The stick of the matter: why your beating stick deserves better

Why your stick matters

Most of us barely think about our beating sticks. You grab whatever’s in the truck, or keep using a bit of hazel cut 15 years ago. Yet once you spend a day beating or walking-up with a proper stick, you realise the difference.

A good stick isn’t about showing off. It’s about using the right tool – one that lasts, works properly and doesn’t leave you with blisters.

What a stick has to do

On a beating day you cover rough ground for hours: brambles, steep banks, ditches and mud. A proper stick supports your weight, stops slips and helps you climb fences.

It must also make enough noise when you’re tapping trees or pushing through cover. It can’t be so heavy that you ditch it before lunch. It needs to be tough enough for blackthorn but slim enough to carry all day.

For a walking Gun the need is greater. You may cover ten miles over moorland or root crops. A good stick steadies shots on slopes, softens long descents and keeps your knees working.

Confidence matters too. With a solid stick you tackle awkward ground, balance better and avoid embarrassing falls.

The best woods for a shooting stick

British hardwoods have done the job for centuries.

Ash

Ash is the gold standard. It’s strong, springy and doesn’t jar the hand on stony ground. A seasoned ash stick lasts decades. Most professional stickmakers choose it for good reason.

Hazel

Hazel is light and lively in the hand. It grows straight and is easy to work. It’s softer than ash, so can split if abused, but lasts well with care.

Blackthorn

Blackthorn is dense, heavy and extremely tough. It often twists naturally, giving each stick character. The weight makes it better for shorter days, but its strength is unmatched.

Chestnut

Chestnut is underrated. Lighter than ash and tougher than hazel, it often grows straight and has warm colour. It’s an excellent middle-ground choice.

Why proper stickmaking matters

You can spend £30 at a country fair or £150–£200 with a skilled maker. The difference is enormous.

Cheap sticks are often made from unseasoned green wood. Green wood twists, warps and cracks as it dries. A season or two later, you need a replacement.

Good makers season wood for years. They cut it in winter when sap is low and let it dry slowly. This prevents splits and guarantees strength.

Proper sticks are carved from a single piece with continuous grain. They’re balanced, comfortable and shaped for long days. Finishing matters too: smooth but not slippery, with a brass or rubber ferrule that’s replaceable.

A skilled maker such as Simon Heath in West Sussex produces sticks that last 20–30 years. Spread over decades, the cost is tiny.

Choosing the right stick

Height

Standing naturally, the handle should reach the crease where your wrist bends. Too short or too tall causes strain.

Handle Shape

A shepherd’s crook looks traditional but catches easily.
A thumbstick offers excellent control on long days.
A market stick allows grip changes when tired.
Carved heads need to remain comfortable. A simple curved handle is often most practical.

Ferrule

Brass ferrules last longest on stony ground. Some sticks have a notch for pressing wires when crossing fences – a useful bonus.

Looking after your stick

Maintenance is minimal. After wet days, wipe mud off before it dries.
Once or twice a year, rub in a little linseed oil.
Avoid varnish or polish.
If you see a split, fill it with wood glue.
Ferrules wear out eventually; any ironmonger or the maker can replace them.

Use improves your stick. The patina deepens and every mark tells a story.

Why you should upgrade

A well-made stick improves your day. The right height and balance reduce knee strain, prevent slips and stop blisters. It makes you feel more capable in difficult ground.

We spend money on guns, boots and waterproofs, yet many rely on useless old sticks. A proper seasoned stick costs less than a day’s shooting and lasts far longer than boots.

For a wide range, visit the Stick & Cane Shop online. They stock almost every type of wood and deliver nationwide.

Next time you head out, look at what you’re carrying. If it’s a warped, splitting bit of hedge, it may be time to invest in something that’ll last decades.

Contacts

Simon Heath
07921 915123
simon-heath.co.uk

Stick & Cane Shop
01506 870220
stickandcaneshop.co.uk

Farlows
01544 322311
farlows.co.uk

Cherrytree Country Clothing
01978 437029
cherrytreecountryclothing.com