FIRST AND FOREMOST, I hope you are all well and coping in these utterly bizarre times.
I don’t know that anyone ever thought they would be in the midst of a global pandemic when asked “Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?” I know I didn’t. And despite what the movies would have you believe, I don’t think any of us were prepared for the sheer amount of sitting about.
Looking back at my column from July (Finding order in the chaos, 1 July), my forecasts for a lack of clients and a financial hit have sadly come true. Across the UK, deer managers who relied on European and international clients have struggled to get through and venison prices remain woefully low. A colleague recalls being paid £1 per pound in weight for venison in the 1970s — equivalent to £2.20 per kilo. In today’s money, that would be about £15.50 per pound or more than £34 per kilo.
The price has not increased in 40 years. In fact, I’ve heard reports that many game dealers are either paying less than £1 a kilo or simply not taking venison at all, as their usual markets, restaurants and pubs have stopped operating. We are extremely fortunate that our local game dealer is doing everything they can to keep paying their normal price, but that may change come the hind season.
Incredible resource
If you want to try butchery or try some venison, this is the year for it. It has never been more affordable. I remain almost permanently baffled that we have such an incredible food resource on our doorsteps, yet most people still don’t know where or how to source venison. My challenge to you all is to introduce someone to it this winter.
Denne historien er fra October 21, 2020-utgaven av Shooting Times & Country.
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Denne historien er fra October 21, 2020-utgaven av Shooting Times & Country.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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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
Serious matters
An old gamebook prompts a contemplation on punt-gunning
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
Debutant gundogs
There's lots to think about when it comes to making the decision about when to introduce your dog to shooting
When the going gets rough
Al Gabriel returns to the West London Shooting School to brush up on his rough shooting technique
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
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
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
Stalking Diary
Stalkers can be a sentimental bunch, and they often carry a huge attachment to their hill
Gamekeeper
Alan Edwards believes unique, private experiences can help keepers become more competent and passionate custodians of the countryside