A Novice Guide To Shoot Day Etiquette

If you’re preparing for your first shoot day, you might be wondering what to expect — and how to make sure you don’t stick out for the wrong reasons. This guide is designed to help you feel more confident and prepared, whether you’re joining as a beater, a picker-up, or simply observing to learn.

These are the tips I wish someone had given me before my first day in the field.

Glossary of Key Terms

Understanding the language used on shoot days will help ease a lot of first-day nerves. Here’s a quick overview:

• Brace – A pair of birds (male and female) hung together after the shoot.

• Picker-up – Part of the team retrieving game with dogs after birds are shot.

• Beater – People (with or without dogs) who push birds from cover towards the Guns.

• Guns – The individuals doing the shooting.

• Peg – Markers showing where each Gun should stand.

• Peg Dog – A dog positioned with the Gun, usually remaining still during the drive.

• Drive – A section of the day where birds are flushed and shot.

• Runner – A wounded bird that hasn’t died immediately. Needs swift and humane dispatch.

• Driven Day – A shoot where beaters push birds toward the Guns from behind.

• Walked-Up Day – The line walks forward together, flushing and shooting birds as they rise.

• The Line – The straight formation the beaters maintain during a drive.

• “Hold the line!” – A command to stop immediately, typically from the keeper.

General Etiquette for Your First Day

1. Speak to the Keeper Ahead of Time
If you’ve been invited by a friend, ask for the keeper’s number. Call in advance to introduce yourself, confirm arrangements, and ask any questions. It shows respect — and helps you feel more prepared.

2. Consider Attending Without Your Dog First
There’s a lot to take in. Turning up without your dog the first time lets you observe how the day runs, understand expectations, and watch how experienced dogs work without the added pressure of handling your own.

3. Dress Practically and Respectfully
Stick to country colours like greens and browns. Smart but practical is key: a shirt and jumper, waterproofs, and boots with good grip. For picking-up, you may need to dress a bit smarter (e.g. shirt and tie or scarf). Be warm, dry, and comfortable — that’s non-negotiable.

4. Follow Instructions and Ask When Unsure
Listen to the keeper and others running the day. If you’re told to be quiet or make noise, there’s a reason. Don’t be afraid to ask questions — people would rather you ask than guess and get it wrong.

5. Say Thank You
You’re not expected to tip as a beater or picker-up, but do go and thank the keeper at the end of the day. Good manners go a long way and can lead to being invited back.

6. Food and Drink
Ask ahead whether food is provided. Some shoots offer a meal, some don’t. Bring snacks and water regardless — it’s a long day.

7. Small Gestures Matter
Bringing cake, sausage rolls, or a flask of something warming to share with the team is always appreciated.

8. Talk to Your Trainer
If you’ve got a trainer, let them know how you’re feeling. Ask questions, share your worries. We can’t support you if we don’t know what you’re dealing with.

Beater’s Guide

The Role:
Beaters help flush birds from cover towards the Guns. You’ll walk in line, flag, or use a stick to move birds forward.

Dogs in the Line:
Only bring your dog if they are steady and ready. The beating line isn’t the place for guesswork — you need control.

Your Dog Should Be Able To:

• Stop reliably on the whistle, especially to flushed game.

• Ignore gunshots.

• Work in a tight pattern.

• Be social with dogs and people.

• Work in high-distraction environments without losing focus.

You Should:

• Stay in line, keep pace, and listen to instructions.

• Ask where the Guns are so you’re aware of the direction of fire.

• Take snacks and drinks.

• Dress for comfort, warmth, and practicality.

• Ask if flags or sticks are needed.

• Beat a few days without your dog first — then gradually introduce them.

Tip: You may start as a beater and later be asked to pick up. Be open to this — it’s often how doors open.

Picking-Up Guide

The Role:
Pickers-up stand behind the Guns and mark where shot birds land. Retrieval happens after the drive or in the case of runners, during.

Etiquette and Expectations:

• Dress smartly and stay warm. A shirt and tie or scarf, and layers you can move in.

• Dog steadiness is crucial. If your dog isn’t 100% steady, keep them on a lead.

• Ask the keeper’s preference for retrieving during or after the drive.

• Respect peg dogs. Mark their birds, but allow them to retrieve unless invited.

• Be prepared. It’s a long day with a lot of waiting — your dog needs to handle that.

Advice for First Timers:
If you’re new, ask to shadow someone experienced. It’s a good way to learn what’s expected and to ease your dog in gradually.

Be Equipped:

• A humane dispatcher (priest) and the confidence to use it.

• Your own game carrier.

• Know how to tie birds into a brace.

Final Thought:
If a Gun says they’ve shot something — go look for it. Even if you don’t find it, it shows respect and professionalism.

There’s a lot to take in, and that’s normal. You’re not doing it wrong — you’re just learning how the day flows.

Start slow, observe, ask questions, and take it one step at a time.

We’re here to support you, whether you’re joining a beating line for the first time or picking up with your dog after months of training.

Try this over the next few days: Revisit this guide and note any areas that feel uncertain — then pop your questions into the LWDG Facebook group or ask your trainer directly. You’ll feel more confident just from having clarity.