Loading and coaching for driven game shooting, from the first drive to the last bird.

Single loading  ·  Double gun loading  ·  Instruction

35 YearsShooting experience
LANTRA L2Qualified loader
£10MBASC liability cover
UK & AbroadBased in Wiltshire

About me

Brought up on walked-up days in North Wales

James Bilderbeck taking a high bird from his peg
James on the peg

“The most important aspects are to have a safe, enjoyable day and to be challenged.”

As a 15 year old I was brought up shooting Snipe, Pheasants and Duck with my trusty .410 on walked-up days with my father on a family farm in North Wales.

Since then, with almost 35 years’ shooting experience behind me, from coveys of fast Partridges off the rolling hills of Wiltshire to the sky-scraping Pheasants down in Devon, I have spent more time offering loading and coaching to guns of varying experience. I have always had a passion for the countryside, having lived in Hampshire and Wiltshire for the past 20 years.

Looking back over some of the wonderful days of shooting I count myself privileged to have been a part of, the most important aspects are to have a safe, enjoyable day and to be challenged. Those lower birds earlier in the season will only get higher and present better as the season progresses.

I provide a discreet, courteous and professional service, whether it be loading for an experienced shot, through to a novice or young shot who may be shooting game for the very first time and requires more support during the day.

James Bilderbeck

Services

Calm, practical support at the peg

Single loading, double gun loading and instruction, delivered in a calm and practical manner so you can focus entirely on your shooting.

For every level

Single loading

Your gun, cartridges and kit handled for you throughout the day. Ideal for newer or younger shots who would value guidance on field etiquette and a steady presence on the peg.

For experienced guns

Double gun loading

Seamless hand-overs between shots with little or no input required. We rehearse the exchange before the first drive so you always know exactly where I am — usually just off your shoulder.

Coaching

Instruction

Feedback and coaching tailored to you, from technique and gun mount to reading the drive, the wind and the light. More experienced shots typically receive advice only when they ask for it.

Day or seasonBooking options

Individual days can be booked, or a full season in advance for consistency, especially where double guns are used on bigger days of 300 birds plus, so you enjoy every day to the fullest.

Why use a loader?

So that all you think about is the next bird

Engraved drawing of a cock pheasant in flight

I tailor my experience to each client, from seamless double loading where little or no input is required, to a greater amount of instruction and field etiquette for a less experienced shot on a single gun day.

My job is to make sure you get the most enjoyment out of your day without worrying about your kit, all of which I handle on your behalf. You stay focused on what is happening around you and on picking off the most challenging birds, rather than hunting for those last few elusive cartridges hiding in the corner of your cartridge belt.

A gun ejecting spent cartridges on the peg, in black and white
Reloading on the peg
Cartridges being loaded into an open gun, cartridge belt at the waist
Ready to load

A typical day

From the car park to the gun case

As a loader I work with clients who have different requirements and varying levels of competence. My first role is to talk the day through with you and agree my responsibilities.

One of my key jobs is to understand the level of input you would like, including feedback, coaching and small talk.
Here is how the day usually runs.

Guns spaced along the line in a green valley edged with conifers, one taking a shot
Guns along the line
Arrival

Before the first drive

  1. We discuss gun and cartridge choice, as these may differ between drives, or if chokes need to be changed over.
  2. I ride in your car, or chauffeur you myself.
  3. I note which peg you have drawn and any instructions from the shoot captain, such as whether we are live on the peg or await a horn or whistle.
At the peg

Setting up safely

  1. I carry your gun(s), cartridges and kit to the peg: stick or seat, eye protection, extra clothing.
  2. I set a safe zone for slips, cartridge bags and spare clothing so there are no trip hazards.
  3. Guns come out of their slips broken and are handed to you safely.
  4. We run a quick dry run to rehearse safe practice and, when double gunning, a seamless hand-over.
During the drive

Eyes and ears on

  1. I wear eye and ear protection from the moment the drive starts until it ends.
  2. We talk through peg observations as they change: wind, or sun in your eyes. I carry a range of tinted shooting glasses you are welcome to borrow.
  3. Any pricked birds are pointed out to the pickers-up to give the best chance of retrieval.
Between drives & close

Reset and wind down

  1. Guns are checked and safely stowed; cartridges are picked up and placed where the shoot captain requires.
  2. Your cartridge bag is replenished and we discuss feedback before the next drive.
  3. At the end of the day I clean your guns before casing or re-slipping them. I carry a full cleaning kit for all bores.
A golden retriever carrying a cock pheasant across rough grass
Pickers-up at work
Spent red cartridges clipped to a leather gun slip in a field
End of the drive

Credentials

Qualified, insured and discreet

Safety & qualification

  • LANTRA Level 2 Loading Qualification
  • DBS checked, certificate available on request
  • UK Shotgun Licence holder
  • First Aid trained
  • BASC member

Discretion & confidentiality

A discreet service for high net worth individuals and families. I am happy to sign NDAs.

Insurance

  • BASC cover up to £10m liability: public, employer and product
  • £50,000 personal accident

Driving

A clean UK driving licence held for over 35 years with no points, and an MSA Race Licence held for over 20 years. Happy to chauffeur clients in their own cars.

Locations

Based in Wiltshire and available throughout the UK, and worldwide on request.

Kit I carry

  • Full cleaning kit for all bores
  • Range of tinted shooting glasses
  • Eye and ear protection

Pricing

Clear rates, agreed in advance

Any travel or accommodation costs are shared with you for approval before the day.

Standard single day loading£ on request
Back-to-back days£ on request
Mileage45p per mile

I am not VAT registered.

For back-to-back days, or shoot days at a distance that need an overnight stay, I will book a Premier Inn or equivalent. The cost is highlighted to you for approval in advance.

Testimonials

What clients say

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Client testimonial to be added.
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Client testimonial to be added.
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Booking request

Request a day

Tell me where and when you are shooting, and which service you would like. I will come back to you personally to confirm availability.

Fields marked optional can be left blank. Everything else helps me plan the day properly.

A pheasant high against white cloud and blue sky
01Your details
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02The shoot
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03Dates & service
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If nothing opened, copy your request and email it to james@bilderbeckfieldsports.com, or call +44 (0) 7976 961608.

Contact

Book a day or a season

Prefer to talk it through? Call or email me directly. It helps to include:

  • Shoot date(s) and location
  • Single or double guns, and the expected bag
  • Your experience, or that of the gun you are booking for
  • Whether you would like coaching during the day
James Bilderbeck
Mobile+44 (0) 7976 961608
Emailjames@bilderbeckfieldsports.com
BasedWiltshire, UK