25-Aug-2025
As partridge season approaches, preparation is everything. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned Gun, a simulated game day at Six Mile Bottom is one of the best ways to sharpen your shooting skills before stepping onto a live peg.
Six Mile Bottom is renowned for its ability to recreate the true atmosphere of a driven day. Their sim days are designed to mirror the flow of live shooting, with clays flying fast and true across rolling countryside.
One of the highlights is their partridge drive — targets set to replicate the speed, height, and angles of wild partridges. It’s the closest thing to the real season, giving you invaluable practice at reading coveys, keeping rhythm, and improving timing.
Unlike a traditional game day, sim shooting means you can take hundreds of shots in a single day. This repetition helps smooth out your gun mount, refine your swing, and build confidence — all before September arrives.
Just like a real shoot, sim days at Six Mile Bottom are social occasions. With multiple drives, breaks, and excellent hospitality, they provide both practice and enjoyment.
Partridges are fast, testing birds that demand sharp reflexes and smooth technique. Practising on Six Mile Bottom’s partridge simulation means:
You’ll be more confident facing early-season coveys.
Your timing and gun mount will feel natural.
You’ll start the season already “in the groove.”
If you’re considering your first sim day, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Licensing
For a sim day, you don’t necessarily need your own shotgun certificate — Six Mile Bottom can often arrange gun hire under supervision, perfect for beginners.
If you already hold a certificate, bring your gun and cartridges (check fibre wad requirements).
What to bring (shooting accessories)
Ear and eye protection (essential for safety).
Shooting vest or jacket with a cartridge pocket.
Comfortable boots — you’ll be moving between drives.
A cap or hat (clays come from all directions, and safety first).
Cartridges
Sim days often supply or recommend cartridges, typically lighter loads than live game shooting, it is easier on the shoulder and wallet.
Learn the etiquette
A sim day is also the perfect time to learn shooting etiquette: peg manners, safe handling, and communication in the field.
These lessons carry straight over into live partridge days.
Ask questions
Don’t be shy — the instructors and hosts are there to help. Whether it’s gun fit, stance, or swing, you’ll learn much faster by asking.
A simulated game day at Six Mile Bottom isn’t just fun — it’s a fantastic way to prepare for the season ahead. Whether you’re a first-timer looking to learn in a safe, supportive setting, or an experienced gun keen to sharpen up before the partridges start flying, Six Mile Bottom offers the perfect opportunity to get your eye in.
So when September comes and the first coveys sweep over the hedgerows, you’ll be ready.
Book your shoot today at Six Mile Bottom Shoot
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