That's it then! All over until September. The Cocking Days were fascinating. And there are still a few cock birds left to contest their territory over the coming months .......
Contrary to all the macho banter there's a very strict ettiquette which governs these events. I was fortunate to be welcomed on the cocking days of two of our regular shoots. At the beginning of each day those present were split into two teams: alternately each would 'stand' (in the manner of the Guns on a normal shooting day) or 'walk' (with their guns and dogs but 'beating' for the standing guns). Rules were read out: 'standing guns' could shoot anything in the air except hen pheasants and mating pairs of partridge. They could also shoot safe ground game - rabbits mostly. 'Walking guns' could only shoot game in the air if it was flying 'back' or squirrels either in their drays (nests) or if seen running up trees. If in any doubt, safety was to be the deciding factor. Sweepstakes were organised: in one case simply how many head were shot by each team at the end of the day and which team would win and in the other how many legs would be accounted for and how many shots fired by the end of the day! 
There were many strange sights throughout these days. Not least on the first of the two shoots, the Keeper had arranged for his daughter and I to have a gun each and to share a stand; with a licensed 'gun' accompanying us at all times to ensure safety! In addition, we were 'standing' guns - the safer position - all day. And that was fine: except it was a particularly freezing cold day - 'yes' the sky was blue and 'yes' the ground was dry but golly was it cold!! At the end of the first drive my hands were so numb I was unable to resist the temptation to place them in the insulated and warm pockets of our male companion - which gave rise to much bawdy humour from the rest of the male contingent.... By the end of the second drive I was full of admiration for all the guns who had shot so well during the previous blisteringly cold weeks. By the end of the morning I was totally numb. Beating is by far the saner end of the sport! It is also by far the 'easier' position. Many times throughout the Seasons I have found myself criticising Guns for missing their quarry: never again.... it is no mean feat to get ahead of the bird and to have the timing and skill to hit it straight and clean!
From the perspective of a permanent Standing Gun, despite the cold it was a peaceful and crisp day: few birds came our way: far fewer were shot at (we dubbed ourselves 'the Conservation Team'), two were vaguely 'hit' and only one was killed - and that by my partner, the Keeper's daughter. The total for the day - which ended reasonably early at 1615 pm - was but 94 so, considering there were 10 guns on each team, we had not missed many! On the other hand, we had a thoroughly enjoyable day, learned a good deal about etiquette and safety and gained much confidence in use of a shotgun. Better careful than careless. Worth more than gold.
That was on the Saturday and with the gun to worry about I left the Dog at home for a day's rest. However the following Tuesday - the 1st February (the very last day of the Season)- both dog and I turned up to beat at the Cocking Day for the other shoot. After entering the sweepstake - feet and shots - and reading of the rules we set off. It had rained continuously since dawn but soon after we set off the rain stopped and a wintry sun poked through the clouds. It augured well for the day. Before long the Dog was gasping for water (which luckily he found in a nearby stream) and all humans were shedding at least one layer.
After a reviving Slogasm (Sloe gin and Champagne) at mid-morning we walked all day. In contrast to the previous Cocking Day, the dog and I beat all day. He more than justified his place in the beating line. I swear I walked at least 15 miles so goodness knows how many miles Gunner covered. Suffice to say that by the time the sun went down and the day was ended (1630hrs when we finished the final drive - and this was the more restrained of the two shoots???!!!) - we were both well and truly worn out. We did however win the sweep for the 'number of shots fired' which was a fitting end to an exhausting day and a fulfilling Season.....
We have spent all this week recovering--- overcoming adrenalin shock and withdrawal symptoms.............
"So what are your plans for the months between now and next Season?" asked Linda, later in the week, over a relaxing glass of wine.
Well; she has a point. The Bestest Gundog in all the World has worked 33 days this season compared with 39 last season and 26 in his first year. He has been a reliable and steadfast companion and far better behaved than any of the other working dogs we have encountered. BUT he has developed a few wayward tendencies and the occasional 'deafness' - solely due to the confidence and knowledge developed over the seasons. He loves his job and is never untrustworthy or dishonest. But there is room for improvement; scope for sharpening up.
So - a couple of weeks of rest and recuperation - gentle walks and heel work - and then it'll be a case of working out how to correct the faults and hone the skills........................ no resting on laurels even for THE BESTEST gundog.....
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