YOU don't have to have a gun to take part in the "Glorious Twelfth" tomorrow - thanks to two entrepreneurs whose new Internet business includes a virtual grouse-shooting game.

The sporting Internet site www.hotbarrels.com is the brainchild of Edward Bromet and William Sheepshanks whose head office is in Tadcaster.

The Website provides instant access to high quality shooting on some of the UK's premier estates, including Helmsley and Rosedale in North Yorkshire.

The company, which operates from a converted house in Tadcaster town centre, has already listed more than 450 days shooting and 40 weeks stalking in the UK.

It also has more exotic shooting climes in its sights, ranging from Hungary to Botswana.

The site also has details of last-minute offers on let days, and information on houses and lodges able to accommodate large shooting parties.

And for those people who do not relish the prospect of shooting birds out of the sky, the virtual grouse shooting game can be played on the Web starting on the Glorious Twelfth tomorrow.

Messrs Bromet and Sheepshanks promise online shooters an exciting game with prizes of champagne and smoked Scottish salmon for the winners.

Although not officially launched until tomorrow, www.hotbarrels.com received about 2,500 hits in its first three weeks online.

Mr Bromet, a former solicitor, and Mr Sheepshanks, who used to work at Sothebys, are both keen shooters.

They said that in the short term, revenue would be generated from commission charged on successful lettings and advertising revenue.

"A day's shooting can be up to £13,000 so we're talking serious money," said Mr Sheepshanks.

Within two years the company plans to sell online-related items such as clothing and insurance, as well as advising enthusiasts about the best sporting hotels, guns, and cartridges.

Mr Sheepshanks added: "We are offering a complete service, from those wanting a day's sport to landowners with days available for let.

"We plan to attract enthusiasts from around the world. Many of them are keen to come to the UK, which has an excellent reputation for some of the finest sporting sites."

PICTURE: GLORIOUS: Edward Bromet, left, and William Sheepshanks who are the brains behind the new Internet site for the "Glorious Twelfth"