A: I once conducted an experiment in order to find out which calibres and cartridges this risk applies to. Of course, chamber and bore dimensions vary quite widely in large-bore guns, particularly older ones. However, an…
Shooting Times
A visit to Hartpury College – where aspiring gamekeepers learn their craft
“Crack your flags on the right, boys…push on 20 yards… stand still… flags up on the left.” Familiar words to the ears of beaters on shoots throughout the land, but it is not often they…
The Hellfire game cartridge
Sir Edward’s intent was to develop a more environmentally friendly cartridge with better performance. By using a natural fibre wad and copper coating the shot he achieved his aim, literally.…
Is a rimfire safer?
A: The conventional hollow point lead bullet fired by the .22 rifle has stood the test of time and is still immensely popular. However, it is known to have a tendency to ricochet if it…
Bewitchingly beautiful but spooky
From the first moment I saw Cambridgeshire’s Ouse Washes, a bewitching spell was cast over me. I was enchanted by the wildfowl as I peeped over the bank, enthralled by the sight of those semi-flooded…
Budget shotguns
Lincoln Premier A bestseller, the Premier satisfies the need for an elegant and practical shotgun at a reasonable price. It features fine chequering, internally chromed bore and chambers for improved lifespan and better distributed shot patterns, and is…
Are ticks and keds the same?
A: No, they are quite different, though both are found on deer and can be present at the same time. The tick we see in the UK (Ixodes ricinus) can be found on a variety…
Should I share my shotgun certificate details with my new shoot?
Q: I am looking forward to joining a small walk-and-stand game shoot this coming season. However, the shoot has just asked me to send a copy of my shotgun certificate.…
The Pigeon Shooter’s Diary by Tom Payne launches at Midland Game Fair
Regular readers of Tom Payne’s pigeon shooting articles in this magazine will no doubt be delighted to learn that the tips, hints, teaching and technical advice that Tom gives each month can now also be found…
Confit rabbit and blackberry salad
Why isn’t rabbit more popular? And why do we so often see rabbit on the menu that has been farmed on the Continent? This tasty interloper is an easy win at harvest time but what…
Advice for beating with cocker spaniels on grouse moors
Q: I have been invited to take my two young cockers beating on a grouse moor for a couple of days in the north of England. I do not know…
Can a shooter with one eye shoot legally?
A: No, they cannot. The police may not attach an “accompanied” condition to a shotgun certificate in the way that they may add a condition to a firearm certificate. If you are a…
Ibex stalking in the Spanish Gredos Mountains
I have just returned from the most amazing, challenging, physically testing, at times frightening and most enjoyable hunting experience of my life, bar none. Through a good friend, David Pantlin, I had been invited to…
How do you transfer shotguns between certificates?
A reader asked for some advice: A friend of mine is moving house but, until his other property is ready, he would like me to hold his shotguns rather than put…
How much do trained dogs cost?
A shooter’s companion, a best friend — our dogs are amazing creatures. Some of them are also worth a lot of money. In 2013, a sheepdog sold for £9,240, and in May this year another…
Dove shooting in South Africa
South Africa is a sportsman’s dream: not only is it bursting with some of the most exciting hunting in the world but also, flying from Europe, there’s no jetlag. Less well known are the fantastic…
Dog conjunctivitis
A: From what you describe, your dog is likely to have developed dog conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis refers to in inflammation of the sensitive lining inside the eyelids. The conjunctiva has a rich blood supply so…
The end of the lead ammunition debate?
On 12 July, just before she left office as Secretary of State at DEFRA, Elizabeth Truss wrote to John Swift, chairman of the Lead Ammunition Group (LAG). She thanked him for his report but said that…
Steps to a successful stalk
In the first part of this feature – How to think like a deer – I looked at why considering how a deer uses its senses, and how this can impact on its…