Get Ready For The Glorious Twelfth

August 12th may just be another date for many people, however, for some it is one of the most important days of the year. Ever since The Game Act of 1831 made it illegal to shoot game out of season, people have willed on this day. So what is this day’s importance? August 12^th marks the beginning of the Grouse hunting season! Across the moors of the North of England, the North of Ireland and Scotland, shooters from all over the world come to our green and pleasant lands to start their grouse shooting season with a bang. The season lasts from August 12^th to December 10^th in England and Scotland whilst the season is cut short to November 30^th in Northern Ireland.

There are a few different ways to hunt grouse; the most expensive way is standing in camouflaged butts whilst beaters make their way across the moorland pushing the birds over the shooters in their embedded positions. Although beating doesn’t sound all that fun, it is an incredibly fun way to spend a day and keep fit, beaters can also earn around £40 per day for their troubles and lifelong friendships are often made. Although this type of shooting can appear a little unsporting, it certainly is not. These Grouse can fly low and fast at speeds up to and around 80 mph, making them a challenging target for the most experienced of shooters.

All the grouse shot are wild birds and are not artificially reared like other game birds, the responsibility for looking after the Grouse lands on the shoulders of the gamekeeper. These gamekeepers control both the animals on the moorland and the moorland itself, ensuring both the heather and the animals which live there thrive.  This well cared for habitat not only ensures that grouse survive but also aids the plight of many endangered species, including birds of prey such as the Red Kite. Gamekeepers on Grouse moors work closely with Government conservation groups and are members of the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime. The work is incredibly hard and time consuming; looking after a grouse moor has to be a passion not just a job.

It is not just local ecology which benefits from grouse shooting , in the few months that the grouse shooting season runs for, a staggering £50 million is pumped into the local economy. Hotel beds are filled as well as restaurants and pubs, 4×4’s are hired and jobs are created for both beaters and gun loaders. (Those who stuff cartridges into the shooters shotgun, watching they don’t trap their fingers in the process) A day on a grouse moor can cost anything from around £7,000 to £50,000.

Here at Birstall we have teamed up with Le Chameau to bring you the very best in shooting clothing and supplies, ensuring you head out onto the moor looking your best whilst ensuring you are fully prepared for what the glorious British weather has in store for you. Whether you are a shooter or a beater, male or female, this clothing range is perfect. Le Chameau combines tradition infused with innovation with the guaranteed high quality the brand is known for. Don’t just think that this clothing is for exclusive wear for the grouse moor either; everything in the range also looks more than comfortable in town.

A shining example of Le Chemeau’s craftsmanship is the Obernai Hunting Jacket. The Obernai is the perfect outdoor hunting jacket that benefits from being both 100% waterproof yet breathable, silent and resilient. With pre-formed sleeves, hand warmer pockets with water-proof zipper closing along with large flap pockets, zipped game pocket and windstopping lycra cuffs there is nothing more you could want from a jacket. If you find that our products are cheaper elsewhere, please let us know and we will either explain the price difference, or amend the difference.

The Obernai Waterproof Hunting Jacket

The Faroz is a lightweight,
warm and waterproof hunting jacket that is silent and resilient. The LCX lining provides 100% waterproofing whilst allowing full breath-ability  With the insulated padding, there is an immediate feeling of warmth and comfort. Other features include a removable hood, Zipped game pocket, articulated elbows, draw-cord waist and wind stopping lycra cuffs.

The Cheverny has become a firm favourite since its creation. The body of the jacket is constructed in our distinctive washed cotton canvas fabric. With a 100% waterproof lining and handsome tailoring it has become Le Chameau´s flagship jacket. The Cheverny grows in appeal every time you wear it.

Browse the complete Le Chameau range.

Published August 2nd, 2013 by Jordan. Article ref 566

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