A place for the industry to gather
Shooting Times & Country|May 10, 2023
Dave Whitby examines how the real cost of running a driven shoot has changed over the decades - things are actually cheaper nowadays
A place for the industry to gather

There aren't many shows that are as dedicated to stalking and hunting as The Stalking Show. This new  event was first launched in 2022 at the Staffordshire County Showground.

I remember the first time I heard about it. I was really excited to have a dedicated day just for deer. When I got there, I wasn't expecting it to be as big or as well attended as it was. In fact, it caught a lot of people by surprise.

Over 8,000 people attended the show in 2022. Not too shabby. It was an absolute success.

This year, there was no doubt that it was going to be even bigger and bolder. I woke up early on Saturday morning and got ready for the long drive down south to Staffordshire.

The first thing that struck me was how busy the car park was. I didn't need to enter the main hall to know this was going to be a fantastic show.

There are many shows throughout the season, but geography makes it difficult to cater for everyone. The Stalking Show delivers a supersized yet distilled weekend where everything is about deer. It's a tequila shot through the eye.

This year's success was evident from the start; you would have struggled to find leg room, it was that packed. I ran into my good friend Tom Cackett from The Deercast YouTube channel who was covering the show. Tom said afterwards: "The 2023 Stalking Show was another great success - not only has the show doubled in size in terms of exhibitors, but it also seemed to attract many more visitors than last year. What I love about the stalking show is the atmosphere; it is a very friendly and show with everyone collaborative wanting the best for each other."

Enticing

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM SHOOTING TIMES & COUNTRYView all
United we stand
Shooting Times & Country

United we stand

Following United Utilities' decision to end grouse shooting on its land, Lindsay Waddell asks what will happen if we ignore our vital moors

time-read
5 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Serious matters
Shooting Times & Country

Serious matters

An old gamebook prompts a contemplation on punt-gunning

time-read
3 mins  |
August 02, 2023
They're not always as easy as they seem
Shooting Times & Country

They're not always as easy as they seem

While coneys of the furry variety don't pose a problem for Blue Zulu, he's left frustrated once again by bolting bunnies of the clay sort

time-read
5 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Debutant gundogs
Shooting Times & Country

Debutant gundogs

There's lots to think about when it comes to making the decision about when to introduce your dog to shooting

time-read
4 mins  |
August 02, 2023
When the going gets rough
Shooting Times & Country

When the going gets rough

Al Gabriel returns to the West London Shooting School to brush up on his rough shooting technique

time-read
5 mins  |
August 02, 2023
The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition
Shooting Times & Country

The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition

In this excerpt from the 60th anniversary edition of the BDS's Field Guide To British Deer, Charles Smith-Jones considers the noise they make

time-read
4 mins  |
August 02, 2023
A step too far?
Shooting Times & Country

A step too far?

Simon Garnham wonders whether a new dog, a new gun and two different fields in need of protection might have been asking too much for one afternoon's work

time-read
6 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Two bucks before breakfast
Shooting Times & Country

Two bucks before breakfast

A journey from old South London to rural Hertfordshire to stalk muntjac suggests that the two aren't as far detached as they might seem

time-read
6 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Stalking Diary
Shooting Times & Country

Stalking Diary

Stalkers can be a sentimental bunch, and they often carry a huge attachment to their hill

time-read
2 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Gamekeeper
Shooting Times & Country

Gamekeeper

Alan Edwards believes unique, private experiences can help keepers become more competent and passionate custodians of the countryside

time-read
3 mins  |
August 02, 2023