If you are a single gun or have a small group, it is difficult to access the finest shooting estates in Europe without a full private line of guns.  In today’s world, it’s tough to find 8-10 friends to join you for a couple of days in Europe.  Thankfully, some of the very best estates we represent have a few shoots each season open to single guns or small groups who come together to form a private line.  There are still great dates available early in 2024!

FRANCE

Chateau de Villette (January 19-22, 2024)
Mixed bag of pheasant, partridge and mallards; up to four guns are available.  Price: $10,237 per gun (including a non-shooting comanion). Noted for noble wines and excellent cuisine, France also offers challenging driven shooting for pheasant, partridge and mallards from maize cover crops, lakes and mature woodlands amidst centuries-old vineyards, all within walking distance of the incredibly comfortable Chateau de Villette. The emphasis is on sporting days with drives designed to produce a variety of quality, high-flying birds that will test the skills of the gunners. These drives are conducted under the watchful eye of property owner Coen Stork and the English gamekeeper. A delicious lunch is served each day at the chateau.  The 5-6 drives each day are expertly presented to a typical line of 8-guns for a total anticipated bag of +/- 250 birds daily.  Quality shotguns are provided. 

SPAIN

Ventosilla (February 13-15 & March 15-17, 2024)
Driven red-legged partridge; up to six guns are available. Price: $11,434 per gun (including a non-shooting companion.   Ventosilla is one of the famous Spanish shoots and its reputation is rightly earned. Home to the first ever driven partridge shoot in Spain held in 1884, it does not get more traditional than this. The estate has 60 drives covering many thousands of acres enabling guests to decide what type of birds and shooting they would like to experience.  The 2-day shoot is based on 600 birds per day to a line of 8 guns.  Great shotguns are provided and guests will thoroughly enjoy the palace accommodations, cuisine, and service. 

Los Melonares (February 25-28, 2024)
Driven red-legged partridge; up to four guns are available.  Price:$8,809 per gun (including a non-shooting companion).   Los Melonares is a wonderful estate near the very beautiful city of Seville The shooting is excellent and one cannot help but feel at home at the wonderful house with its orange tree-lined courtyards, large outside sitting areas and display of trophies from times gone by. A collection that your host's father, the first ever Weatherby Trophy to be won by a Spaniard.  The 3-night/2-day shoot is based on 500 birds daily to an 8-gun line.  Quality guns are available to rent. 

For more information, please contact destination specialist Mike Fitzgerald.