Guns line a track that winds through a steep valley and birds zip over the contours presenting spectacular driven and crossing shots Bereleigh Estate East Hampshire

Bill Tyrwhitt-Drake has made an extraordinary contribution to shooting, both on and off the field, not least as chair of the committee that oversees the Code of Good Shooting Practice and in the management of his glorious home shoot, Bereleigh. This Hampshire estate exemplifies the finest traditions of driven shooting in England, showing the best-quality birds while maintaining the relaxed atmosphere of a family shoot.

Teams lucky enough to take a day may stay in the Georgian elegance of Bereleigh House, hosted by Bill and his wife, Philippa, also a keen shot. We joined them for one of two late-October partridge shoots held each year for family and friends. Guns assembled in front of a crackling fire in the cosy entrance hall and after a cup of coffee and a chance to catch up with old friends, Bill Tyrwhitt-Drake announced the off.

The briefing was clear: “Gentlemen, we will start slowly because they are doing a bit of blanking in. We’re numbering eight and moving up two from the right,