Simulated shooting house parties

Why you might want to organise a simulated game shooting house party How to repay hospitality? It is a perennial question for most guns and a nagging, guilt-laden one for the impecunious town gun trying to balance the mortgage and family commitments. “Budget = x; better make that x-y if…

catching trout

Here are 8 pieces of fishing kit you shouldn’t be without whether you are casting from a grassy bank or wading in the middle of a river. 8 MUST-BUY PIECES OF FISHING KIT WENSUM COTTON FLY-FISHING VEST FARLOWS Cast your eyes on this British-made vest with a plethora of pockets…

best fishing books

It is tricky to choose the best fishing books. There are the classics that are no longer considered essential fare, while others remain in constant demand. Keith Elliot selects the very best fishing books – the ten essential tomes that no self-respecting rod should be without. Have they made their…

spaniels on dog bed

Thoughts on dog beds My dogs are always keen to sample new dog beds. During the year we have a number of short-stay canine visitors who invariably bring their beds with them. My English springer, Rowan, is a full-size spaniel but she has shown herself to be remarkably good at…

gundogs with handler

I was recently asked what is essential gundog handling kit. I thought about the question for 30 seconds before replying: a slip lead and a whistle. If you have these two vital pieces of equipment, then there’s not much more you really need. (Read more on gundog whistles here.) Essential…

black labrador with dummy

Scurries at country fairs are a highlight of the summer, but as many handlers discover, they can be a quick lesson in humility. If you want to avoid the “leg-lifting” embarrassment and actually clock a competitive time, you need more than just a willing dog; you need a strategy. (You…

William Cecil hotel

The William Cecil hotel Perfect pit stop Dog friendly Burghley Horse Trials Burghley’s Capability Brown landscape is wonderful. It had been a frenetic month: those end-of-season high days and beaters’ days spent battling bone-chilling conditions interspersed with torrential rain – all while semi-dried-out January wrapped its guilt-inducing tendrils around our…

pheasant katsu

Pheasant katsu recipe Ingredients Sauce 50g tomato ketchup 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp mirin 1 tbsp English honey 5g ginger, grated Cabbage 300g green cabbage, very finely shredded Dressing 3 tbsp sesame seeds 2 tbsp mayonnaise 2 tbsp rice vinegar 1½ tbsp soy sauce 1…