CATEGORIES

Hope springs eternal

There is something almost mystical about fishing for spring salmon with a traditional, hand-built, cane rod, Julian Schmechel believes

Finally, some clothing that's fit for the job

After years of being overlooked, women shooters now have some practical, comfortable options. Ellena Swift puts the best to the test

Conservation in the age of coronavirus

The cars and planes have gone to be replaced by deer, badgers and a cacophony of birdsong and insect sounds, says Richard Negus

The Wye and its slippery customers

Renowned for its salmon, the river once teemed with eel, too. No longer. So what is behind this poorly reported wildlife crime?

The art of the master engraver

A best gun is undoubtedly characterised by the finest manufacture; today, it is often defined by the fine art that adorns it, too

The school of roquefort

Lovers of artisan produce can now attend the Academy of Cheese and learn what it takes to be a master of the board

Teen spirit and the Ten Tors

Sixty years ago this month, three Army offi cers organised an expedition on Dartmoor to give young civilians a taste of outdoor adventure. Today, 2,400 teenagers annually are rising to that challenge

Keeping it in the family

There’s one criterion a family firm must meet to join the Tercentenarian Club: 300 years in business

In full flight on Dartmoor

Falcons flown by enthusiasts mounted on former racehorses produced thrilling sport against a dramatic backdrop

Kindling the fire of enthusiam

We may never replicate the achievements of the fishing greats but their elegant prose has inspired generations to pick up a rod

How does a trout catch a fly?

Understanding how a trout recognises a fly and then intercepts it is key to your choice of fly – and success

Feathering their nests

An obsession with fly-tying led to a bizarre theft from the Natural History Museum and huge sums changing hands. Fact can be stranger than fiction…

Dukedoms of hazard

When Princes William and Harry were made royal dukes, their titles were chosen with care. Some carry rather too much history…

Unlucky horseshoe — if you're a pigeon

Woodies are hammering crops at a time when British food production is vital and inspiration from Archie Coats means there are some pigeon breasts for the neighbours

Steel yourself

Much has been written about the pros and cons of steel shot but we’ve all forgotten to talk to the true experts, says Simon Reinhold

Savage pride and quiet respect

We know from ancient cave paintings that our ancestors revered their quarry and it’s vital that we retain our traditions, says Patrick Laurie

On target to protect our woods

The damage inflicted by wild animals on crops and woodland offers an opportunity for some very addictive pest control, says Liam Bell

Never the same again

The coronavirus crisis is having a crippling effect on the finances of many charities, with some in danger of folding, says David Tomlinson

Caught unawares

Snares are vital for fox control during this vulnerable time for ground-nesting birds — but they must be well designed and thoughtfully set

Britain's gun capital

In the 19th century, the famous Birmingham Gun Quarter outstripped the makers of London. Rachel Draper charts a golden age for the city

Accept and enjoy

Few of us have time to train our gundog properly but we must overlook their shortcomings — don’t we have our own, asks John Marchington

Covid-19 Ban On Muirburn Was ‘Opportunistic', Says SGA

As the fire service denies seeking a ban on heather burning, there is concern that some are exploiting the situation to their own ends

Where do I start?

David Turner takes newcomers to shooting through their first stages

Time flies

Tom Sykes looks back at the past decade and reflects on what has changed in the shooting world – for the better and worse – and what to expect in the years ahead

Scent and sensibility

Jon Snowdon marvels at the capabilities of his canine partners and welcomes the latest one into the fold

Reasons to be fearful (part one)

Robin Scott implores us not to be damned by statistics and the ‘truth’ they tell

Hidden story

A surprising request uncovered some interesting family history. Robert Morgan tells the tale of the unexpected

Adventures of Nick & Ted

The turn of the year and the last outings of the season give Nick Ridley cause to reflect

There is no finer feast

James Chiavarini likes to know exactly where the game served at his family restaurant in London comes from — so he shoots it himself

The ghost of the Arctic skies

Ethereal and stunningly beautiful, the snowy owl is one of our most treasured owl species — and it might be making a welcome return