Target group

The popularity of rifle shooting has been on the rise but where to go to practise? Gamekeeper Mike Appleby has the answer, says Paul Quagliana

- Paul Quagliana

The popularity of rifle shooting has grown considerably in Britain in recent years, whether for deerstalking or for species management. However, dependent on access to the ground, practicing with a rifle with any degree of regularity can sometimes be an issue for newcomers to the sport. It is one thing to periodically fire around at a bullseye to check the rifle is still zeroed, but another to have the chance to try shooting from different positions, off sticks, or from a high seat. A stalker who is used to sitting in a high seat may struggle if they are invited stalking or buy a day where they are expected to shoot in a way they are unaccustomed to.

Innovative

Mike and Antonia Appleby, who run the Honeycombe shoot in Dorset with under keeper James Rock, have been innovative in looking at ways to make the most of the shoot, whether during the shooting season or out of it. In the game shooting season, there is traditional driven shooting and walked-up shooting with pointers, there are stalking clubs for bucks and does, roost shooting days, pork, and venison sausages from the shoot as well as clay shooting days during the summer. They are hard workers and it brings in some income, but it also keeps people associated with the shoot together during the close season.