The Mighty Brigands

The Pinnacle of High-Pheasant Shooting: Brigands in North Wales

Nestled within the breathtaking mountains and valleys of North Wales lies a place revered by sportsmen and nature enthusiasts alike: the Brigands shoot. Often hailed as the pinnacle of high-pheasant shooting, Brigands offers an unrivalled experience amidst some of the most stunning landscapes in the UK, combining tradition, challenge, and raw beauty.

The Brigands shoot is managed by Bettws Hall, a renowned provider of high-quality shooting experiences in the UK. Brigands, one of their flagship estates, is located in North Wales and is celebrated for its challenging high-pheasant shooting, set against stunning landscapes. Bettws Hall has built a reputation for world-class game bird shoots, with Brigands being a prime destination that attracts enthusiasts seeking the thrill of driven game amidst breathtaking natural surroundings. Bettws Hall ensures expert management, hospitality, and attention to detail for every shoot.

For those unfamiliar with driven game shooting, it is not merely a sport but an art form. The aim is to flush game birds, often pheasants, from cover so they soar high above the waiting guns. At Brigands, the drama of this tradition unfolds against a backdrop of towering hills, ancient woodlands, and dramatic mountain vistas, all of which set the stage for one of the most challenging and exhilarating high-bird shoots in the world.

Brigands is not just a shoot; it’s a sensory experience. Located in the southern edge of Snowdonia, its scenery is a seamless blend of rugged mountain ridges, rolling moorland, and picturesque forests. The shoot derives its name from the notorious Welsh brigands who once roamed these hills, but today it stands as a haven for sporting enthusiasts from around the world.

As you stand on the peg, waiting in anticipation, the sheer scale of the countryside around you is awe-inspiring. Cliffs and ridges rise dramatically, and as the pheasants are flushed from deep within the forests, they soar to dizzying heights, pushed even higher by the steep terrain. Shooting at Brigands is not for the faint-hearted. It demands precision, speed, and an understanding of the landscape. Every shot is a testament to the skills honed over time, and every successful hit feels like a victory over both bird and terrain.

One of the key elements that makes Brigands stand out is the height and difficulty of the birds. The pheasants here are notoriously fast and unpredictable, making them a true test for even the most seasoned shots. Driven from lofty woodlands and heather-clad hillsides, these birds seem to defy gravity as they rise higher and higher, presenting a challenging target. It is not uncommon for birds to reach heights of over 50 yards, requiring not only exceptional skill but also an understanding of timing, lead, and wind conditions.

The satisfaction that comes from hitting a high bird at Brigands is hard to match. It’s an experience that mixes adrenaline with patience, and frustration with triumph. One moment you may be humbled by the evasiveness of a soaring pheasant, and the next you could find yourself relishing the perfect shot, all while surrounded by the raw, untamed beauty of the Welsh wilderness.

Part of what makes Brigands so special is its setting in North Wales—a region steeped in folklore, history, and an enduring sense of place. Shooting here is about more than just birds; it’s about immersing yourself in the landscape and feeling the pulse of the land beneath your feet. The air is crisp and fresh, the mountains stand resolute, and every corner of the estate whispers tales of ancient Wales, where legends of warriors and outlaws still linger.

For many, the beauty of Brigands is its ability to offer an escape from the rush of modern life. In these hills, time seems to slow, and the connection to nature is palpable. Whether you’re an experienced shot seeking the ultimate challenge or simply someone who appreciates the wild beauty of the countryside, Brigands promises an experience like no other.

To stand at Brigands is to stand at the pinnacle of driven game shooting. Here, in the heart of North Wales, pheasant shooting reaches its zenith. The combination of world-class shooting, stunning scenery, and deep-rooted tradition ensures that Brigands remains one of the most sought-after destinations for sportsmen and women from around the globe.

In many ways, Brigands is not just a shoot, but a journey. A journey through challenging terrains, lofty pheasants, and rich Welsh heritage. It’s an experience that stays with you long after the final shot echoes across the valleys. And for those who have had the privilege of taking part, Brigands represents the very soul of driven game shooting at its finest.

In many ways, Brigands is not just a shoot, but a journey. A journey through challenging terrains, lofty pheasants, and rich Welsh heritage. It’s an experience that stays with you long after the final shot echoes across the valleys. And for those who have had the privilege of taking part, Brigands represents the very soul of driven game shooting at its finest.

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A Guide to Driven Pheasant Shooting in the U.K.

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THE LOCAL SHOOT