Hoghton Tower Shoot: Duck Rearing

As with their pheasants, it is believed the Hoghton Tower shoot buy their ducks from Hy-Fly Game Hatcheries which has been subject to several investigations by Animal Aid.

Hy-Fly Game Hatcheries: Ducks kept in pens without grass or water to swim on.

When it is not raining the duck's water comes from 'drips'. They are afforded no shelter from the conditions. There are hundreds of similar pens at Hy-Fly, all filled with ducks.

Shortly before the shooting season starts the ducks arrive on the Hoghton Tower estate, they are then transferred to ponds and the River Darwen ready for shooting.

Hoghton Tower: Ducks on the River Darwen, many killed shortly after this was taken

The above picture shows only a fraction of the number of ducks placed at one shoot location; there are several similar areas that Hoghton Tower uses to shoot ducks.

EASY TARGETS: Gun cartridges left by the Hoghton Tower duck shoot

Above is a picture of the same spot the from where the duck picture was taken. Shooting ducks at Hoghton Tower really doesn't take any skill.