Hunting/Camping/Hiking trip

[Manic Stram Poacher]

Had been planning this trip/challenge for months and had been carefully planning my route options and what items to take with me.
The plan was to leave my car at a farm in Cwmystradllyn, then hike approximately 5 miles to a woodland in near a small village called Prenteg keeping a sharp eye out for quarry to hunt for tea.

The only food I took with me was one portion of basic Bannock mix, an onion, carrot and one potato.

This is where my journey began at Llyn Du (Black Lake) Cwmystradllyn. I arrived at the starting point around 4-00 in the morning and loaded the 410 shotgun before heading off.


I had already covered several miles of moorland and I hadn't come across one single rabbit or wood-pigeon, my spirit was becoming low and I started doubting myself and was close to turning back.

This photo was taken about half way, about 2-3 miles North West



When I arrived at Prenteg I decided to take a little detour to a place where I had spotted a few rabbits the last time I was there but never managed to bag one. They were very jumpy, so getting close enough to take a safe shot was very difficult.

[Manic Stram Poacher]

Once I was in comfortable range of the warren was I set up the camera for this shot and waited, waited and waited....


BANG! Thank you Gwen for the retrieve. I now had meat on the menu and my mindset changed completley



I decided to skin, gut and field dress the rabbit on the spot. I always gut them as soon as possible if dispatched with shotgun. Sometimes the shot can pierce the guts and contaminate the meat. I was very warm even this early in the morning so I didn't want to take any chances.
I kept the hind legs and loin for myself and the rest I would go to the dog for helping me.


Still had a approximately a mile hike before I reached the woodland

[Manic Stram Poacher]

Once I arrived the woodland I got my harris in gear and started to build myself a shelter and get a fire going, after the long hike I wanted some food and was looking forward to a well deserved rest.


This was the view from my window, so to speak


Now I had never made Bannock before so I thought I would give it a try. It was a basic mix of flour, milk powder and salt.

I was very impressed with the end result and couldn't believe that something so tasty could be whipped up form such basic ingredients

[Manic Stram Poacher]

By now I was steaming building the shelter, gathering firewood and cooking in the mid day sun was hot work so decided to go for a dip. As you can see drinking water is plentiful and my shelter was about 35 yards form brook. This little river is actually the farm down the valley's main drinking source and has been for centuries.

Afon Mur Gwenyn


For tea i decided to make myself some Potas Cwningen (Rabit stew) very nice and kept my spirits up for the rest of the night.



Note that I had to make an improvised spoon because I had forgotten to bring one with me. Not as skilfully made as the ones I've seen made by members on here but still it did the job. Lesson learnt.

Overall I'm happy that I went through with this challenge even though friends and family doubted that it could be done. Being fairly new to this bushcraft business I can honestly say that I enjoyed the experience and will be giving it another go sometime. But the gun will be replaced by a fishing rod.

Sorry if this thread was a bit long winded but thought I would share my experience with you.

Heddwch

MSP

[LoneWalker]

Looks a nice trip out. There's something very special about the bond with a dog when you work it. Nice to see Gwen out with you and getting a share of the "pot".

[Manic Stram Poacher]

Thanks pal, it's good to have the company as well. I didn't come across one single person during the trip.

[LoneWalker]

Lovely mate. Like getting out with my dog into the remoter parts of Dartmoor and enjoying his company. Bonus if I don't see anyone else while I'm out.

[Big T]

Looks like you had an awesome time mate! What is the legality of wandering around with a shotgun? Did you have shooting permission?

[Manic Stram Poacher]

This is where I'm lucky Big T, I have permission to shoot on both of the farms, their boundries meet back to back. Used to work on one for years in my younger days. I actually have permission to shoot the other two farms the other way as well.
But the law states that a shotgun must be carried in a slip/gunbag in a public place.

[Big T]

This is where I'm lucky Big T, I have permission to shoot on both of the farms, their boundries meet back to back. Used to work on one for years in my younger days. I actually have permission to shoot the other two farms the other way as well.
But the law states that a shotgun must be carried in a slip/gunbag in a public place.

Wow, Lucky guy! I was aware about the shotgun having to be in a slip etc, must have been nice to get out on an adventure and not have to worry about your shooting upsetting anyone!