Set in the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, within the picturesque Chalke Valley, Gurston Down Shoot is internationally recognised for both high Pheasant and Partridge Shooting. Conceived as an idea in 1965 and a planting plan by Jim Brocklebank of The Game Conservancy at Fordingbridge, David Hitchings set about creating a quality shoot, amidst the bare open Wiltshire Downs. After much hard work establishing the coverts, with guns initially let through syndication, David explored the possibility of marketing individual guns on each day, commencing with a bold advert in the 9th March 1973 edition of The Field in prominent heavy type:
The highest pheasant and partridge shoot in England announces the selling of a number of guns at a cost of £100 each for the coming season.
The advert caused much interest, with all guns quickly taken. Having purchased one or two guns on days, some clients enquired about buying all the guns, which led to the concept of shooting being let by the day. In a short time, Gurston Down became synonymous with commercial high game shooting, with David recognised for laying its foundations. Also, through experiencing what David had created, like-minded individuals embarked on locating similar terrain, with steep valleys which could be developed for shooting. David also involved the renowned Percy Stanbury to help with picking up during the early years. With the Stanbury Method shooting style portraying the perfect balance required for high bird shooting, David adopted his silhouette as a trademark, which features on our badges. The history and development are well documented in David Hitchings' book Showing High Pheasants and Partridges, The Story of Gurston Down Shoot. Reprinted in 2009, it contains a list of names of the guns who have shot with us. Although the UK now has plenty of exceptionally high game shoots, Gurston Down still remains very highly regarded.
After 30 years and running 607 shooting days, in 1999 David and Gwen decided to retire, passing over the reigns to his nephew Robert and wife Jeanne. Gurston Down remains a small commercial shoot, concentrating on the quality of our shooting days, rather than quantity of shooting days. The anticipated bags are predominately 300 birds, with a team of eight guns, using loaders. Last season's achievements can be viewed under latest news.
Founder of Gurston Down Shoot in 1965 and author of the Story of Gurston Down book, David is a wealth of knowledge and often helps out on a shoot morning. David celebrated his 90th birthday in September 2018.
Studied BSc (Hons) in Agriculture at Seale Hayne Agricutural College in 1983 before returning home to run the family farming business in 1984 with his brother. Robert took over Gurston Down Shoot in 1999 from his uncle David Hitchings and is celebrating his 20th season in 2019! When Robert can escape the farm it is usually for a sport related activity, with a keen interest in playing golf. Robert also loves Formula 1 Motor Racing and a highlight of the year is watching the Grand Prix race in Monaco.
Studied BSc (Hons) in Rural Land Management at The Royal Agricultural University in 2014 and went on to qualify as a Chartered Surveyor during his time at Savills in 2016. In 2017 Barney returned home to take on the project management of the large scale conversion of West Barn Lodge, our new accommodation facility at Fovant. Barney assists his father Robert with running the shoot days in conjunction with managing the new accommodation and farming businesses. Away from work Barney loves to go shooting with friends and skiing when he can. Barney also has a passion for old Land Rovers and has a 'skill' for collecting them!
Son of a Suffolk Gamekeeper, previous work experience, 7 years Underkeeper at Bowcombe on Isle of Wight. Gamekeeper at Gurston Down since Feb 2008.
An enthusiastic participant on shooting days
