If deer numbers are becoming such a problem in parts of England and Wales why can't we get easy permission to shoot them (as they do in Scotland) with a lamp at night?
Shooting
Tips on high-driven birds
A high driven target is quite straightforward, the shooter moving the gun on the same line as the target and giving the required lead and follow-through. But there are a few mistakes to watch out for. Easiest place to shoot high-driven birds The easiest place to shoot a high driven…
The bigger the shoot, the less respect?
Picking-up is about one thing — finding shot birds. The joy I get from finding one bird that would otherwise be lost gives me more pleasure than shooting even the highest of pheasants. Over the years I have managed to climb the picking-up tree, from a small syndicate with one…
How to position your pigeon hide
When pigeon shooting, there is nothing more important than the position of your hide.
Coloured safety glass lenses and targets for clayshooters
My wife bought me a set of clay shooting glasses with different coloured lenses as a birthday present recently.
Stalking gear for women – we test out Harkila’s Freja range
In Norse mythology, Freja was a warrior goddess. By naming its new woman’s stalking jacket and trousers after such a character, Härkila is making a very positive statement. Stalking kit designed for the female form isn’t always easy to find, so I was keen to review the latest Härkila offering.…
How to nail shooting doubles
SHOOTING TIPS: Left & rights: Mark from Grimsthorpe Shooting Ground shows you how to tackle those elusive left and rights.
We asked some keen Shots how they stay warm on a bitter day out in the field. Here’s what they said.
John Sugden runs tweed outfitters Campbells of Beauly, is a keen stalker and goes out in all weathers. “I wear Musto thermal trousers as a base layer when it’s really cold in January and I’m stalking hinds and at the ducks. If it’s really wet I wear my John Field…
How to hit simultaneous pairs when clayshooting
Mark looks at some of the trickiest simultaneous pairs you're likely to encounter.
How to stay safe when you’re a picker-up on a shoot
Pickers-up: The job of pickers-up is not an easy one.
Is this the ultimate shooting coat? The Schoffel Ptarmigan Pro review
The Schöffel Oakham fleece gilet was once the uniform for a select few — mainly land agents and traders of fine wine. Today, however, the “Cirencester life jacket” — and other staples from the Bavarian brand’s range — have become de rigueur. Schöffel now graces the cloak and boot rooms…
Five of the best binoculars
What size of binoculars would you recommend for deer stalking? Is there a good compromise that can be used for both woodland and open hill work?
Shooting lessons: How to shoot a right and left!
In game shooting terms a right and left is where you successfully kill a bird with each barrel, in quick succession.
How to build a pigeon hide
Pigeon shooting: Is it okay to build a hide in the centre of a field or is it best to stick to the hedgerows and margins?
10 shooting vests to invest in
Barbour Berwick Tweed shooting vest is an excellent fit for me (size L) and is the epitome of high-quality simplicty.
What you need to know BEFORE replying to a shooting invitation
An invitation to shoot is a highlight in any gameshooter’s calendar. The host has three methods at their disposal when inviting a guest to shoot: telephone, written missive sent by post or email. An oral invitation via telephone is the easiest and most practical method, not least because the guest…
Things I’d wish I’d known when I started shooting
Advice and novice shooting tips from those who had to learn the hard way … Lessons are key “I started game shooting when I was around 14 years of age, cocky and confident I didn’t need ‘lessons’… I simply mounted the gun, squeezed the trigger – and it worked (to…
What really is ‘essential’ kit for deer stalking?
Deer stalking: I have attended a Deer Management Qualification where I noticed people coming along with all sorts of 'essential' gadgets. What would you say is really essential for someone new to stalking?
Ammunition for wildfowlers
Before we start, I should point out that cartridge choice is personal preference and you need to do your research to find one that suits your needs, gun and quarry. You should also be aware of what your gun is capable of firing and seek advice from a firearms dealer…
How to deal with teal targets – a step by step guide
Would you suggest shooting teal on the way up, or on the way down? I don't hit many as they rise, but other shooters make it look really easy. Can you give me any tips please?