Muntjac heads presented for evaluation in 2019 were up a huge 62% on 2018, proof of the spread of this hardy and fecund species. After such a busy year in 2018, we at the CIC UK Trophy Evaluation Board (TEB) were expecting something of a drop in overall numbers in…
Shooting
Masters of the sky
Like many, I have occasionally been appalled and disgusted when duck have been on the menu on a shooting day. I will not go into detail. What an absolute waste of such potential. Experienced Shots struggle at five cartridges per kill. It is not that they are out of range…
How to get a firearm certficate
Advice on how to get your firearm certificate with information on what police are looking for, what counts as good reason to own a firearm and what variations are
How to use an airgun for rat control
An air rifle is particularly suited for killing rats. With sensible use of backstops — most often concrete walls in a farmyard scenario — an airgun for rat control can be safely and effectively used in places where you wouldn’t dream of firing a shotgun or rimfire rifle. In fact,…
Travelling light to flight
Pigeon flighting – reliable Enough is enough. I had the eighth person come up to me in the pub asking: “When do you think we will be shooting over the spring drillings?” The ground in many counties is going to take a long time to dry enough so that you…
Tips for shooting rabbits
Go out into the field shooting rabbits and you will improve your hunting and shooting skills, learning about how animals avoid humans and predators. The rabbit ranks as some of the best sport a shooter can have. It’s all about being in the fields, watching and listening. It’s not about…
Five of the best electronic ear defenders
Electronic ear defenders are an excellent way to protect your hearing from permanent damage. We’ve all been out in the field with somebody who says: “Sorry, deaf as a post. Never wore any ear protection when I was younger.” Whatever you choose, you need to make sure that you are…
11 of the best wellies for the field
It’s been raining a lot the last few months, so a sturdy pair of rubber boots which keep the water out are an essential part of an outdoor wardrobe. We looked into the subject and found some pairs which will last the course. You might find cheaper but these have…
We’ve picked out some of the best clayshooting grounds in the UK
Clayshooting is an excellent way of keeping your eye in and improving your technique out of season. Of course, it’s also a popular sport in its own right. Whether you want to brush up on your skills, learn to shoot clays or just enjoy a day out on a shooting…
How to shoot an air rifle more accurately
Mat Manning offers some key pointers to improve your airgun accuracy and get you on target
How to deal with eye dominance when shooting
Mary has her eyes opened to a shooting technique that stands accepted thinking – and teaching – well and truly on its head
Dates for UK game shooting seasons
The pheasant, partridge and grouse shooting seasons are now open and it's not long until the season opens for some deer in Scotland. Find out when the seasons open with this guide to game shooting seasons
14 popular rifles for deer stalking
Our experts have reviewed 14 rifles for deer stalking that have proven popular and ranked highly with our reviewers. Choosing a calibre Consider the calibre that will fit your deer species — for example, if you only have muntjac and Chinese water deer, a .22 centrefire, a .222, a .223…
The Grosvenor Stockbridge – comfortable accommodation for fieldsports fans
The perfect fieldsports hotel in Hampshire? I’ll happily spend all day in the field being buffeted by the wind with the rain full on my face. ( I always make sure I’m dressed for the weather.) I’m perfectly content to stand in mud in a gale and never grumble –…
So you want to get into shooting? Here’s how to start …
If you are looking to get into shooting of any kind, this easy guide will give you plenty of hints and tips
Key clay pigeon shooting tips for both the beginner and the seasoned shooter
Understand the jargon heard on the clay shooting ground with Mark Russell's tips for shooting beginners
One barrel is all you need
A single-shot, single-barrelled shotgun is not popular these days. The guns are looked down upon as somehow ‘less than’. When I began my shooting life under my father’s instruction, I was as excited as any 14-year-old could be. I had completed my three-year apprenticeship of various gun-, dog- and bird-related…
A guide to buying your first gun
It's never too soon to start looking at guns with a view to buying your first and any dealer will be happy to reserve a gun until your certificate arrives
Deer seasons
The deer shooting season If you’re a keen stalker, then you’ll need to know which is the deer shooting season for the different species, and the different dates for stags and hinds. It’s also crucial to have the right rifle for deer stalking in the right calibre. (You can check…
Beaters’ day – time to get back to basics
Top tips to do yourself proud on beaters’ day Get your shooting kit ready the night before Practise mounting in the mirror 10 times Count 10 breaths in and out before the drive starts Point your leading foot where you’re going to shoot the bird Don’t lift your head off…