing cooks who fed us Rough Ole Collins Boys well, with so many stories, their great sense of humour and amazing food, winter food being my favourite.

First off we start off with my brothers and mines favourite Corned Dog (Corned beef) Pie, originally a cheap war time dish both my Mum and Nan did their own versions of this dish, I do a mix of both with a bit of an Ole Hedge Creepers twist to put my own take on it, it was out of this world, I sent a pic to my brother with the pie served with proper chips done in the chip pan with beef dripping and baked bean, he is on a diet and training hard in the gym for some marathon or something, he sent me a pic back of him licking the phone, I also had it cold the next day next day on the first game shoot of the season on my shoot, Nobby, Lloyd, Dad and Mags all munching on it saying it was wonderful.

Next Came the fish pie, again Mum and Nan had their own twists to this, I added my own, they would always use the left over scraps from the fish they processed for this dish, us Collins boys love fishing too so was always bring home a variety of sea fish after being out on Uncles boat, again this dish was awesome washed down with a nice glass of Pino.

Stuffed hearts being one of my Pappies favourites, so again I put my own twist on these with my version of my secret stuffing mix, well unless you have one of my cook books that is, washed down with a warming glass of fine me port, this was food for the gods I telle.

Mum and Nan Cooking together, Cooking us Collins Boys up a storm in the kitchen, God Rest Their Beautiful Souls, I miss both these ladies so much, I can almost smell the wonderful aroma and taste this photo, with their sweet soft Southern voices bellowing at me, GET OUT OF OUR KITCHEM AND SPOP PICKING AT THE FOOD!!!!!!!! <3

The next dish the king of the feast, a mighty steak and kidney suet pudding, bursting at the seams with meat and a thick gravy, served with tarragon roast potatoes, fresh carrots from farmers garden and washed down with a fine pint of Guinness after a shoot day. Now thats living like a country king I telle. There is more to talk about food but for now will move on to something else, watch the videos with this article and you can see this fod in all its glory, well apart from the steak and kidney pie my phone ran out of memory to do a video, if you want any of my cook books they are available from www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk that's this website.

This month we are back in full swing with our Masonic lodges, and what a fantastic time it is after hmmmm a summer off, I visited Backwell Lodge to see my old drinking chum Rod from way before masonry, his children and mine grew up playing together, what a wonderful night amongst great men and Freemasons, some wonderful conversations about the charity work we all do too, I also took a contingent of The Adair Club that's the official light blues club Somerset and my Lodge Gordano Lodge along to see my dear friend Wayne and all my chums at The Agricultural Lodge Of Gloucestershire, what a fantastic night this was too amongst dear friends and Freemasons from another province, the ceremony was first class and the festive board or after meeting as its known was belly busting, then again what do you expect from a farmers lodge.

I had to go do a talk to The Bristol Fly Dressers Guild too, this was on behalf of The Pass It On Young Sport Organisation that I have the greatest honour to head up, I am hoping we can join forces and do like what were doing in Scotland under my brilliant Scottish regional director Ken, what I am hoping to do here is start a Young Sports and Family style fishing club covering all fishing disciplines, this talk was well received so watch this space.

Whilst on a conservation job controlling grey squirrels and protecting red squirrels I managed to be very close to some wildlife, a herd of Sika deer and for me the best bit a glut of hares, there was so much wildlife about here I was in my element, actually shooting with a camera instead of a gun, I will add a couple of pics for you to see.

Well the first game shoot of the season on my shoot that I keeper on, we just could not get enough beaters this day as we had classed with the shoot next door, so we decided to do a walked up shoot, with the odd couple of beaters with dogs we did have filling in the gaps, I stayed on the quad bike as I still cant really walk since the accident, I ran one end of the line where I could and my under keepers filling in too, I must say it was a wonderful day and a lot of shooting was had, not just with the pheasants and partridge but with squirrels and dray poking, I must admit I really enjoyed this relaxed day and everyone said the same, we stopped for lunch with my cold Corned Dog Pie too. Nobby one of my dearest old childhood friends was there as my guest with his new Cocker Spaniel called Oakley, this was quite nostalgic really, here we are getting on for 40 years since we went out ferreting as lads, now were here twwed shirts and ties shooting game together, oh the memories came flooding back, Dad even told a few stories too.

Well I have finally agreed to do the pod casts again, I have been getting asked so much over the last three years since we stopped doing The Countryman's Diary Magazine (that I still co own) The Fat and Hairy Round up, The Collins Boys Unleashed episode is still getting big hits now, so I have agreed to start doing them again, but this time totally new and fresh with a fantastic new young co host, well you have heard of Miami Vice, Crockett and Tub’s, well we are now The Nailsea Twice, Crock Pot and Spud's, I wont ruin your hilarious and entertaining voyage of discovery here, click on the link button below and you will be taken to the page, you might have to download the free app to tune in Monday nights at 7pm, its NON PC, with George a young man and old man me chewing the fat, telling stories, jokes, covering everything under gods canopy and men's health, and more, it seems we have awoken the country girls too, as we are getting lots of country ladies writing for love, advice and oh so much more, come be entertained with our own unique hilarious wit and West Country sense of humour from two country boys with 30 years age difference between them.

Crock Pot And Spuds Podcast Link Button

I hope you have finally enjoyed my humble scribbles this month, until next time, Its Proper Job Mucker I Telle.

Oh before I forget, Luke Combs has a new album out called Fathers and Sons. I have this album and teas flow with each song, only real Country Boy Fathers, Sons and even Grandfathers will truly understand the words to every song on this album, but I swear he has sung these songs about my Hunting, Shooting and fishing life with my own family, have a listen on you tube, I guarantee you will buy this album too if your a real country Boy Grandfather, Father or Son.

October Madness
Winter Is On The Way
By The Ole Hedge Creeper www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

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Tally Ho A Season To Go

4/10/2024

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Tally Ho
A Season To Go

Well here we are at the start of October and all our seasons are ready to start, well the wildfowling season is a month in, now were starting the full game season too, October is a favourite month of mine, my Pappy (Grandfather) always loved this month, he called it the month of plenty and colour, he always remarked about the English countryside and its wondrous colour in this month, just look at our magnificent woodland in all their splendour and variety of colour, he was right and every year it amazes me too, also this is the month of plenty, fruit laden tree and hedgerows, mushrooms and other awesome fungi to harvest too, the pig is getting fat and all that wild game to harvest and so much more, a truly wondrous month of plenty and colour eh!

Well where do I start with my latest humble scribbles. I suppose I should start right at the beginning, I could not go wildfowling on the 1st of September as it was a Sunday, we cannot shoot wildfowl in Somerset on a Sunday. Monday the 2nd of September evening flight after work saw Goose my Cocker Spaniel and I sat next to one of my wild flight ponds just in off the fore shore, I had with me my circa 1881 Peterson and Sons of Peterborough 16 bore hammer gun loaded with some bismuth a dear friend had loaded for me for duck hunting etc, as Goose and I sat there and watching the sun set over my beloved North Somerset I cast my mind back tto my childhood and how I have not missed a start of a season in the best part of 50 years, I thought of family and our wonderful dogs who are no longer with us here but hunting in heaven with my ancestors, I thought of many dear friends who are no longer with us, like Marc Ray who died on his way to meet me for the opening evening flight over a pond very near this one in 2009, I will say a tear or two rolled down my cheek as I raised the gun as a salute to them all.

A king fisher kept whizzing past with a shrill making Goose stand on his tip toes and keeping him alert, well as if a spaniel needs to be kept alert eh? As the light started to dip ole screech my resident barn owl landed on the gate post above my head in almost complete silence, it seemed like an eternity but was only a second or two, the look on his face when he saw me and Goose was priceless, he didn't fly away though he took off and circled us in a wonderful flight display almost taking my cap off at one point, this for me was pure magic interacting with mother natures own, the light fell and we heard a few duck drop by, whistling wings overhead making mine and Goose heart beat like a steam train, I tried a few calls but they were intent on another pond this night, then the sound of the ghost riders on the wind in the distance, the wild geese that sound that sends an ice cold shiver down all wildfowlers backs, I gave a few honks, did they call back I don't know, but they answered I am sure saying come with me my lad not the other way around, the night fell black as ash cloth and the flight was over, not a single shot fired but my game bag was as full as my heart as was Goose, were back a season a new and were alive again.

I had to go look at some standing barley on the next hunt, the farmers had not had chance to get this in due to the rain and I was asked could I go and push the pigeons off of it until the dry weather and they could harvest it, I am not one to turn down an invitation like that, again I decided to go old school, use my Pappy’s decoys from the 1960s and my old 16 Bore hammer gun, she is as sweet in the arms as she is on the eye, just like in my Pappy’s day, the first two pigeons to drop in to the decoys and a perfect right and left I had too, I put these aside as I had them for my supper that very night in a pigeon parcels recipe and a fine glass of port too, my Pappy’s recipe for this can be found in my cook book Recipes From The Hedgerow available in my book shop at www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk as with all of my books, I shot a triple figure bag of pigeons that day but none so memorable as this first two, it reminded me of my boyhood sat in the hide with my pappy, Dad and Uncle Dave, Goose retrieved almost every bird like the champion he is and in fine style too.

My awesome team and I started off the Somerset Masonic Shooting Club this month, if your a subscribing Somerset Craft Freemason and fancy joining us please get in touch via our website www.somersetmasonicshootingclub.co.uk but at the moment were still building our website, so our full contact details are on The Adair Club ( The official Light Blues Club Of Somerset) website www.youngmasons.co.uk as they are loaning us a page on their website until ours is finished.

I love Scotland and call it my Caledonian second home, many years ago a most excellent young Scottish chef called Alison taught me a wonderful dish entitled Chicken Rob Roy Mc Gregor, a lot of folk call it chicken Balmoral but that's for the tourists to me it will always be Rob Roy, again this recipe can be found in my Latest cook book Home and Away again available on my website book shop, I absolutely love Haggis as much as I love proper West Country Faggot's, now I have made Rob Roy with all sorts of game and it has come out amazingly every time, but obviously the king of the feast is the mighty Wild Haggis taken on a windy night on a full moon, I also make the sauce with white wine and tarragon as I really don't like whiskey, my pappy will be rolling in his grave right now as he loved a good single malt or a fine brandy, me I would pour them down the drain to keep the drains clear in winter, so swap the wine for whiskey if you like but its not for me, I also like it cold the next day with proper cooked chips in a chip pan with beef dripping, a gurt slice of proper bread and local salted farmhouse butter and plenty of salt and vinegar, I am getting hungry just writing this right now.

The Frampton Show this year alas I did not make, due to the van breaking down and the breakdown company taking 6 hours to get to me, to say I was gutted is an under statement, so first I must send an apology to the show and its wonderful organisers, but my biggest apology goes out to all the wonderful families and young sports who were waiting ringside for me, I absolutely hate letting the kids down and this broke my word as I swore I will never let the kids down as long as I am at the helm of Pass It On Young Sports www.pass-it-on-young-sports.org my Pappy always taught me my word is my bond, so when I give my word you can damn sure I wont break, alas all this was beyond my control, I did especially love the photos sent to me by the families stood in my empty stand saying where are you, thanks folks you did make me chuckle with them, see you next year or at another show.

I came out of a hospital appointment after treatment on the Wednesday and told to rest, yeh right I cant rest, true to my promise I wont let the kids or my team down, so Thursday morning bright and early I was at Jacklands Fishing Lakes nr Nailsea with my team from The Somerset Branch of The Masonic Fishing Charity or the MTSFC as were known, we had a full day arranged for a local Disabled SEN school, you can bet I was not going to let any kids down for sure, OK I took it steady and sat down coaching fly fishing but I turned up with my show face on, my awesome team dis a brilliant job and proved our mantra Catching Smiles and these were not just on the kids faces but all including my wonderful team and this rough ole country boy, actually I must send a huge thanks to my team for literally carrying me this day, awesome people one and all, we put on breakfast and a BBQ lunch for all the weather stayed kind and we presented a certificate and medal to each young person taking part in the day, I as did all of my team have a tear in our eyes as the kids left as they all wanted so much to stay, they had such a fantastic day with us, alas as always the day is over all too quickly for all of us, if you would like to volunteer or donate get in touch with us via our website www.mtsfc.org.uk you don't have to be a Freemason or even be able to fish as we need help with so many things, if you would like to become a Freemason and live in Somerset click on this link www.somersetfreemasons.org or google UGLE if you dont live in Somerset.

The following day the Friday I headed for The Yorkshire Shooting Show and Game Fair in Doncaster. I was held up in the morning as the motorway was flooded. By the afternoon I started my long drive up, I got there very late my Pass It ON Young Sports Northern Team thought I had gotten lost, I got there just in time to drop the stand equipment off before they locked the hall for the night.

I was in time for my pilgrimage to Whitby’s fish and chip shop and our annual team nosh up, the fish here is wonderful and so fresh it eats your chips, chips I might add that are cooked in best beef dripping as is the fish, well a slab of fresh bread and proper salted butter is a must aint it? The butter must run down your chin its the law in Yorkshire you know, a well deserved pint of Guinness and I am one happy Ole Hedge Creeper, point of note here too, I absolutely love Yorkshire Tea, I totally refuse to drink anything else, you can keep all that perfume stuff I wan MAN’S tea Yorkshire tea and strong builders tea too, not that last dip of the tea bag nonsense where it barely graces the bag, also a point of note Yorkshire Tea tastes the best in Yorkshire, my belief it has something to do with the water up there, I don't care if you think I am right or wrong, I know it for myself, so sticky out tong to you.

My team and I set the stand up in quick time on the Saturday morning just in time for a bacon roll, bap, barm, cob what every you call it and a big mug of strong Yorkshire Tea.

The doors of the show opened and we never stopped from start to finish when the doors were shut, my hand was hanging off from book signing so many books, I had almost lost my voice from giving game calling lessons, we met so many old friends and made lots of new ones, my show ring demo was so busy, I now know why Charlie Jacoby fro The Field Sports Channel refers to me as The Pied Piper of Country Sports, I start my wildfowling, pigeon shooting demos in the main ring and the young sports and their families just come running, especially as the sound of laughter and applause fills the air, we all met up in Whitby’s that night with some of the guys from The UK and Ireland Squirrel Group and my ole chum Brendan Anderson, a fine 3 course meal was, was the video that's with this article, for mere words just wont do this the justice it deserves.

The Sunday we all got lulled into a false sense of security, for the Sunday is always the quiet day, we all were quite nonchalance about it too saying oh well pack up by 2pm and be on the road by 4pm, oh how wrong could we be, the Sunday for the first time ever was so busy it was crazy, even more busy than the Saturday and that was saying something, the stand the show ring, my demos were so busy all day, the sun shone, the show looked amazing, the atmosphere was awesome, I am already booked to g back next year, I finally got home that Sunday night at 21.30pm absolutely exhausted, I slept most of the day Monday I telle, But I never let the kids, the families or my team down I was there, see you in 2025 The South Yorkshire Shooting Show and Game Fair.

Well as I finish this article we have started The Game Season of 2024/2025, Goose and I have done a little dogging in on my wild bird shoot, although I could of shot a couple of fine Autumn Cock Pheasants I just did not feel the need, I raised the gun and saluted by shouting bang, this was much to Goose frowns at me, but for now my pantry is full and I feel no need to harvest from Mother Natures Living Larder, as my pappy would always say, the meat stays fresher on the wing, hoof or paw my boy so only take what you need not what you want, this has always stuck with me, you know I have enjoyed more hunts working my dogs and not firing a shot until my belly rumbles and my pantry needs filling.

I hope you have enjoyed my latest humble scribbles and ramblings of a rough ole country boy, so until next time stay safe and well one and all FOR TIZ PROPER JOB MUCKER.

Tally Ho
A Season To Go

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

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Wild Fowling A Season New

5/9/2024

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Wild Fowling A Season New
2024/2025

As the title suggests its my favourite time of year once again, All Spring and Summer I have laid up dormant, dreaming of the time when I can get back out after wildfowl, the smell of the water, the wind on my back, a little rain the air and the soft sweet sound of wildfowl on the wing, their wing beats whistling a chorus only a true wild fowler knows, the sounds of the honks, quacks and whistles filling the air making my heart race, ole Goose my Cocker Spaniel feels the same too, he knows when I put his Jack Pyke Wildfowling jacket on him were off after duck and geese, he becomes a completely different dog, from the joyful playful funny little dog, put that coat on him and he becomes a very serious dog single minded on his job, he has the heart of a lion and as bold as all the paw prints that has been left before him, actually the picture above made me chuckle and think of Goose whilst writing this.

But first we start off in early August 2024, already Goose knows something is up as I get out the wildfowling gear, check its all good and my calls are working well before heading off out on my professional pest control rounds, as always Goose comes almost everywhere with me, in fact as I type he is curled up next to me on his fleece wildfowl blanket I got him at the game fair, he is whimpering, barking in his sleep bless him dreaming of momentous wildfowl flights as the duck and geese slip air paddles down as Dad drops them for him to retrieve.

I had a to go to a meeting with an agricultural society, this was to arrange a series of talks on red squirrel protection and grey squirrel management, but also the possible opportunity to arrange some Lantra Accredited training courses for them on grey squirrel control for which I am one of the pest control trainers.

I decided to take an old 20 bore with me and one box of cartridges, I was asked to look in on a field of blown flat barley next to a standing crop of maize by a farming friend on my way home as I would be passing right by, typical me really always take a musket with me when exercising Goose always have done with every dog that's ever owned me, often putting a rabbit or something in the bag for supper that night, I will get to this further down in the article.

Meeting over I called in to said field, as soon as we got out of the car Goose flushed around 200 wood pigeons off the crop. I decided to stand in on a clear flight line, it had been many years since I had shot this field as it had been a grass field for the best part of ten years, I was glad the pigeons membered said flight line as I did, all I will say is for half an hour then I ran out of cartridges we had some fine shooting, I finally picked up 21 pigeons for 25 shots, that little old 20 bore shot like a dream, I let Goose retrieve a few and than let him rest for a bit whilst I picked some black berries, we then picked the rest of the birds, I telle that little dog has some nose on him and eyes like a hawk.

The next big thing was I and my Team from The Somerset Branch of The Masonic Fishing Charity (www.mtsfc.org) put on a trout and course fishing full day, fully paid for by us for a group of service men and women suffering from PTSD and more, this was for the charity Mesh (www.meshcic.co.uk) a wonderful charity and great people, the day was a roaring success and every participant went home with a bag of fresh caught trout, a medal and a certificate and full bellies from the BBQ we laid on too.

The next big thing I did this month was along with my hand picked team, we launched The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club, this is for subscribing Somerset Craft Freemasons only, we affiliated to the National Masonic Shooting Association, if you are a Somerset Freemason go over to the Adair Club Website at www.youngmasons.co.uk for more information, they are kindly letting us borrow a page on their website whilst we have our own website built, we launched the club of an established day for Gordano Lodge in in conjunction with The Adair Club, the official light blues Freemasons club of Somerset, we had over 50 Freemasons and their family and guests there, we had lots of trophies up for grabs and the food was wonderful, this was all held at The Mendip Shooting Ground here in Somerset, with a fantastic day had by all.

The next big thing was I and all my Pass It On Young Sports were invited to a rifle range day by my dear friend Wayne, he is the head honcho and pointy hat wearer of The CZ Owners Club, I also found out this day I was a founder member, who knew? The day was held at a home office range they have access too, I also ended up being a range officer this day too, everyone got to try everything from air rifles, .22lrs using Eley Ammunition right up to some really big bores indeed, all being sponsored by The CZ Owners Club and Really Wild Adventure (www.reallywildadventures.co.uk) by golly did we get through some ammunition, the smiles just kept getting wider and wider on the Young Sports and us HMMMM not so Young Sport. A particular highlight was the night vision and thermal shoot in the dark range, using Night Pearl and ATN products but to name a couple, we finished the day off with a practical shotgun course, this proved to be a lot of fun and something new some of the guys want to get into now, were already planning the 2025 event now.

Now I am going to touch on a subject that is very dear to my heart, I have been a victim of this my whole life, no that's incorrect, I am not a victim I am a survivor, I have learnt to be a warrior with sword and shield in hand, to stand up against this foe and support the weak and defend against this evil demon where ever it strikes, I am talking about BULLYING in all its forms. It has many disguises and names, I don't care what you call it, Nobody but nobody has the right to bully another in any form, physically, mentally, corporately or professionally etc, just recently I have been and still am in some ways being attacked or tried to made to feel intimidated, I will not stand for it, I draw a line in the dirt as my Pappy (Grandfather) taught me, you best be ready for a bloody nose I warn you if you bully me, I don't mean physically, I mean symbolically, I will speak out loudly against you, something bullies rely on is you hiding away, so remember if you are faced with a bully in any form from domestic abuse and more speak out there is help out there, YOU ARE NOT ALONE, is in fact I will share a wonderful song at the bottom of this piece if the article, entitled You've Got Stand For Something its how my Pappy taught me The Rough Ole Country Boy way, funny enough I have found if you stand up to a bully in any form they start to shrink eventually and disappear, a word that is often used in Freemasonry is Insidious, to repel the attacks of The Insidious I didn't actually know what this word meant, but whilst writing this for some reason I was compelled to look it up, quite an apt I think in this case, I wont dilate any further on this subject as I can get quite passionate about this, but remember whatever your going through YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

I had to go back to an agricultural visitor centre to deal with a huge feral pigeon problem, the local town has a non lethal pest control approach, by this the pest controller there flies a Harris Hawk about scaring the feral pigeons out of the shopping precinct, in turn it makes them descend on mass to this agricultural visitor centre, so its then my job to deal with them humanly.

I got there and the amount of pigeon poo everywhere was a real public health problem, the staff constantly scrubbing and disinfecting everything, the man power alone was costing a small fortune on this, everything that could be done was done from reproofing, to keeping doors windows etc closed, bird scarers the lot, but still the feral pigeons kept coming.

My first Job was to get the ferals where I could safely deal with them, where they were I deemed them unsafe for the air rifle due to the location of livestock, windows etc,, I did this my going back to my boyhood and a skill my Pappy taught me for knocking over hole hoping rabbits when we were ferreting, by this I mean using a catapult, I still enjoy doing this now out ferreting so have never lost the skills, today I was using some biodegradable mud balls a bit like paint balls, this worked a treat and kept the birds on the wing, so I could deal with them with the ole Mossberg Hush Power 410 Pump action shotgun using Eley Hawk Cartridges, I must say that ole gun, those cartridges and yours truly made a great team and accounted for quite a bag of feral pigeons, until they wise up that was, then it was the ole Air Arms S510 Ultimate Sporter that came out to play and filled the bag further, funny enough boys with be boys, we never grow up our toys just get bigger and more expensive, the site manager seeing me with the catapult insisted on having a go, the empty soft drink cans never knew what hit them.

The next job I did was a rabbit job, one of my oldest clients called me in to his home not his business, he has a wonder horse riding farm basically for his daughters and wife who are horse crazy, rabbits had moved back in and were eating all the grass, destroying his prize lawns and orchards, plus digging up his riding arena and scaring the horses when his daughters were riding in said arena.

I went in in and basically just shot from the truck, very civil I must say, especially as piping hot mugs of tea and biscuits were literally on tap, he also said help yourself to the orchards and take as much fruit as you like including the black berries, well that’s jolly decent of you old man.

I bagged a pile of rabbits whilst there, but the first two I kept for myself as I really fancied some KFR (Kentucky Fried Rabbit) thos that have my cook books have this recipe, the rest of the rabbits went to the local butchers, the fruit I shared out amongst family and friends as well as keeping some for myself, I am booked to go back here later this week.

The First Day of The Wild Fowling Season 2024-2025, the night before was actually the 1st of September, but as we cant shoot wildfowl here in Somerset on a Sunday, I would have to wait until Monday the 2nd of September, goose knew something was up as we were both like cats on hot tin roofs this night, I could not do morning flight as I had work commitments I could not get out of, but come hell or high water Goose and I was not missing evening flight that for sure.

For me its not about shooting a duck or goose, or even loading the gun, its about marking the start of this wonderful season and our oldest Shooting Sport, its about remembering all who has gone on before me, like Marc Ray my dear friend who died of a massive heart attack whilst on his way to meet me on the 1st of September 2009, all the others too like my Pappy and all of the dogs that have owned us, wonderful flight and more, those that have my first book will know where my passion started in the chapter aptly named Teal Time.

For no more reason than nostalgia I took my ole 1881 Peterson’s and Son’s of Peterborough 16 Bore Hammer Gun with me, she is as tight as a drum and as sweet on the eyes as she is in the arms. Goose and I made our way down to one of my wild ponds just a hop skip and a jump from the fore shore, it was a wonderful soft night, a little wind about, the clouds raced across the sky like chariots, the rain at our back and all was still and peaceful in my world, no doubt about it you have to be a little bonkers to be a wildfowler.

As the day gave way to the night a barn owl came and sat on the gate post not six feet away, it seemed like a life time he was sat there until he saw us, but it was more like only a few seconds, but what an encounter, I heard another duck caller calling his calls, I almost gave up my position and wandered over to give them a lesson on calling, but Goose and I were just content to be back out doing what we love best, I would love to write about duck and geese slipping air paddles down, with the air filled with the sound of wildfowl, but no we did not see or hear a single duck or goose this flight, but you know what my heart was so full from just being there Goose and I left smiling like Cheshire Cats who had just got the cream, Oh Yes I am Alive Once more.

I hope you have enjoyed my humble scribbles, until the next time stay safe and well one and all.

FOR TIZ PROPER JOB MUCKER I TELLE.

Wild Fowling A Season New 2024/2025

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

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Back To My Boyhood

5/8/2024

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Back To My Boyhood
From Catapults To Pigeon Shooting

Blimey where does the time go, it only seems like yesterday I wrote the last article not a month ago, as the title says I have had a wonderful month, especially as I have got to shoot with my ole Dad and I also got to use my catapult on some Scaly Tailed Ratticuss, I will get to all that in due course.

First of all I must send a huge thank you to Brendan Anderson the head honcho and pointy hat wearer of the UK and Ireland Grey Squirrel Group on face book, he an his team stood in for me and Pass It On Young Sports at the game fair this year, unfortunately due to my on going health issues I was unable to head up the team and attend the show, this was the first time in 30+ years I have missed this show, so well done Brendan and all the team.

The first shoot I was called out to was a small 3 acre test crop of wheat, this ground is not normally good for wheat, but a new short stem variety has been developed so this farmer was chosen to try it out, obviously the local pigeon population had descended up on it, hearing the dinner bell I suppose, The first day I just went for a recce as I wanted to try out a gun I had just fixed, I had to replace a firing pin and was not sure if I had set the strike right, as it was I didn't as it was too light to fire the cartridge, so bear in mind I now had a gun with only one working barrel.

Like I said this was only really a recce, I was not equipped for an afternoons pigeon shooting, I had the gun, just over a box of Eley High Flyers with me, the dog and a patio chair, I sat bolt upright in the open on a flight line, acting more like a scare crow than a pigeon shooter, I also wanted to give Goose my Cocker spaniel a bit of practice retrieving, by golly those pigeon were determined to hit this crop, I quickly ran out of cartridges and a pile of pigeons, Goose very much enjoyed himself and retrieved all but 2 and some good long birds too, the farmer popped by and took some pics for me and took the pigeons for a farm BBQ, I also attended said BBQ by kind invitation.

I called my ole Dad up and said do you fancy a days decoying pigeon, of course he said yes, he loves pigeon shooting and would never turn a day down if he could help it, Uncle Dave joined us too, but his car broke down so never actually got to fire a shot, he just listened to Dad and I banging away at the top of the field whilst he waited for the breakdown company to arrive.

We set the Jack Pyke stealth netting hide up first, then took the Jack Pyke shell decoys out and set them up on 4ft garden canes on the blown flat spots on the crop, not only does this raise the decoys above the crop so the Wood Pigeons can see our decoy pattern but also gives great movement to the decoy pattern too.

Pigeons were decoying to our pattern before we had even got back into the hide, sometimes I might add a Jack Pyke floater decoy to the pattern, but this day it was not needed, I very rarely use my pigeon magnet or whirl y gig as some of you call it, to many people rely on the gadgets instead of learning proper field craft, read my article advanced decoying this will tell you more on this subject, I shot the first right and left before Dad had even got chance to sit down and get his gun out of its slip, a good start as the gun I was using was the one I repaired, lets just say the strike is now perfect, right away the father and son banter started, Dad missing a couple of really easy birds right over the kill zone in the decoy pattern, well of course number one son had to oblige and drop both birds eye wiping my dear old Dad, lets just say the banter was both jolly and colourful.

Dad soon got his eye in and was dropping birds like a pro living up to his nick name Ole Snake Eyes as he never misses a trick, as the bag of birds grew along with the empty cases of the Eley cartridges we were using, I just could not resist and let Dad do most of the shooting, I was like a boy again sat with the dogs waiting to be sent out to retrieve the shot birds, my heart filled with joy and so many memories came back, like my little brother Shaun fast asleep in the bottom of the hide on Dads coat whilst Dad shot and the dogs and myself on alert, the pride just grew in me as Dad took bird after bird in fine style, it was like watching a well oiled machine, THAT’S MY DAD right there as a happy tear rolled down my cheek.

The hours flew by and we stopped shooting for the pile of shot pigeon were quite something, we never really count the bag size we never have, but lets just say we wont need any more pigeon until next year now, although I do like to give plenty away oven ready especially to my local pensioners, these are always gratefully received, more so now than ever with this Labour Government cutting pensioners heating allowances and more.

The next Job I was back out on one of the agricultural education centre sites, first off dealing with flying vermin, the gun of choice this day was the awesome Mossberg Hush Power pump action 410 shot gun, using Eley Hawk Cartridges, by golly that combination with The Ole Hedge Creeper behind the butt really made for a winning combination, the pile of avian vermin amassed very quickly, the rest vacated the site very quickly stage left.

I had visited several of their other sites too, these were done with air rifles, mostly the brilliant Air Arms S510 Ultimate Sporter and the TDR, I also tried out a HW100 I had repaired for a customer in my gun shop, all worked very well indeed, I was actually very impressed with the Konus Optics Range, I had tried the scopes out on the rifles and the binoculars, I am very impressed with these, all these products and other sporting equipment and hunts etc are available through my website www.reallywildadventures.co.uk and so much more,

I must say the little .22lr and Eley Ammunition really is proving its worth this month, with my small vermin work really getting busy, especially squirrel control.

I also put my coaching hat on again this month, I know I am retired from coaching but still get dragged back in with old friends etc, this time it was for one of my chums from a masonic lodge and his son, what a fabulous day we had up at The Mendip Shooting Ground, we finished off with a bolting rabbit shoot off using my Mossberg 410 and Eley Hawk cartridges, what a fantastic day this was as we all left smiling.

I finally had a really nostalgic time, my dear friend was getting married, he asked could I look after the livestock whilst he got married and also when on honeymoon, of course this was not a problem, I was there with my right hand man feeding, cleaning out making sure the water was full etc, when Scaly Tailed Ratticuss decided to make an appearance, now I never had my big truck so having no pest equipment with me I looked for some blue pipe, then I remembered one of my not so young sports made me a gift of a catapult kit, ball bearings and everything and was under my car seat, I walked away not even looking at the rat, ahhhhhh there is is, I put the magnetic key ring with the ball bearings on in my pocket and taking one off I loaded said catapult, as I walked back there was this big rat munching a piece of livestock feed, I took aim and let rip, THWACk I only got it with a brilliant head shot, it jumped in the air and hit the ground with a helicopter tail, I was rather chuffed, I have not lost the skill from Boy Hood exactly as my Pappy (Grandfather) had taught me, livestock fed I set up a few bottle tops and you know what I still have it hitting 8 out of ten shots.

I hope you have enjoyed my latest humble scribbles until the next time, stay safe and well one and all.

Back To My Boyhood
From Catapults To Pigeon Shooting

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

1 Comment

Its All Quiet On The Hush Power

5/7/2024

0 Comments

Its All Quiet On The Hush Power
Its A Month Of Sound Moderators

Has it really been a month since my last humble scribbles? I just don't know where the time goes, blimey I am starting to sound like my Pappy (Grandfather) or my Dad, this has been a busy month with all my pest control work getting very busy indeed.

I have taken on some pretty big contracts in my time and some very high profile ones too, indeed this latest set of contracts has me run ragged indeed, I have several fellows who work for me professionally with a long line of competent amateurs who volunteer for me too. But a contract like this want the organ grinder not the monkeys as they say.

I have taken on a very large pest control contract for a set of Agricultural Visitor Centres, they have four main sites over four different counties, with several other smaller sites linked with each, the people they had doing these sites didn't do the work to a satisfactory standard even though they were paid very well, an old client of mine who is now the site manager of one of these sites called me in, the general manager and I hit it off straight away and the contract was mine before I had even drank my coffee.

I will be as brief as I can as this might get to be a very long article otherwise.

I will only tell you of a few visits as there have been many this month, well one of the first visits have me keeping avian pests off the feed clamps during the day, then rodents in the evening.

Well being as its a visitor centre I had to be as quiet as possible, so I have been using the Air Arms Air Rifles with moderators to great effect, but I will say the best tool for the job on these flying pests have been the Mossberg Hush Power 410 shotgun, I see my ole mucker Dan Thor liking my social media posts and has now copied me on Field Sports Britain doing exactly the same as me, we will have to arrange a day out together for a giggle and a shoot over decoys soon.
The Mossberg Hush Power 410 shotgun matches perfectly with the Eley Hawk Cartridges, they really are quiet and pack one heck of a humane stopping power, I have had some brilliant days controlling vermin with these combos.

Along side these jobs I have to deal with rabbits hitting in the horse paddocks, as we know horses and rabbits don't mix, these horses are worth many thousands of mounds each, one has torn his back right tendon between its fetloc and hefloc, I had this with one of my horses once due to the same thing getting its foot caught in a rabbit burrow, it was 18 months before she could be ridden gain and she was lucky.

Again I used a variety of guns here, Air Arms Air Rifles, S510 Ultimate Sporter, S200, S410 Fac, and the Air Arms TDR with the new day night NV scope The Fellis from Night Pearl, all damn fine bits of kit I telle.

I also used a Reximex air rifle, I stock them in the shop so wanted to field test them before selling them to clients, WOW what a bit of kit that is for the money, you get a lot of rifle for the money I telle, very impressed indeed, so much so I kept this one for myself, I have also been field testing the Konus Optics line before I stock them, by golly very impressed, so much so I have put the scopes on my stalking rifles and kept a set of binoculars for myself too, if you would like some or to see the line drop me a line via my shop www.reallywildadventures.co.uk this is some seriously good kit that does what it says on the tin where the metal, meets the meat.

I have also been putting to good use on some of these professional rabbit control rabbit job, the ole .22LR using Eley Subsonic Ammunition, this ammo packs one hell of a humane punch on target, whisper quiet and accurate too, I know you expect me to say this as I am The Eley International Out Doors Ambassador, but no I have been using this ammo for over 40 years since Uncle Dave taught me how to shoot rifle, he still to this day wont use anything else but Eley, so if its good enough for uncle Dave, its damn well good enough for me, I got to admit its actually quite nostalgic using it too as so many memories come back from boyhood watching Uncle Dave Shoot and me being the retriever, Ole Goose my cocker spaniel does I for me and he loves it too, we make a great team that wonderful little dog and me.

I have been having to deal with fox control jobs on a very prestigious estate too, these are old clients of mine, the general manager calls me in if the tenant farmers or tenants of the estate cottages get any problems, one lady had been getting hit by foxes on her rare breed ornamental fowl, she had tried everything to keep them away, they even found ways around her electric fencing, so I was called in to deal with them.

Now as stated in my first article on this subject Out Foxing Charlie, I only deal with foxes that attack live stock etc, I don't shoot foxes just because its a fox, this if its red its dead attitude really annoys me, to me a fox is one of gods most beautiful creatures, to watch them hunt naturally for voles etc is one of the most wonderful sights you will ever see in nature, I also never take any pleasure what so ever in killing, the hunt yes, pitting my skills and field craft up against a worthy quarry yes, but killing no, but unfortunately it is part of the job when dealing with things like foxes attacking livestock.

There were 5 foxes only 2 presented a safe shot, so I have to go back, again I wont take a shot unless its 101% something else I have seen others not do, but then again my good reputation goes before me and why I get to shoot, work and indeed get paid to be places others can only dream of.

Still on this estate I was called in to deal with an RTA with a Roe Buck, alas I could not find him as he limped off into the long grass as the haylage had not been cut yet, the van was a total write off, I was called a week later by the estate owner saying we have seen the Roe Buck limping off in front of the mower as they cut the haylage, I went straight up and Goose and I tracked him down just inside one of the small woodland out crops, I backed off to a safe distance and dispatched him cleanly with one shot from the 243, the poor thing must have been in agony, just look at the picture with its broken leg, he was full of maggot's too eating him alive, poor thing it really was not nice to see a wild animal like this, I was glad to have put him out of his misery, I am a Countryman not a murderer as some would have you believe.

The tenant farmers were complaining of pigeon damage on the pea and barley crops, it was a Sunday and these particular fields were right next to some of the holiday cottages that were all full, I could hear children playing in the distance, the smell of a BBQ.

The estate manager was worried about the noise of the shotgun, they had been using a gas crop gun to scare the birds off and scare crows, after a couple of days the birds got used to the gas gun and just ignored it and smashed into the crop, all the gas gun did then was annoy all the holiday makers in the holiday cottages, thus the complaints, I showed him my Mossberg Hush Power 410 shot gun, loaded in an Eley Hawk Cartridge and fired a shot off, he could not believe how quiet it was, even the Pigeons ignored it, he authorised me to start shooting immediately, I must say and I don't do big bag numbers, I did shoot rather well and shot a bag of pigeons I would be proud to have shot with a 12 bore, actually as I type the farmer and his son who I am about to write about further down this article has turned up, asking can they have a pile of these pigeons from the freezer as they have a farm BBQ this weekend and have promised fresh shot pigeon burgers, I have been invited too, very civilised don't you know and there as much of last seasons home made cider as I want too, well it would be rude not to attend a farm BBQ now would it not.

I have been out on this estate for a few weeks now pushing the birds off the crops, one shoot I remember taking my old 12 bore wildfowling cammo over and under out, more for nostalgic reasons than anything else, but its choked in ¼ and ½ and lovely long 32” barrels, perfect for those long and high birds I knew I was going to have to deal with on this day, match these with some Eley VIPs, no 4s in fibre wads, well all I will say I filled 2 chest freezers up with pigeons, those cartridges, matched with that ole gun and The Ole Hedge Creeper behind the butt, what can I say thats just a winning combination right there, the new Jack Pyke Digi cam jack was lovely and comfy and kept me warm and concealed behind the Jack Pyke stealth netting.

A few days later a call came in from the estate manager, one of the tenant farmers was screaming blue murder abut pigeons on his crops, I arranged to go there the very next day, I could not straight away as I was busy on a pest control job on one of the Agricultural Visitor Centre sites in Devon and was a long way from Somerset.

I got to the farm yard and banged on the door, the farmers wife said thank god your here Mike has been going mad, go see him he is in the milking parlour. Now I cant write what he said, but lets just say learnt some new swear words in Welsh that day and what to call pigeons, he also said can you take my son with you and teach him how to shoot and decoy pigeons and he will pay for the cartridges, very decent I must say, of course I said yes as you know me if its teaching a Young Sport that's what I am all about, Mike said to James take Rob up to top acre and get those damn birds off my crops.

Now luckily I usually carry my old single barrel BSA 12 bore with me on jobs, so often I have had to deal with humane dispatch and find this old gun perfect for what I need, its choked in half chokes so would be perfect for the boy to learn with, I had some light loads of Eley with me so all was set.

We got to top acre and 300 plus birds lifted off the crop, I knew the flight lines etc as I had shot here since boyhood, I stood and watched for ten minuets with my Konus binoculars, I showed young James what to look for and started teaching him field craft, I got him to choose the hide location and explain to me why here, he is a quick learner and was almost bang on, we moved about 20 yards as the canopy of the tree line was better and I showed him why, we then set up the decoys on long canes to raise the decoys above the crop to make them easier to see by the pigeons, we set the Jack Pyke Decoy pattern exactly 25 yards from the hide, I did not want him to be taking long shots, I talked about decoy patterns, windage, sun etc, again imparting a life time of fieldcraft on the boy.

In the hide I gave him some Jack Pyke ear plugs for him to keep, almost on queue the first pigeons started dropping in, we discussed hide etiquette and gun safety then we were ready to start shooting, James found it difficult to shoot sitting down, so I allowed him to stand for a bit to shoot so he got the hang of it, actually if you watch the video at the bottom of this article you will see him take a pigeon on camera, the day was over far too quickly, but I will say we shot a respectable bag of pigeons, protected the crop, the boy was smiling like a Cheshire Cat when I took him home, he has not shut up since this day, I now have a new right hand man with me often whilst out on the estate.

Actually there is a nice picture of the boy and my Cocker Spaniel Goose, with his using my Air Arms S200 on a Corvid job on the farm that I was doing for his Dad.

I have so many more outings I could write about this month, but I simply don't have the time or energy to write any more, I am dragging around and old rugby injury at the moment so sat here writing this is rather painful, I do hope you have enjoyed my humble scribbles, well until the next time stay safe and well one and all.

Its All Quiet On The Hush Power
Its A Month Of Sound Moderators
By The Ole Hedge Creeper
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

0 Comments

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To my Haters & Stalkers, I am a Lion not a Sheeple, my advice is to not poke the Sleeping Lion, for if you awake me from my slumber you will hear me ROAR, then you will find yourself staying at Her Majesty's pleasure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

About the Archive

As you will all know I am a busy boy and I am asked post articles and review on behalf of lots people in lots of different places.

The images and photos are for illustration purposes only, they may not be of the actual day/article or location in question or even at the same venue, for client/venue sensitivity,data protection and often location or contract legalities, we may use a stock photo at our discretion, The main place to find most of my articles is of course the
Countrymans Diary Magazine.

This Archive is a central location of all those pearls of wisdom I have let loose on the World, whilst its not bang up to date the knowledge contained in here is worth its weight in gold.

Feel free to share this information its all free and it my pleasure to Pass It On.

The Tree Fairy and The Squirrel

The Tree Fairy and The Squirrel
Tree Rats and Fairy Dust

The Mad March Hare

The Mad March Hare
A Month of Two Halves

A Seasons End, Well That's A Wrap Folks.

A Seasons End
Well That's A Wrap Folks.

A Countryman’s Winter Wonderland

A Countryman’s Winter Wonderland

December Sunsets

December Sunsets
Wildfowl, Rats, Freemasonry & Sunsets

October Madness

October Madness
Winter Is On The Way

Tally Ho A Season To Go

Tally Ho
A Season To Go

Wild Fowling A Season New

Wild Fowling A Season New
2024/2025

Back To My Boyhood

Back To My Boyhood
From Catapults To Pigeon Shooting

Its All Quiet On The Hush Power

Its All Quiet On The Hush Power
Its A Month Of Sound Moderators

About the Archive

Archives

Categories

SPONSORS and Pro Staff Appointments

The Tree Fairy and The Squirrel​Tree Rats and Fairy Dust

The Mad March HareA Month of Two Halves

A Seasons End​ Well That's A Wrap Folks.

​A Countryman’s Winter Wonderland

December Sunsets ​ Wildfowl, Rats, Freemasonry & Sunsets

October Madness ​ Winter Is On The Way

Tally Ho ​ A Season To Go

Wild Fowling A Season New ​2024/2025

Back To My Boyhood ​ From Catapults To Pigeon Shooting

Its All Quiet On The Hush Power ​ Its A Month Of Sound Moderators

About the Archive

Archives

Categories

SPONSORS and Pro Staff Appointments

The Tree Fairy and The Squirrel
Tree Rats and Fairy Dust

The Mad March Hare
A Month of Two Halves

A Seasons End
Well That's A Wrap Folks.

A Countryman’s Winter Wonderland

December Sunsets
Wildfowl, Rats, Freemasonry & Sunsets

October Madness
Winter Is On The Way

Tally Ho
A Season To Go

Wild Fowling A Season New
2024/2025

Back To My Boyhood
From Catapults To Pigeon Shooting

Its All Quiet On The Hush Power
Its A Month Of Sound Moderators