Devon, England
Cruwys Morchard is a stunning West Country shoot which is famed for its high quality birds, deep valleys and sumptuous hospitality - regarded my many as one of the best pheasant shoots in Devon.
Situated just south of Exmoor National Park, Cruwys Morchard covers 2,000 acres with 15 drives based around the large valley which make for such good quality sport. There is a mixture of drives from woodland (conifer and hardwoods) and game crops. Many of the drives feature steep valleys which offer not just high, straight-over birds but fast, swinging, slashing crossers.
There is an impressive attention to detail on the estate with well-maintained grassland leading to each peg, so standing guns are always able to find their position easily. The drives are all open and there is no snap-shooting, thus allowing time for any gun to prepare his/her shot and execute it to the highest standard, making it one of the best pheasant shoots in the country.
The lodge is also extremely well appointed with a full bar and roaring fire.
Tiverton was part of the inheritance of Aethelweard, youngest son of Alfred the Great. The Domesday Book indicates that William the Conqueror was its tenant-in-chief in 1086.
The estate has great transport links for London via the M4 or A303 and the north from the M40. Unlike most of the Exmoor shoots on the moor, it is much more accessible only being a short drive from Tiverton.
Typically the estate like to stop for lunch in the shoot lodge, however teams can decide to shoot through if preferred and made known of in advance. After two drives, we stop at the all weather covered hut with views across the estate for some incredible elevenses, usually all local Devon produce. Then either one or two drives and a full shoot lunch is provided before departure. The day is usually based on the traditional four drives, with a great variation between open valleys and woodland drives.
Locally there are some wonderful accommodation options for teams who wish to stay for their shoot - these include the Hartnoll Hotel, Bridwell Park, Hillersdon House and Huntsham Court to name a few. For more information please discuss with the sporting office.
