Brown rats are prolific and resilient opportunists. This is in no small way due to their intelligence. Rat brains are remarkably similar to humans’ in both structure and function. They…
Shooting Times
What’s the accuracy of lead-free bullets?
Lead-free ammunition is definitely making its presence felt and I am increasingly hearing from readers who have concerns about lead-free bullets and accuracy. Here’s an example of just one such…
Can I go camping with my shotgun?
Camping with shotguns – legal or illegal? Q: I’m planning on going camping with some friends when the weather gets warmer and we’re going to pitch our tents on some…
Recipe for quail Scotch eggs
This Scotch egg recipe made with quail is so ludicrously posh as a dish that it slightly offends my wishy-washy, lefty liberalism. But it tastes so good, looks so funky…
Are ex-layer pheasants worthwhile or a waste of time and money?
At first glance, buying ex-layer pheasants for £2.50 each appears to be excellent value for money when compared with buying in a seven-week-old pheasant poult at £4. But there are,…
How to make your airgun more accurate
Precise air rifle shooting The pursuit of precision is a big deal when it comes to air rifle shooting. Because air rifles have a relatively low power output, it is…
Just how much time does the average dog spend sleeping and why?
Sleep dog times Dogs spend as much as half of their day asleep, while for around 30% of the time they will be awake but merely keeping an eye on…
The dangers of choke collars and how they can cause injury
What is a choke collar? A collar made of metal links designed to control the dog by tightening around the dog’s neck Some people use them as a dog training…
Can I leave a shotgun at my holiday home?
All being well, we’ll be able to go further afield this summer and for those of you lucky to have another property, you could well be wondering if it’s legal…
Stalking Chinese water deer
Britain now has more than 15% of the world’s Chinese water deer population, but it is an exotic species native to China, eastern Asia, North Korea and South Korea. It…
Why the bracco Italiano has real flair and all-round working ability
Though the bracco Italiano is one of the most visually striking of gundogs, it is also one of the most rare. I was delighted to receive an email from Michelle…
What it means to be a professional stalker
I am stalking on the edge of the Breckland at Euston and following estate stalker Chris Rogers in pursuit of roe and muntjac. The two roe we are watching are…
What’s ahead for field trials in 2021?
All being well as we come out of the paralysis of lockdown, field trials for dogs will return once again. Pointer and setter handlers will have missed the early spring…
Benelli M2 Comfortech Cerakote
Whenever I handle a Benelli M series semi-automatic, it makes me think of the king of gamebirds, the grouse. These guns are to grouse moor management what the Winchester lever-action…
The perfect pheasant supper dish – pheasant Holstein
I ate a version of this pheasant supper recipe not long before Christmas last year, in what seemed like a brief outbreak of unlocked freedom. The venue was the Fox…
The Savage A22 Pro Varmint
Our Verdict The Savage A22 Pro Varmint semi-automatic rimfire rifle is Savage Arms’ answer to the Ruger 10/22, which has long dominated this area of the market. The A22 is…
How the bizarre duck’s foot pistol came into being
The history of the duck’s foot pistol Until practicable revolver designs had been perfected in the 1830s, the only way to increase a gun’s firing rate was to give it…
Eight key steps for creating a successful shooting syndicate
In 40 years of delivering game management advice, I’ve seen all sorts of shooting syndicates, from big formal shoots to little groups of working people who simply want to escape…
Day-to-day gundog training
Day-to-day gundog training Lizzie, the young flatcoat, has gone home for a little break. She is now one year old and coming on a treat, but she needs time to…
What’s my best gun for shooting clays and game?
Can you use a clay gun on a pheasant shoot? Yes. A lot of the differences between a clay and a game gun are subtle. Ventilated and wider ribs, manual…