Dog breeds: When it comes to dog breeds, which is best for picking-up: labs or spaniels? We ask two experts.
News
New master engraver appointed by John Rigby & Co
Master engraver Geoffrey Lignon says: “It is fantastic for me to work for a company like Rigby… I have been passionate about Africa and its wildlife ever since I was a child. My favourite animals to engrave have always been big game animals.” A particularly interesting project currently being worked…
10 game cookery schools in the UK to investigate
We’ve chosen courses the length and breadth of the country. All have accommodation nearby if you fancy a short break or want to enjoy some well-deserved wine with dinner. 1. Mike Robinson Game & Wild Food Cookery School If you were at the CLA Game Fair in July, you might have…
Three good value over-and-under Sporters to buy secondhand
Lanber Sporter – target price £500 All guns eventually go out of production, but the saddest loss of recent years has been the Spanish-built Lanber. The basic design goes back to the early 1970s and the gun had been for sale in small numbers in the UK, but it wasn’t until…
Training a puppy to the gun
All dogs should learn the social graces that make them acceptable in human company, but a gundog’s upbringing needs special attention. You should bear in mind that your ultimate goal is for your dog to be a companion and teammate while also being under control and understanding that you call…
Support the future of British gunmaking
If you want to do your bit to support the future of British gunmaking – and indulge yourself, or somebody else, then get bidding. The lots involved include dinner chez vous by Albert Roux OBE Legion D’Honneur, served by the the Chairman of the Gunmakers Charitable Trust, Lord Sharman OBE…
Welcome to the Bisley workout
I don’t know whether it is Bisley’s military associations, but it wouldn’t be the first time I have “enjoyed” some form of exercise when I have visited the place. I seem to recall, quite a long time ago, being offered something called the “Iron Arm” challenge – shooting 100 driven…
How to shoot grouse
I’m fascinated with wild game and especially grouse. I was lucky to spend my teen years on holiday in Scotland learning and helping the grouse keepers for a few weeks every summer. I could take you to the exact butt where I shot my first grouse at 14. Not only…
Cancelled grouse shooting “will hit rural businesses”
Many rural workers could be out of a job this season as up to 70 per cent of grouse shooting days face cancellation in some regions of the country, suggested the Moorland Association (MA) last week. Prolonged extreme weather conditions, described by the MA as “the worst breeding conditions in…
Local grouse communities caught in the crossfire
The grouse shooting season is now in full swing – following the annual war of words between the anti-shooting lobby and country sports enthusiasts that it always ignites. However Scottish locals who live and work alongside the grouse moors and depend upon the sport for their livelihoods take a more…
Criticism for Scotland’s new Land Reform Bill by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
Tight timescales mean that insufficient Parliamentary scrutiny and consideration will be given to the Bill adds RICS. Many of the parts and provisions of the Bill are too subjective and inconclusive. Rates relief research needed The Bill’s Policy Memorandum states that “many small-scale shootings would be expected to be eligible…
Olympic win for England trap team
In Ireland Rod Gould was the trap team star, shooting 142 ex 150 to gain overall High Gun, but all shooters impressed at Cortlough Shooting Ground, as England won the Senior and the combined Ladies, Juniors, Veterans and Super-Veterans team trophies. Caroline Povey and Anita North both shot well to…
Four arrests made after damage to sporting estates around Lancaster
The Bleasdale and Abbeystead Estates have reported damage over the past two months of equipment used lawfully and legitimately in estate management. In addition snares, traps and a Trail Camera have also been reported stolen. Released on bail A 16 year old girl, 20 year old woman, 18 year old…
Our expert reviews three of the best PCP air rifles and reports back
Bruce Potts tests three 10-shot repeater pre-charged pneumatic air rifles for around £500.
Looking for a job in shooting? Or want to recruit someone? Sell a gun? Buy a gundog?
Need to sell your gun? Just had a litter of gundog puppies needing a home? Then you need to spread the word amongst like-minded people in the shooting community, who will be looking for guns, jobs in shooting, available shooting, gundog puppies. And there’s really no better place to reach…
Chefs and moor workers give public a taste for wild game
“Our group is about showing working life on the moors and at this time of the year, all the estate workers are really busy round-the-clock getting ready for the grouse season,” said Helen Savage, Co-Ordinator of the Lammermuirs Moorland Group. Fresh game is already supplied to the restaurants of Michelin…
Father of the conservation movement
I am not a great one for conspiracy theories, but every now and then you come across an omission that is repeated so often and so consistently that it can only be a result of an attempt to deceive, whether conscious or unconscious. One such involves the life of Sir…
It won’t be a vintage year for red grouse
Grouse moor keepers and sporting agents across England and Scotland are warning that this year’s grouse shooting season will be a disappointing one thanks to the bad weather that hit the first half of the hatching period earlier in the year. Keepers are reporting reduced covey sizes — in some…
A chat with The Shotgun and Chelsea Bun Club founder Victoria Knowles Lacks
Shooting UK: So Victoria, what gave you the idea of setting up the Shotgun & Chelsea Bun Club in the first place? Victoria Knowles-Lacks: “I was finding it quite hard to find girl-friendly advice about gameshooting, so I set up a website in 2011 called Ladies-Shooting. I’d been shooting for a…
Ever thought of setting up your own shoot?
I have often thought about running my own shoot. Many years ago I did, in fact, have a small shoot of my own where, with the help of a few friends and paying guests, we enjoyed some great days out in the field, even if the bag at times was…