Shooting tips, gun dog training and field sports queries | Shooting UK

About our feeds

Home
Advice

Subscribe to this feed

Advice

How do I become a shooting instructor?

I am leaving college next year and would like to become a full time shooting instructor. How do I go about finding a job? Read more

Will heavier shot reduce the number of pricked birds?

I'm not a bad shot but it surprises me just how many dead pigeons I pick up under surrounding trees after a day's shooting. Is this normal? Should I switch to a heavier shot or use slightly tighter chokes? Read more

What's the minimum number of ferrets for a day's shooting?

Two friends and I plan to shoot rabbits over ferrets this year. What's the minimum number of ferrets we need for a day's shooting? We will be going no more than once a week. Read more

Do I need to use different whistles for different gun dogs?

I am training a 10 month-old gun dog at the moment and plan to add a springer of similar age to my kennels very soon. Do I need to use two very different whistles for these dogs? If so, what do you recommend? Read more

What colour should I paint my decoys?

Does the colour of artificial decoys affect how well birds come to the pattern over oilseed rape? I use a rotary machine but I feel like 'normal' decoys blend in too well with foliage. Read more

Why does our shooting lease stipulate fibre wad cartridges?

Why does our shooting lease stipulate fibre wad cartridges when plastic wads are generally cheaper and ballistically superior? Read more

If I miss one clay, why do I then miss the next two?

Whenever I drop a bird at Sporting I can all but guarantee I will miss my next two or three out. Why is this? What can I do to stop it happening? Read more

I want to buy a gun dog - can you help?

When's the best time of year to buy a gundog puppy, and at what age? Read more

How can I tell if a gun has been bodged?

I have been offered a gun in a private sale which, although it looks good, I fear has been the subject of some amateur gunsmithing attention. Are there any telltale signs? Read more

At what age should a hob kit be castrated?

I have been told to have at least one hoblet in my hutch for when jills - that I don't want to breed from - come into season. At what age should a hob kit be castrated? Would it be better, and cheaper, to buy an adult hob? Read more