The comic catchphrase “It’s being so cheerful as keeps me going” could have been written for my pal Michael, an AA-class pessimist whose glass is forever half empty. The other evening he phoned to break the monotony of self-isolation. Most people would’ve opened with the usual pleasantries such as “how are you keeping, managing to get some fresh air, plenty of milk in the fridge?” Not Mike. Instead it was: “You know what, Robin? Life’s never going to be the same again after all this.”
It took some doing but I think I managed to cheer him up and believing things will eventually get back to normal on The stream of anti lead propaganda seems endless shooting front. At least I managed to talk him out of selling his guns.
Plans
He shoots more games than anything and the thing getting him down most was the thought that this coming season will be canceled in its entirety. While some syndicates and estates have decided to give the 2020 season a miss, I told him that there are plenty of others still planning to run days, albeit on a reduced scale. I gave him a few agents’ numbers to try and off he went feeling a little less grumpy.
“One cartridge maker described the steel shot manufacturing method as brutal”
What I do know is, barring another total lockdown, many farms and small syndicate shoots in my neck of the woods plan to carry on as usual. In fact, where the size of the bag is secondary to having fun, I would imagine much the same goes for countless others across the country.
Denne historien er fra June 2020-utgaven av Sporting Gun.
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Denne historien er fra June 2020-utgaven av Sporting Gun.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Thermal spectrum
Paul Austin explores both ends of the thermal market with latest high-end release from Zeiss alongside a surprising entry-level offering from Xinfrared
Roe, rucks and new ground
Jon Snowdon and his team have much to keep them busy and a new tool to help them
Tales from a lifetime of foxing
Join Mike Powell as he explores the evolving world of fox shooting, drawing from a career that spans seven decades
Fox rot about Charlie
Patrick Hook responds to claims that fox numbers are dangerously on the wane
The sniff of success
Join Ryan Kay as he navigates the fascinating dynamic between a handler and their canine companion
Adventures of Nick & Ted
A new chapter in the histories of Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter has Nick Ridley reflecting on the dogs he has trained over the years he has been associated with the magazines
The problem: Inflammation in the nervous system
Vet's advice
Gundogs Q&A
No problem goes unsolved as Sporting Gun puts your questions to the gundog experts
Stop-start!
Fran Ardley continues her training tips on disciplining your dog to the stop whistle and the exercises you need to do
Gundogs at the Game Fair
Organising the Game Fair's prestigious gundog competitions: behind-the-scenes with Francesca Prentice