Rabbits have always had a reputation for being able to reproduce at a rapid rate, but there weren’t many signs of that happening on my patch last year. Thankfully, things…
Shooting Times
Here’s what we said about the Baikal 12-bore back in 2008 when it was given a road test
The Baikal 12-bore shotgun is a reliable, well-made gun capable in practical terms of holding its own against much more expensive alternatives
Pigeon shawarma with red pepper couscous and chermoula dressing
This pigeon shawarma recipe is, by far, at its best cooked over charcoal, but simply searing in a pan will also be perfectly OK if you’re pushed for time. I…
Perazzi High Tech S Game 12-bore
There is a great buzz of excitement among our customers here at the Oxfordshire Shooting School about the upcoming Game Fair. For some it will be about catching up with…
The best trail cams for wildlife monitoring
Four sharp ‘pinks’ from a blackbird and she froze, ears strained, tongue flashing across her nose. Then she was off. A minute later an unfamiliar man lumbered into view, trampling…
Spaying an older dog. Should you?
Q: What is your advice on spaying an older dog? I am unsure of what to do. I have an eight-year-old bitch I was a bit concerned about because she…
Firearms licensing GP letter saga continues
Firearm and shotgun certificate applicants have hit out at a ‘crazy system’ of inconsistent requirements and charges for doctors’ letters. Police forces have been increasingly insisting that applicants provide a…
Pulled venison recipe – Creole style
Pulled venison recipe – Creole style I would recommend using roe or fallow for this lip-smacking Creole-style pulled venison recipe. (Read here on which deer species offers delicious venison.) Ingredients…
The history of the walking stick gun
Ever since firearms were invented, they have been disguised as other objects, particularly walking sticks. This is unsurprising, as both a stick and a gun barrel look very similar, even…
The benefits of using a quiet air rifle for pest control
While I’m the first to admit that a shotgun is usually the best option for controlling corvids over open ground, there are plenty of times when using an airgun for…
Setting rules for working dogs starts from day one
Dogs, like humans, need rules and boundaries, so they know what to expect, what is acceptable and what is not. In the early months, this is vital. For example, if…
Are these the best places to go stalking in Scotland?
I have to admit that I haven’t shot a red stag for years. These days, I tend to stalk hinds, for budgetary reasons. Yet money is a renewable resource, whereas…
Venison and bone marrow burgers – it’s all about the fat
’I have reached a point in life when my children frequently tell me I am out of date on countless topics. Both my children cook and one is a baker,…
Percussion musket – is it legal to fire one and does it have to be on my shotgun certificate?
Q: I own several shotguns and have a small collection of antique firearms, which includes a percussion musket from the 1840s. I would like to fire my percussion musket once…
Can I break my gun down into parts to store it?
Knowing the method of breaking a gun into parts is a very useful skill to have – particularly when you’re maintaining and cleaning your shotgun. But is it acceptable to…
Bees’ Needs Week – time to support bees and pollinators
The week from 12 to 18 July is Bees’ Needs Week, so what better time to think about supporting bees and other pollinators on the shoot? This is a key…
Benelli Lupo .308 stalking rifle
I have a high regard for the Italian firearms maker Benelli as its shotguns always buck the trend and it follows its own path in design and handling concepts. The…
Our reviewer tries out two top thermal imaging scopes. What did he discover?
The cost of a top thermal-imaging scope could easily exceed that of your day scope or rifle. At the high end of its range, Pulsar offers two distinct options: the…
Recipe for venison chops with blueberry sauce
Venison is often overlooked in the barbecue season, but venison sausages, steak or delicious slow-smoked shoulder can be tasty choices and muntjac makes exceptional venison burgers. The venison chops I…
Shooting deer near houses. Is it legal?
Q: We’ve all heard of the proliferation of the deer population over the last few years. Where I live muntjac are starting to be a real nuisance in local gardens.…