CATEGORIES
A Wander In Clumberland
Charles Hartley recalls his best sporting day of 2019 — a rough day out with his Clumber spaniel, Bertie, and plenty of species on offer
Is January The Finest Month?
As far as mean temperatures are concerned this month is the new December — but this is good news for shooters, says Ed Wills
Review - Umarex Walther PPQ
Jef Lockyer of the UBC brings us a hands-on review of the Umarex Walther PPQ
When Love Grows Cold
Phil Hardman has dating advice for those seeking a new relationship
Don't bid in ego auction
We all like to think we can bring down the odd towering bird but how many of us can really judge distance accurately, asks Simon Reinhold
Continent-crossing canine expats
Some ‘native’ dog breeds are now more popular abroad than at home — but at least it’s a two-way exchange, says Jeremy Hobson
An ardent and capable defender
In his short life, punt-gunner Archie Blackett achieved renown and fought for the sport he loved. His nephew Jamie Blackett pays tribute
A whirling, floating massed army
A trip to a low-lying Essex stubble brings vintage 10-bores into play and sparks a touch of goose fever in Simon Garnham’s young son
That snipe is toast
Walking-up snipe and wigeon on a wild, windswept estuary in west Wales provides cracking sport, challenging birds — and free meals for Adam Hart’s lucky university friends
Savouring a lengthy loiter like Savory
In the second part of our series on fowling in the footsteps of the greats, Richard Negus chases geese on a Great Yarmouth marsh
Hearts and minds
Stay friendly with public and police this winter and we will all reap the rewards for stalking and deer management, says Richard Hardy
Dacia Duster Comfort
With 4x4 now an option on the all-new Duster, Ed Coles finds himself with a good opportunity to give it a proper off-road test at his local shoot
Creatures and discomfort
Who would be mad enough to spend a cold night shooting rodents on a muddy farm? Anyone who loves ratting, according to Mat Manning
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…
When sorrel seems to be the hardest word
It may not be the sexiest of wild plants but common sorrel’s lovely leaves can be used in sweet or savoury dishes, says Tim Maddams
Raise a glass to the Brewery
A Suffolk shoot boasts record numbers of amber-listed bird species and bucks several national trends.
Where you'll find black grouse in igloos
They were the Roman army’s staple diet and we barely remember them but the meat of the black grouse is divine, says Soldier Palmer
Finding a silver lining
Is there such a thing as a fantastic dog that’s a bad colour? Some may think so but conformation is more important.
Roll up for the Tawny show
There are bunnies in the pipes and it’s great to watchdogs and ferrets work, so Simon Whitehead gives his lurcher centre stage
A history of field trialling
Modern breeds are either champion in field trials or on the show bench. But that hasn’t always been the case
Night of the long dogs
A rainy and foggy night in the Yorkshire Dales promises little rabbit action but lamping with lurchers proves a success
A brief flash of brilliant blue
Tiny it may be but most anglers would agree that the strikingly colored kingfisher is worth a king’s ransom for barely a glimpse
Spring For A Bargain
Cockers are one of the most popular gundog breeds but the springer has its virtues and is a most effective hunter, says David Tomlinson