Over the years I have read a number of articles on the topic of what constitutes a good beater, a good shoot and a good picker-up. But I don’t recall any pieces on how a Gun can earn a gamekeeper’s respect. (Read our piece on whether beaters and pickers-up get…
Shooting Gazette
How NOT to be asked shooting again
It’s said that good manners cost nothing. It’s also true that bad manners in the field will cost you a future shooting invitation. So here is a guide to what you should avoid. Being late Lateness is a serious sin. Mark you, earliness can be quite embarrassing if you stride…
Do dogs have to wear collars?
Gundogs are controlled with slip leads but it’s rare that you’ll see one with any sort of collar. So do all dogs have to wear collars? Is it required by law? Out in the field you’ll see teams of working dogs under immaculate control and not a collar in sight.…
What’s in a gamekeeper’s job description?
Gamekeepers: From long hours to relentless predators, there are many aspects to a gamekeeper's job description.
Getting a ‘coterminous’ firearms certificate: a combined firearms and shotgun certificate
If you’re a keen Shot with both firearms certificates and shotgun certificates, then it’s worth applying for what’s known as a coterminous firearms certificate, which basically means that you have a single expiry date to think about. The advantages of a coterminous firearms certificate It costs less than paying separately…
Beretta 695 reviewed by Shooting Gazette
The Beretta 695 on test is impressive and offers positive shooting qualities. It’s also reasonably priced and a relatively new offering from the Beretta stable. Interested? It is available in 12 bore and 20 bore and in this form comes with fine, deep-relief scroll engraving and Grade 3 premium walnut…
Should I start to close an eye when shooting?
Q: As an older Gun I sometimes struggle with my eyesight. I shoot off my right shoulder but my left eye is strong and my right eye is getting weaker. I have always shot with both eyes open but I am wondering whether I should start to close one eye…
What makes a good gamekeeper?
For those of us who shoot, it is the nature of the sport that you come into contact with that unique and special brand of individual, the gamekeeper. But what do we really know about the men or women who have devoted themselves to the job? With the increase in…
Skoda Superb
What happens if you need a big car to transport people and clobber around? What if you do a lot of miles and so want it to be comfortable and economical? What if you want it to have four-wheel drive so that (yes, yes, with the right tyres also fitted)…
Beretta 687 EELL Classic
Beretta 687 EELL Classic gun The Beretta 687 EELL is a gun that has been around in the shooting world for some years now. The action is tried and tested to infinity and beyond and it’s as well built as any action can be. There are thousands of 687EELLs in…
Where should I keep my gun cabinet keys safely?
I have recently acquired my shotgun certificate and become the owner of a Silver Pigeon shotgun. I have set up a gun cabinet in my home according to the law but I was wondering about gun cabinet keys. Where should I keep the main set and the spare set? What…
How to dress and pluck a pheasant
If you have never attempted plucking a pheasant before, let me suggest that you start outdoors. You’ll want a chair for the purpose, and a bin liner for the feathers – tucked into a bin is best – a bit of time to yourself and a complete absence of dogs,…
Crispy chilli duck recipe
This crispy chilli duck recipe is great for using up the breasts from the duck or goose that you waited for in the dwindling light of September or October. It is also good as a step away from the roast, perhaps for some friends who don’t often eat wild food.…
Under the coverts with Alex Hogg, Chairman of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association
SG: Firstly, many congratulations on your MBE. How does it feel to have those three letters after your name, Alex Hogg? Alex Hogg: I feel very proud to have been given the MBE but, at the same time, very humbled. This has been a huge team effort from all the…
How can I reload my shotgun swiftly with cold, frozen fingers?
Q: Can you recommend a way to reload a shotgun quickly that does not compromise safety? I’m all thumbs when the weather gets colder and was wondering if a stuffer or a reloading aid would be a good idea? A: This is a question I am asked time and time…
Six of the best pheasant shoots
Every shoot is different in its own way. We asked our contributors for their nominations for their best pheasant shoots from seasons gone by and here is what they came up with, in no particular order… 1. Hornby shoot, Cumbria “The best syndicate shoot I have ever visited” is how…
Leon Davies of the BGA on why he’d like to see a pheasant sausage roll in Greggs
You only have to listen to Leon Davies talking about game meat to appreciate just how much he loves using it in his recipes. As the BGA’s chef ambassador — and a keen Shot — he is perfectly placed to give readers a professional’s take on game’s place in the…
What’s the best cartridge load for standard driven pheasants?
How should you tackle standard driven pheasants when you’re out in the field? The sort you’re likely to come across earlier in the season. What would be the best cartridge load for driven pheasants? Speaking from my experience as a shooting instructor I think that the cartridges a shooter uses…
10 top tips for women shooters
Shooting is becoming more popular with women every year. The most recent Home Office figures in 2019 showed an increase on the previous year of more than 1000 female shotgun certificate holders. So if you’re interested in joining the growing number of females going out into the field, how should…
How LOUD should your shooting tweeds be?
Shooting tweeds should shout for joy, says Ben Samuelson There are a few fibs that we allow ourselves in shooting. The first is that we need big 4x4s. I spent many years driving to shoots in a TVR that only ever went off-road when I slid into a ditch. We…