The 28-bore is enjoying something of a renaissance. Once deemed only for young shots and lady guns, it now has a growing band of enthusiasts of all ages and sexes. Effective for clays and game at sensible ranges, it is also great fun to use. Indeed, I know of no…
Before I leave the Cotswold home of the eventer Harry Meade, he dashes up the stairs, three at a time, and returns clutching a vintage Pony Club manual. Inside are black-and-white photos of his late father, three-time Olympic gold medallist Richard Meade, illustrating how an eventer should correctly dress: the…
A decline in the grey partridge population has left them scarce, only to be found on traditional partridge manors and the opportunity to shoot wild English partridges is now only for a very lucky few. The smaller redleg partridge tends to be the main quarry of today. The redleg partridge…
A Field reader writes “We have a very chewy young dog. We have never had such a chewer before. Shoes, coats, table and chair legs, and the bottom of cupboards have all fallen victim. Friends have recommended an array of hot condiments, all of which have failed. How can we…
After months of training your young gun dog, it is understandable that you want to take it on its first shoot. But beware the pitfalls.
Asked to describe himself, Jimmy Doherty takes a big intake of breath. “I suppose I am a farmer, conservationist, TV presenter.” He gives a self-deprecating laugh that invites friendship. “Or maybe broadcaster sounds better?” Doherty, who is a youthful 50, first rose to prominence for his flyon- the-wall series in…
While we cannot improve your natural shooting abilities (although you might like to read George Digweed’s grouse shooting tips here), we CAN advise you on what to wear grouse shooting and how to blend in seamlessly on the grouse moor. Driven grouse shoots are more formal than walked-up shoots. Follow…
Airguns are a brilliant way to get your first experience of shooting sports and learn how to be a safe, accurate shot. They are quiet, easy to operate and can be used in the garden. Even very young people can shoot airguns under adult supervision. I started out toppling tin…
We all know that you can take a horse to water but can’t make it drink; it’s equally true that you can take a dog to water but can’t make it swim. Some years ago I photographed a selection of HPRs (hunt, point, retrievers) at a novice working test. They…
“We came to thrive over other species because we were able to hunt and cook and feed our brains,” says Thomas Straker. “That all stemmed from hunting. The most dialled in I ever am is when I’m out with a gun and a dog. Walking-up woodcock or trying to shoot…
