Time flies

Tom Sykes looks back at the past decade and reflects on what has changed in the shooting world – for the better and worse – and what to expect in the years ahead

- Tom Sykes

This season has been another busy one. It also marked the end of the decade, which is incredible as it doesn’t seem 10 years since we rolled into the 2010s and I had recently turned 20, although that age does feel like a rather long time ago. I have managed to cram in as much shooting as I could while enjoying life to the full by making my living in fieldsports. There have been some big changes in the shooting world over this period, some for the better, but there are also a few storm clouds on the horizon.

Technology

Technology has affected all walks of life during the past 10 years and has certainly had an impact on shooting. Camera technology especially has come on leaps and bounds, allowing us shooters to capture moments in the field that can be shared. When I look at the ShotKam now and compare it with what we had at the beginning of the decade, I am amazed at how far we have come. You can now shoot targets or quarry in the field and view instant footage on a smartphone and use this as an educational tool to see what you did right or wrong. Furthermore, the quality of action cameras, now 4K, has helped us create those red-letter day films from the pigeon hide or foreshore. Not long ago this footage would only have been achievable with a full film crew, significantly more expensive than your modern GoPro.

Although Facebook and YouTube have been around since 2005 and 2007 respectively, it is fair to say that the popularity of fieldsports on these platforms has grown massively. They now allow us as individuals and businesses to connect with likeminded fieldsports enthusiasts on a global level, sharing our knowledge and adventures with a huge audience.