CATEGORIES

The paths to conflict

Peter Theobald talks about his increased number of encounters with the public, who do not always understand what goes on in the countryside

The right gun for you

Tony Bracci looks at some things to consider when choosing a gun, be it new or second-hand, expensive or cheap

The attraction of decoys

Geoff Garrod rediscovers the joys of some useful aids to help him with his job

Family business

Tom Sykes reminisces about a 1 September fowling trip with his father and brother as they looked to kick the new season off with a bang – and a full bag

A worthy opponent

Piecemeal control will not work with the redoubtable rabbit

An historical romance

Rachel Draper talks about her love of English guns, gunmaking and how lucky she feels to be involved with these things on a daily basis

A bright spark

Robert Morgan looks at a gun commissioned by naval officer Captain Thomas Dilke, with three ignition methods

Make hay while the sun shines

Tom Sykes experiments with a new tactic to shoot from a hide constructed to look like a bale

King of the hill

Patrick Hook describes the difficulties of shooting from high ground when he was on the trail of the scourge of some chickens

Flexitime

Jon Snowdon urges stalkers against fixed habits when it comes to the rut

Ignition source

Robert Morgan on the work of Rev Alexander Forsyth, ‘father of the modern shotgun’

Feats of clay

Geoff Garrod explains how days on clays will improve your tally from the hide

Clarity on night vision

Ed Cook compares night-vision and thermal-imaging equipment with more conventional methods

The cogs of nature

Philip Reynolds talks to Rob Collins about his life, his motivations and being a ‘countryside engineer’

Time and motion

Malcolm Plant looks at the technique and skills you will need to employ to ensure you hit your target

Adventures of Nick & Ted

With Ted finally able to flex his hunting muscles, Nick Ridley starts to address young Percy’s joie de vivre

A gun for all occasions

If you had to choose one gun for all your shooting, what functions would you need? Tony Bracci lists the essentials

The problem: Breeding ground rules

“I am considering breeding from my young labrador bitch but have to confess to being overwhelmed by all the advice I am getting. Any thoughts?”

Time well spent

Peter Theobald says that experience has taught him that intelligence gathering will enhance your chances of success with pigeon

The long and short of it

Robert Morgan looks at the differing fashions in barrel length

Out and about

Jon Snowdon was delighted to hit the trail again following the easing of lockdown restrictions and curious to see what Lotte made of it

Pyjama drama!

It ain’t what you do, it’s the way that you do it, says Robin Scott of his lockdown adventures

These boots were made for working

Adam Cope reviews the Ariat Burford insulated zip boots

Standing trial

Does a dog need to be field-trial perfect? Nick Ridley just wants to have fun

Expanding the empire

Tom Sykes and his partner, Charlie Wearden, managed to secure new ground, which has proved fruitful after a false start

Garden party

Ed Cook looks at some measures to take if you find some unwelcome guests on your property

A break with tradition

Tony Bracci extols the virtues of fixed-barrelled guns and their benefits when it comes to pigeons and wildfowl

Keep your eye in

Tony Bracci gives some training tips during this enforced absence from the clay ground

The March Of The Woodies

Pigeon numbers have escalated due to the general licenses shenanigans last year and the lockdown this, which is bad news for farmers, says Robin Scott

The land of plenty

Peter Theobald was uncertain for a host of reasons when one of his farmers asked for some lockdown help