CATEGORIES

Shooting sprites with Clint Eastwood

For the modern bounty hunter, wild and westerly Ireland provides a worthy opponent in the snipe. Missing, however, is unforgiven

Purdey Trigger Plate Sporter

This latest, all-London-made iteration of Purdey’s over-and-under is the gunmaker’s response to a collective interest in sporting clays. Superlatives are in order, says Michael Yardley

Handsome was as handsome did

Before the Victorians created the concept of pedigree, working dogs were defined by their purpose and bred accordingly

THE KENT FANTASY FOUR

The winning ticket in a GWCT raffle proves to be the perfect prize: four fabulous drives on shoots in Kent to share with friends

Cigars to savour

Churchill likened smoking one to falling in love; lighting a cigar certainly adds an air of celebration

A touch of quality

A traditional pack, the Midlands-based Grove & Rufford offers proper country and exceptional resilience

Rugged up and raring to go

You’d rug up a thoroughbred after a race, so why not a gundog after a drive or day on the foreshore? David Tomlinson finds in favour of dog coats for working breeds

A mid-winter Macnab, on a fly

Tempting a pike from the depths to satisfy an American guest’s New Year wish proves tricky – but not impossible…

The Field Christmas

There is something about Christmas traditions that transcends even the most Scrooge-like demeanour. Whether in town or country, there are some that a proper Field Christmas cannot be without. Alexandra Henton picks the best of this season’s festivities

The ‘Gold Standard' Christmas Turkey

Tired of turkey at Christmas? You haven’t tasted a traditional, free-range, organic bird

Party Pieces And Festive Spirits

For long-term sufferers of CADDAD (Christmas Affected Doom, Depression And Despondency), the solution is a well-stocked drinks cabinet

Shooting Style

An ungainly technique will usually result in poor shooting. Elegance and accuracy go hand in hand

In The Wake Of 1,000 Years Of History

The owners of Courteenhall estate can trace their roots to Hereward the Wake, but when it comes to shooting their outlook is egalitarian

Fat Rascals And Christmas Cake

For a century, Bettys Tea Rooms in Yorkshire has sustained locals with its baking and brews. Today, the firm’s sweet offerings travel the globe

Becoming A Ballistics Bob

Having reluctantly experimented with a slab of heavier cartridges he was sent, Jonathan Young wonders if his lucky number’s wrong

Art In The Field

Capturing the power and beauty of the horse is the challenge sculptor Charlie Langton has set himself, as he explains to Janet Menzies

Plas Dinam Swells Bettws Roll Call

It may be the new shoot on the books but this estate in the Welsh Marches offers diverse drives, well-presented birds and exceptional scenery

Conserving Europe's One True Pheasant

The Nestos Delta in Greece harbours the last true wild European population of common pheasant, the black-necked. A project has been launched to save them

Guns For Girls

A new generation of serious lady shots has prompted gunmakers to build guns specifically for women. We explore the range and what our top female shots are using now

A National Pastime

Irritated by the pavement-clogging joggers pounding the streets of London, Eve Jones is heading to Aintree for some hearts a-pounding, eyes-on-stalks action

A Golden Shoot In Country Down

David Sandford’s vision to reintroduce wild partridges has won the Purdey Award – and helped to create a delightful shoot

More Than Just Hot Air?

Today’s field triallers rely on their whistles but go back a century and gundog owners had only pipes between their lips. Are we over-reliant on the devices.

Setting An Example At The Table

If you shoot game, accepting a brace at the end of the day is essential, says Deputy Editor Alexandra Henton. And why would you refuse, with so many tasty ways to reduce the current surplus?

Lessons In Country Life

Mike Fairclough, head teacher at a junior school in Eastbourne, explains how including countryside management in the curriculum can have both an academic and environmental impact

Art In The Field

While Andrew Kay’s sculptures are striking, their relationship to the landscape produces a second work of art, as he explains to Janet Menzies

Merkel 60e 20-Bore

Michael Yardley is immediately impressed by this lightweight sidelock side-by-side and finds that its slightly eccentric styling proved comfortable – and no impediment to performance

Continental Shift

You are as likely to see an HPR as a baseball cap at a smart shoot, says David Tomlinson. So, if you’ve done the training, how do you get to work your well-trained continental pointer?

How To Pick The Perfect Pup

It’s a bit like internet dating: check the breed profile suits your lifestyle, don’t be beguiled by qualifications and ensure the references are bonafide.

The Cottesmore's Staying Power

This Shires hunt can trace its origins back to 1666 – and fully expects to be celebrating four centuries of venery in 50 years’ time.

Art In The Field

Luci Maclaren depicts traditional sporting scenes in a vibrant, contemporary style. But how little paint can she use?