As I write this month’s article Covid-19 is getting under control and lockdown is easing across the country. Fingers crossed it carries on improving as the shoot season gets nearer.
As the country is now gradually opening up, I have noticed a slight reduction in the number of dog walkers throughout the forest. As I explained last month this had become a real problem, with unruly dogs chasing wildlife and game birds. However, on the downside I’m still finding the odd wounded deer that has been attacked by dogs.
I’ve been spending this month working on the pheasant pens. Some pens have a lot of bracken around the perimeter – it all needs to go so that I can get the electric fence working. I used my new pole hedge-cutter, which was great. Previously I’ve always used a strimmer, but the bracken would always get caught up. The pole cutter was so much easier, plus it’s easy to cut any overhanging branches or such like on my way round. I put all my batteries on charge ready to get the fence working three to four weeks before the birds come to ensure foxes and badgers don’t make it their home in the meantime.
I also blocked the pop holes with feed bags to keep them out. I jet washed and disinfected all the drinkers and feeders.
Bu hikaye Sporting Shooter dergisinin September 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye Sporting Shooter dergisinin September 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
RSPB gives mixed message on shooting
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Causeway for concern
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Through a purple patch
The Garrows Estate is taking a conservation-focused approach to restoring the wildlife populations and biodiversity on the Scottish heather moorland.
When the wheels fall off
Losing form on a day’s shooting can be infuriating, especially if you’ve been shooting like a god up to that point. Simon O’Leary looks at some common causes and how to remedy them
Beaches, books & bad behaviour!
The annual Kay family vacation to Northumberland offers a chance to give the cockers a blast on the beach – although they don’t always shower themselves in glory, as Ryan Kay recalls...
Using the Stop whistle
Now you’ve instilled the basics, it’s time to up the ante with some more tricky distance work. Howard Kirby explains how to take the core Stop whistle command to the next level
The humble teal
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Fab all-rounder
Mike is impressed with the Fabarm Elos B2 Field Notte, which offers great value for money, is suited to fieldwork or clays and is future-proofed for use with steel in all choke constrictions
CALL OF THE WILD
Dom Holtam reconnects with one of the purest forms of shotgun shooting as he walks-up woodcock over pointing dogs in the Scottish Highlands
A yen for the Fens
Tony Jackson recounts a memorable duck flight over an area of Fenland in Norfolk with his friend and author, the late Alan Savory
