At the North Pennines Moorland Group we love to educate people on the uplands, the communities and the wildlife. Recently we have been educating through out socials some of the different jobs that take place during the shooting season.
Gamekeepers
Probably the most important job of all, gamekeepers live and work the land all year round. It is their job to look after the habitat and keep a balance on their bit of land so that ground nesting birds can thrive. Estates will have a head keeper and then beat keepers and each will have their own section of the moor to look after. Many red and amber listed species thrive on grouse moors because of the small amount of predator control that is carried out.
Picker uppers.
Picking up teams will sit away from the shooting butts during the drive, once the horn is blown signalling the end of the drive they will send their dogs to find any shot game birds. It is the dogs job to find as much shot game as possible so it does not go to waste. Occasionally during the drive a bird may be shot but not killed instantly, a dog will be sent to retrieve this so it can be humanly dispatched. Gundogs are highly trained and we all love seeing them work during the season.
Loaders
Loaders will stand in the butt with the shooter and load their gun for them, they play an important role in safety within the butt too often helping place butt sticks to stop anyone shooting down the line of butts.
Drivers/Mechanics
There are many modes of transport needed throughout a shoot day and this creates jobs for drivers and mechanics, small local garages often benefit during a shooting season keeping everything running smoothly.
Caterers
The food is always a very important part of any shoot day, catering includes in the lodges/pubs and out on the fell. Local grocers, butchers, deli’s and supermarkets all benefit from the shooting season. Most shooting lodges are very happy to give away their game meat for people to try so if you have not tried grouse, pheasant or partridge send us a message!
Accommodation
Accommodation for any shooting party does not run on its own, behind the scenes there are many jobs created to keep lodges in top condition, this also includes office workers, accountants, butlers, front of house staff, laundrettes and many more.