OK so I’ve decided if I actually plan on shooting my Christmas goose, I should probably start trying now.  As Christmas is fast approaching, I’ve been in denial about the task ahead.  But, Friday is the day and I’m going to give it a go.  Have to say, I’m pretty scared at the prospect of shooting a gun for the first time but surely it can’t be that hard?  Hmm we’ll see!  I’ll keep my fingers-crossed that it won’t be raining – don’t really fancy sitting out in the rain waiting for some geese and most likely failing to shoot or shoot anywhere near one of them.  Watch this space.. I’ll be sure to write an epic after Friday’s ordeal.

p.s. does anyone know any good recipes for goose at Christmas time?  (wishful thinking perhaps but I should probably consider how I’m going to cook the quacking bird!)

I realise that shooting something is going to be a task in itself, firstly I have to learn how to fire a shotgun (this part kind of scares me), and then I actually have to hit my target which will hopefully not take longer than the three weeks holiday I’m having at home.  My chosen target will be a greylag goose, as my father goes out shooting them regularly due to their over-population and general nusiance on the farm.  I’m also interested to see how Bob the dog goes to fetch the geese once they’ve been shot. 

So how does one prepare for her first time shooting?  Surely a shopping trip is in order, although I’m certainly not going to appear in all that tweed gear.  Let’s fact it, Stornoway is going to be cold, wet and windy so maybe some thermals would help?  I’ll ask my Dad, although I’m pretty sure he’s just going to laugh at me.  Here’s hoping this idea will be a success, otherwise I’m going to have to resort to a ‘Catch it, Kill it, Eat it’ for a fish – but somehow that just doesn’t have the same ring to it.

The Independent