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Quality game loads
GUNDOG for late-season birds
TRAINING: Pigeon patrol:
Howard takes on the Andy Crow is targeting
Gundog World woodies in the South East
Championships
Shooting technique:
Tackling woodcock
GUN TEST: with our expert guide
K80 Parcours – the
perfect high-bird gun?
JANUARY 2016 £3.75

TWO
STOEGER
SHOTGUNS
TO BE £1,000 WORTH OF GUNS UP FOR GRABS!
WON!
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 Evolution House, 2-6 Easthampstead
Road, Wokingham, Berkshire
First Words
RG40 2EG
The smoke from our bonfire night blaze-up is Rebecca has been a stalwart of the magazine for
still drifting past the study window as I pen as long as I have been here. It’s safe to say that
these words – so it seems a bit odd to be without her gentle coaxing, cajoling and careful
EDITORIAL thinking about Christmas. That said, the John management, not all of these pages would get filled
Editor-in-chief Dom Holtam Lewis ad is running non-stop on the telly and the Aldi every month and I am thrilled to be able to place the
0118 974 2504 [email protected]
Christmas Food leaflet is out, so we must be getting magazine in her capable hands.
Content Editor Rebecca Green
0118 974 2508 [email protected] close, I suppose! When she isn’t working her beloved cocker
Senior Sub-editor Laura Paton As ever, we have tried to find as many fun and useful spaniels she is likely to be out in pursuit of deer or
0118 974 2506 [email protected]
Staff Writer Emily Damment
gifts for game shooters, foxers, gundog handlers and finding new and delicious ways of transforming wild
0118 974 2521 [email protected] wildfowlers with 10 pages crammed with ideas, game into gourmet fare. I know that her passion for
Art Editor Trevor Ince starting on p37. So get your shopping list planned now. the countryside and love of shooting will continue to
ADVERTISING Elsewhere, we have Andy Crow on pigeons, I’ve shine through every month.
Sporting Shooter, Evolution House, been finding rough-shooting paradise in the wild west I hope it is fair to say that producing Sporting
2-6 Easthampstead Road, Wokingham, of England, and Mike Yardley is putting the Krieghoff Shooter has always been a collaborative process,
Berkshire RG40 2EG Parcours through its paces. between the members of the editorial team, the
Group Sales Manager Dan Chart
0118 974 2503 [email protected] It’s very nearly been five years since I wrote my first contributors and of course, you as readers. So, as
Advertising Sales Manager Sharon Blick ever editorial on this page. Seems like only yesterday, ever, if there is anything you want to see
0118 974 2533 [email protected] to be honest, but a glance in the mirror tells me featured in the magazine, please do drop
Sales Executive Ryan Coupland
0118 974 2525 [email protected] otherwise. Having launched a new magazine recently, us a line.
Office Manager Sharon Wells Rifle Shooter, and expanded our team to welcome new In the meantime, I’d like
0118 974 2524 [email protected] staff writer, Emily Damment, we’ve had a bit of a to wish Rebecca the very
PUBLISHING reshuffle at Sporting Shooter Towers. As of next month, best of luck, and you all a
Managing Director (Specialist) Peter Timperley Rebecca Green will be taking over these editorial reins. very happy Christmas.
Publishing Consultant Derek Barnes
DOM HOLTAM
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Archant Specialist is part of Archant Ltd
First Words image: Dom Holtam
Cover image: David Mason
www.sportingshooter.co.uk 3
 BY SHOOTERS, FOR SHOOTERS

Contents
A L CHRI S T M A S I
EC I SS
SP UE
E SP
SU

SPORTSMAN’S
IS

EC
AS

SPECIAL
IA
TM

LC
PECI A L CHR I S

HRI

CHRISTMAS
S T M A S I S S UE S

PARADISE ISSUE
UE S
IS S

PE
CI
AS

AL
M

CH
ST RI
RI ST
CH MA
S I S S U E S P ECI A L

WHY CORNWALL IS THE

UK’S HIDDEN GEM BUMPER
GIFT GUIDE:

+ 10
pages
of great
ideas for
shooters

A CHRISTMAS
GOOSE CHASE
The wildfowler’s PLUS
ultimate prize Cartridges:
Quality game loads
GUNDOG for late-season birds
TRAINING: Pigeon patrol:
27 LETTERS
Howard takes on the Andy Crow is targeting
Gundog World
Championships
woodies in the South East
Shooting technique:
24 TECHNIQUE: How to tackle those
GUN TEST: Tackling woodcock
with our expert guide
31 ASK THE EXPERTS: A selection of feathered missiles, aka woodcock
K80 Parcours – the
perfect high-bird gun? questions and problems for our
GAMEKEEPING
JANUARY 2015 £3.75

shooting gurus to ponder

TWO
STOEGER 59 FURRIER: Four-legged companions 72 KEEPER’S COUNTRY: What makes a
SHOTGUNS
TO BE
WON! £1000 WORTH OF GUNS UP FOR GRABS!
www.sportingshooter.co.uk 1
and their amusing antics target sporting? And when is a high
76 ONE FOR THE POT: Fantastic bird, too high?
foraging with Tim Maddams
ON THE COVER 81 CROCKETT’S COUNTRY: Build your WILDFOWLING
14 PIGEON SHOOTING own trap, part one 65 A Christmas goose is on the menu
17 SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE 82 CLASSIC GUNS: The Boxing Day for Alan as he remembers moonlit
24 SHOOTING TECHNIQUE shoot is the perfect excuse to flighting experiences of yesteryear
37 BUMPER GIFT GUIDE revisit the past, as Diggory explains
52 GUN TEST 112 FIND SHOOTING CLAY SHOOTING
54 CARTRIDGES 34 CLAY NEWS
62 TWO STOEGERS UP FOR GRABS MARKETPLACE 91 THE ULTIMATE PAIR
65 WILDFOWLING 37 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE: Ten 114 CLAY GROUNDS near you
98 GUNDOG TRAINING pages jam-packed with present
ideas for the shooter in your life COMPETITIONS
52 GUN TEST: Mike tests the K80 11
COLUMNS Parcours, a lively gun with plenty 26
Win
Win
binos
Seeland Bolton Fleece
03 FIRST WORDS of personality 28 Win decoys
57 COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE 54 CARTRIDGES: Vic’s choice of the 62 Win Stoeger semi-auto
COMMENT best loads for mid-season birds 106 Win Chudleys dog food
69 NOTES FROM IRELAND
74 SHOOTING IN WALES GAME SHOOTING GUNDOGS
85 HIGHLAND DIARY 17 ROUGH SHOOTING: The wild 98 GUNDOG TRAINING: Howard is
89 KEEPERING WITH THE NGO Cornish countryside surprises proud as punch to have competed
95 BASC UPDATE Dom with its variety of game in the Gundog World Championships
102 GUNDOG FOCUS: Part two
REGULARS 20
shooting opportunities
CONSERVATION: The of Ryan’s guide to beating with
06 NEWS reintroduction of the lynx is a hot your dog
14 PIGEONS: Andy has some topic at the moment – James joins 106 GUNDOG EXPERTS
unexpectedly successful days on the discussion 108 GUNDOG VET: The tail
wheat stubbles

4 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
SHOOTING

NEWS
For the very latest news visit www.sportingshooter.co.uk

The Met forms advisory

by Emily Damment panel to improve
Animal welfare groups fall from grace shooters’ service
A report and accompanying video released by the responsible debate. Producing a report intended
League Against Cruel Sports (LACS), titled The to deceive policy makers and the public is The Metropolitan Police has formed an
Intensification of Grouse Moor Management in dishonest and a mark of how irresponsible advisory panel with the aim of improving
Scotland, has been openly contradicted and extremist bodies such as the League Against cooperation and communication between the
exposed as propaganda by a scientific review Cruel Sports can be.” police and shooting organisations, such as
from Scottish National Heritage. The counter-review was published in the same BASC, and to enhance the service they
BASC has condemned the report, partly written month that LACS were dealt another blow, again provide to the shooting community.
by Green Party activist Andy Wightman, as relating to false allegations. Lee Martin, It will also provide the police with access to
unbalanced, selective, misleading, inaccurate and countryman for the Middleton hunt, was found a repository of expertise in the key shooting
unsupported. The report makes unreferenced, guilty of interfering with a badger set at disciplines, and a channel of communication
sweeping statements based on a single case or Scarborough Magistrates’ Court on 10 February. via which shooting organisations can be
no evidence at all, downplays the socio-economic He denied the charges from the start and, in informed of any new developments or points
benefits of grouse shooting to upland October, launched and won an appeal, eventually of interest from the police’s perspective.
communities, and ignores the benefits of grouse being exonerated of the charges on 15 October. The Independent Advisory group (IAG) of
moor management. Countryside Alliance chief executive, Tim the Met’s firearms enquiry team will hold
Director of BASC Scotland, Dr Colin Shedden Bonner said: “This has been a huge waste of time meetings every six months. Mike Eveleigh,
advised: “If you want to know what’s really and tax payers’ money by LACS. The CPS [Crown from the BASC firearms team, attended the
happening on Scottish grouse moors, ignore Prosecution Service] needs to carefully consider first meeting. He said: “This is a great
extremists such as the League Against Cruel Sports whether they should bring prosecutions on the development. Our relationship with the
and look at the facts. These are very sensibly set evidence of paid animal rights activists.” Metropolitan Police firearms enquiry team has
out in A Review of Sustainable Moorland The two incidents are not isolated and seem to been improving steadily over the past few
Management, the report produced by the Scientific support several recently published articles in the years. This now formalises that relationship
Advisory Committee of Scottish Natural Heritage.” non-shooting press, which imply that the and involves other shooting organisations who
The BASC Council member representing extremist views and bully tactics used in have expertise in areas such as target
Scotland, Alan Balfour said: “Setting a good prosecutions are alienating the general public shooting and firearm collecting.”
policy depends upon accurate evidence and from animal welfare organisations.

PICTURE: REBECCA GREEN

PICTURE: NICK RIDLEY

Wildlife Law review receives mixed response from NGO

The NGO has responded with a cautious welcome launched in November 2012. The report and “The NGO has been closely involved with this
to the publication of a report by the Law associated draft bill, when combined, run to process since it began in 2012. There is, of
Commission on modernising the legal framework more than 560 pages cover to cover – an course, a need to simplify – and improve – upon
for protecting and managing wildlife. The NGO indication of the many areas covered and the level the mishmash of wildlife law that’s now on the
has warned against rushing to replace existing of detail involved. statute book, but it is important that any new
wildlife laws, after finding both positive and Despite finding many of their own proposals consolidated legislation would not make our
negative aspects to the report. within the report, there were also areas that jobs tougher and our ability to conserve wildlife
The Law Commission’s findings, published in the NGO felt less positively towards, and have more problematic.
the report titled Wildlife Law, seek to simplify and voiced fears that a knee-jerk rush towards “The NGO is urging all parties to engage in a
consolidate almost all existing wildlife law; the adopting a subsequent new legal framework sensible period of reflection and discussion to
scope of the review is wide-ranging and would be counterproductive. They have warned consider properly the full ramifications for game
encompasses everything from trapping and against merely swapping one set of shortcomings and wildlife. A knee-jerk, headlong rush to law
quarry lists, to the possession of gamebird eggs. for another. would be counterproductive. The devil is very
It stems from the public consultation that was Chairman of the NGO, Lindsay Waddell said: much in the detail.”

6 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 NEWS

GWCT Shoot Walk at Grange Farm

arlier this year, on a lovely summer’s evening, 2010. Over 45 guests were treated to an interesting Back at the farmhouse everyone expressed
E the GWCT Oxfordshire Committee held a
shoot walk at the 600-acre Grange Farm in
and varied walk across the farm with frequent
stops, where Nigel and his gamekeeper, Colin
their appreciation to Nigel and Colin for a great
evening and the event finished off with great food
Godington, kindly hosted by 2015 Cotswold Grey Jeacock, explained how the shoot works. At each prepared and served by Penny, her sister Victoria
Partridge Trophy winner, Nigel Oakey and his wife, stop there were questions asked, such as how and Colin’s partner, Morag Reeves, who is the
Penny, together with GWCT advisor, Mike Swan. managing farmland for grey partridges, joint keeper. The GWCT Oxfordshire Committee
Richard Leach from Bright Seeds was in pheasants and other wildlife works alongside the would like to thank all involved for making it a very
attendance to showcase his company’s products. need to profitably farm the land and run a special evening.
The farm is in the HLS scheme and participates successful shoot. In between stops, there was a The GWCT holds a variety of events
in the grey partridge count scheme and has constant chatter, with people discussing shooting throughout the year to help raise awareness of
increased its wild grey population every year since and wildlife in general. the benefits of shooting.

PICTURE: VICTORIA HOLTON

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 7
 NEWS
Get out for the count in February
Plans are well underway for the GWCT’s 2016 Big In 2015, 12 Farmland Bird Identification Days
Farmland Bird Count and the GWCT is hoping to took place. The response was fantastic, so the plan
get even more farmers, gamekeepers and is for 20 similar events across the country in January
landowners out with their binoculars and notepads 2016. Details will be confirmed on 14 December,

PICTURE: DAVID KJAER

to record the birds on their farms. The count will but you can register to receive more information.
take place from 6-14 February next year. In 2015, over 1,000 people took part, spotting
The principle – spending 30 minutes counting 126 different species living on farmland. These
birds on one area of a farm – hasn’t changed, but results helped to promote the great work that
in 2016 the GWCT is working on how it can provide many keepers and landowners do to support birds woodland, field margins and field corners for
feedback to everyone who takes part, including a through the winter. wildlife while working hard in the middle of fields to
brief report outlining what birds have been seen The GWCT appeared on over 60 local and produce the food we need.
and providing some simple tips on how to provide regional radio stations to talk about farmers The aim this year is to get over 5,000 people
more help for those birds throughout the year. providing wild seed mixes, managing hedges, taking part. Sign up online at www.gwct.org.uk

Game to Eat Student Chef of the Year announced

The title of ‘Game to Eat Student Chef of the Year the title, plus £250 cookery equipment vouchers, a top game chef and owner of Café Spice
2015’ has been bagged by Jack Gates, a student week’s work placement at The Ledbury, and an Namaste, Cyrus Todiwala, and last year’s winner,
from North Herefordshire College. engraved Flint and Flame knife. Iwona Czerniak.
Jack took the title with his whole roasted Chairman of the judging panel, and Game to A member of the Game to Eat campaign, Jack
partridge which was accompanied by beetroot Eat consultant chef, Lee Maycock said: “Jack’s Knott said: “This year’s competition was fierce, we
three ways, a mushroom duxelle, pickled wild dish was perfectly executed and the seasoning had more nominations than ever before and the
mushrooms, red-vein sorrel and a red wine jus. was faultless. The partridge was cooked to standard of the 12 finalists was phenomenal. It
The competition, now in its fourth year, was perfection, and under the time restrictions, he really was anyone’s competition. It is very good
held on 27 October at Kingsway College, London, truly excelled.” news for the future that these young chefs have
and saw 12 aspiring young chefs compete to win Making up the rest of the judging panel was such mastery of game cookery.”

PICTURE: GAME TO EAT

WIN HAWKE BINOCULARS

Find the creature hiding in this issue and you could win a terrific pair of binoculars. Everyone who finds him goes into the draw
for a pair of 8x21 binoculars, but if you want to receive one of our badges, send us a self-addressed envelope with 58p of stamps.
Send us the page number, your name, telephone number and address by email to: [email protected] By post to:
Reuben Reindeer, Sporting Shooter, Evolution House, 2-6 Easthampstead Road, Wokingham, RG40 2EG CLOSING DATE: 1 January

CAN YOU FIND: REUBEN REINDEER?

Designed to travel, these lightweight Hawke 8x21 Compact Rubber Armoured CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Folding Binoculars feature a non-slip rubber finish, fully coated optics, neck
cord, carry pouch and a 10-year warranty. The zip-up carry case has a belt Brian Hughes who found Lucinda Lapwing
PICTURE: DAVID MASON

loop and wrist strap for ease of carrying. on p64 of the November issue.
Being rubber armoured, they are able to withstand the bumps and scrapes of everyday life. They can focus as close as
2.7m and have a field of view of 126m at 1,000m, yet are small enough to fit in your pocket and weigh just 176g. Perfect for See p112 for a list of other successful
enjoying wildlife you might otherwise miss. creature finders.

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 11
 PIGEONS WITH ANDY CROW

Playing it safe
Andy proves that sometimes it’s better to err on the side of caution to ensure a successful day
ecisions, decisions. Even when you turn up to and most are keen to return when clapped off. It behind. “If I was tucked right under the hedge, I’d
D a field covered in birds, picking the right place
to set up is not always straightforward. It’s why
isn’t the earliest of starts – getting on for 10
o’clock – and Andy feels that early afternoon will
struggle to see anything cutting in from the rear
and some overhead shots would be limited, too.”
we are parked up a few hundred yards from the be ‘prime time’ for feeding birds. A few hazel branches trimmed from the
action area so that Andy can assess his options. Finally, Andy makes a decision. It is his ‘B’ nearby shaw give the bush hide its required height
The field in question was a wheat field and the choice but, ultimately, the proximity of a nearby to allow Andy’s standing shooting position, and
outer edge didn’t ripen up in time to get harvested footpath makes his mind up. “I’d rather miss out then it’s time to break open the cartridges and
with the rest of the field. As a result, a few acres on a few birds than risk upsetting a walker and make ready.
ended up getting chopped in and providing an causing any grief for the landowner. Even though Andy is getting on well with his new Beretta
unexpected late autumn bounty for the local we wouldn’t be breaking any laws, it’s better to A400 after getting it set up to his satisfaction. He
woodpigeon population. Our vantage point gives play it cautious in some instances. And I still think reckons his clay shooting scores are higher than
us a view out towards the glass castles of we will get a decent day’s shooting.” they’ve been for many years, and his confidence in
London’s Docklands, so more than a few ‘city Andy pulls his hide a few yards out from the the hide is certainly evident as he picks a long
commuters’ join the feast. hedge line to give himself better visibility and crosser. “It took a little while to get the adjustment
We see several hundred birds when we turn up shooting options for birds approaching from shims just right for me and to get used to the
slightly longer barrel. But I am really pleased with
Hawthorn berries fill the pigeons’ crops, so Andy how I shoot it now.” And it looks like he has got
knows they’ll be feasting on wheat later on some new blue covers for his CENS ear protection
in order to complement the snazzy anodizing. Who
says that pigeon shooters aren’t fashionistas…
A whirly out left provides movement, but Andy
gets the impression that it is going to put off as
many birds as it attracts. “I have a flapper in the
centre of the pattern and I’ll probably alternate
between the two and see which one works best to
start with.”

TOP TIP
A remote flapper gives
you better control when
birds are approaching
than one on a timer.
PICTURES: DOM HOLTAM

The A400 Beretta took some getting used to, but

Andy is reaping the benefits now

14 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 PIGEONS

‘Ruby is enjoying her day Andy adds shot birds to the pattern using cradles

in the hide, marking a

very long bird that drops
way into the woods and
returning moments later
looking very pleased’
There aren’t loads of chances to start off with,
and those that do flight by are rangy. It’s all too
easy to tackle longer shots and miss, and then get
into a negative mindset. Andy is no different. “I
always like to get a couple of birds shot cleanly at
the start. If you do miss a couple when chances
are few and far between, it can knock your
confidence. Better to wait for a shot you are
confident of and get into the groove steadily.”
Quite a few birds sneak in behind and, with the TOP TIP
wind starting to pick up, make for some
Painting your cradles
challenging targets. Andy has white, painted
white will stop you from
cradles to add shot birds to the pattern. “Green
losing them when packing
ones are too easy to lose, whereas the white
up in fading light.
stands out in any crop or stubble.”
Ruby returns with her prize
There are more birds heading to the corner that
Andy had initially fancied setting up in and he
stares wistfully in that direction, but he sticks with
his decision, instead swapping the whirly for the
FF5 flapper.
“I always check the crops of birds to see what
they are eating and most of the ones I have shot
so far have been eating hawthorn berries. None of
them have any wheat in their crops, so my guess
is that they will feed here a little later.”
Ruby is enjoying her day in the hide, marking a
very long bird that drops way into the woods and
returning a few moments later looking very
pleased with herself.
As predicted, the action does warm up as the
day progresses but without ever getting ‘hot’.
Some birds decoy nicely; others flare away from
both whirly and flapper, and with the wind making
the pigeons hard to hit, Andy works hard to bag
just under 100 birds. Less than he had hoped for
but a decent day out nonetheless.
And a few days after our photo shoot, he gets
an invite to join a couple of other seriously
experienced pigeon shooters on a small stubble
field in a neighbouring county.
“It was one of those days when they really
wanted it and the way the Guns were set up,
everybody had some decent shooting. Between
the three of use we got over 700 birds. A real
red-letter day. I have to say, my Flightline flapper
worked really well – often turning birds back that
were headed on the wrong line for my hide.
“The ability to control the flapping remotely is a
real bonus, and let’s just say that the other Guns
were enquiring about getting one by the end of
the day.” ■

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 15
 WITH DOM HOLTAM // ROUGH SHOOTING

WEST IS BEST
From wildfowl to woodcock, Cornwall offers a veritable heaven for shooting
fans. Dom Holtam has a memorable day with Solognac’s Mission Test team

W hat would your perfect shooting day look

like? Standing at the bottom of a deep
plenty more strings to his sporting bow.
This morning we are waiting for Canada geese
skein and no sooner have we tidied the dead birds
up than another skein swoop in low from our right.
valley waiting for world-class pheasants? Dawn in to come in on the maize stubbles. Scott has Another group surprises everybody by circling
a high seat? The salty tang of the foreshore and another guide spotting the birds lower down the in behind, while yet another phalanx hug the
the sound of goose music? A hard slog through valley and flagging them off another maize contours of the hillside to cheat the wind and drive
ancient woodland in pursuit of the wonderful stubble. We can hear the muffled crackle of the in fast from the left-hand side.
woodcock? What if I told you that you can have radio telling us birds are on the way, then the The big birds are deceptively fast with the wind
the lot? distant honking as a skein beats in to our up their tails, at odds with the languid wingbeats
It’s a wild morning a mile or two inland from positions and makes for the decoys as Scott and apparent lack of effort.
the coast, not too far from Saltash. Rain is lashing works his goose call. The flight is fantastic, the action almost
in through the darkness, wind tearing at the hide. Scott blows a whistle as a signal for both hides non-stop for an hour until Scott decides we have
I’m tucked in a hedgerow with a Hungarian to rise up and shoot to try and ensure we all have had our fun and that we ought to get off the field
gentleman and a British colleague. Hidden in the the best chance of some sport – an ‘eager beaver’ to give the birds a chance to get in and feed.
brambles alongside is an old mate, Scott Milne. I letting rip before the geese come into range would Around 30 birds are picked and the guys are
first met him when he guided me for a Cornish ruin it for everybody else. buzzing. There’s little to rival the excitement of a
stag on our Ferrari Macnab adventure, but as The plan works well as we shoot in some kind big ‘V’ coming in, and for many it is the first time
head honcho at Cornish Country Pursuits, he has of unison. I manage to trim a brace from the first they have sampled this sport.

‘Cornwall is a bit of a
hidden gem. It’s almost
unbeatable. And for most
folk, it’s a heck of a lot
closer than heading up to
the Scottish Highlands’
PICTURES: SOLOGNAC

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 17
ROUGH SHOOTING // WITH DOM HOLTAM

It’s the taking part that counts: the pleasure of this kind of shooting is TX Caption Contrast 2
to be found in the experience, rather than the size of the bag

There is much excitement after a magnificent It’s beautiful countryside, too. Deep valleys,
morning flight. The guys from Solognac are thick woodland and rolling pasture. The wooded ‘Sometimes we walk the
grinning – it’s the perfect start to their Mission gullies are ideal for woodcock and that is our next
Test. This is an opportunity to put their latest target species. Although an unseasonably mild cover through; other
gear through its paces in the field over a period early part to the winter means there aren’t a huge
of several days – stalking, wildfowling and number of migrant birds yet, the sport can be times half the Guns will
rough shooting in some tough conditions and in phenomenal here after a hard spell of cold
wild weather. It is a chance for the team to weather. And la bécasse is as highly prized by stand while a cover is
really understand how the kit performs, and also French shooters as it is here.
to get feedback from a number of professional I love this type of shooting. It is hard work driven to them. It is
hunting journalists. and the bag is measured not by size but by the
The sport has been organised by Owen satisfaction in getting it. Slogging up steep hills, varied and interesting’
Beardsmore from Cervus UK. He has worked with crashing through brambles and plugging
Scott and his guides for many years, and the through glutinous mud is part and parcel of I’m given my directions and head off to a
sheer variety of sport keeps his clients coming the experience. familiar high seat – the exact same one I sat in on
back. “Cornwall is a bit of hidden gem, really,” You earn your birds here. The Gun line is the first morning of my south-to-north Macnab
explains Owen. “If you think about just what it can broken up by dogs and beaters. Sometimes we adventure. It is a foot-stalk to reach the high seat,
offer, it’s almost unbeatable. And for most folk, it’s walk the cover through; other times half the Guns through the early evening light, across rolling
a heck of a lot closer than heading up to the will stand while a cover is driven to them. It is pasture and woodland edge.
Scottish Highlands.” varied and interesting, and you never know what My vantage point is a lovely spot, nestled
is coming your way. among the gorse and overlooking a wooded
Solognac’s Silent Hunt certification The occasional cry of “Woodcock!” gets your valley. It’s a steep gully, though, and Scott’s last
guarantees fabrics are low noise heartbeat racing and if you are lucky, the brown piece of advice before I set out was “Try and
ghost will flash through cover within range. shoot a small one if you can!” Dragging a 500lb
We have a fantastic final drive with plenty of animal up this slope would not be much fun…
pheasants that give the standing Guns some The light fades without a deer in the bag, but
fabulous shooting, offering high driven birds that that doesn’t for one second diminish my
would grace any top estate. On other bits of enjoyment. It’s been as close to the perfect day
ground we raise a number of woodcock from for a rough shooter (and I certainly fit that
thickets and stream beds. We even shoot the odd description!) as you could imagine. Stunning
one! There are some cracking pigeons and the scenery, a varied bag, superb, exciting sport and
odd corvid thrown in for good measure. some memorably testing shots.
The afternoon/evening rotation is another split. If you have never considered a visit to this part
Those who shot pigeons in the morning will flight of the world then you might want to make plans
ducks into some nearby ponds, while my group for 2016. Cornwall really does have a tremendous
will switch from shotgun to rifle and head out after variety of sport, from ferreting to stag stalking,
roe and red deer. wildfowling to walked-up days. ■
There are some enormous stags in this part of
the world and Scott explains that if a hunter wants For more information, visit:
to shoot one he can… for a price. But we are www.cervus-uk.co.uk
mainly after hinds. www.cornishcountrypursuits.com

18 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
WITH DOM HOLTAM // ROUGH SHOOTING

SOLOGNAC
You are probably not very familiar with the Solognac
brand, but that is about to change. Despite a low
profile in the UK, it seems a great choice for shooters.
After a few days of serious use in some of Cornwall’s
filthiest early winter weather, I was hugely impressed
by the quality and the price point. From lightweight,
waterproof hunting boots from under £65, to
high-spec jackets at well under £100, there is plenty
of choice and seriously competitive pricing.
Solognac has the whole spectrum of shooting kit
covered – from hard-wearing and totally waterproof
gear in the Inverness range, to softer, stealthier fabrics
in the Akticam range that are ideal for the deer stalker.
Solognac is part of the Decathlon group and has the
ability to tap into the clothing giant’s parts bin for
materials and designs that have been proven on
mountains and ski slopes around Europe. From the
fabrics used to the taped seams, the gear
provides tried-and-trusted techniques to give
maximum performance.
The team behind the brand are passionate hunters and
outdoors enthusiasts that insist on proving the product
in the field. This event – called Mission Test – was
their way of testing the latest clothing to the limit and
learning from the feedback of Europe’s top hunting
journalists to find ways to improve and advance.
Find out more at www.solognac.com/en-GB

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 19
CONSERVATION // WITH JAMES MARCHINGTON

20 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 WITH JAMES MARCHINGTON // CONSERVATION

THE
LYNX EFFECT Guesstimated figures, fake science, wildly inaccurate
assumptions… the Lynx UK Trust are on the brink of creating
a rather large, razor-clawed problem

R ewilding sounds like a lovely idea,

doesn’t it? The word conjures up
have been absent for 1,000 years – probably
for good reason – regardless of the
Packham, the backing of trendy media figures
like George Monbiot, and they can quote any
romantic ideas of nature being allowed to do consequences. As for field sports, well, you amount of facts and figures to prove that
its own thing, without man’s grubby might as well flog your guns now, because they’re not only right, but that every true
interference. Clear mountain streams, wildlife you won’t be needing those in our brave new nature lover supports them.
frolicking on the hillsides... But beware. rewilded Britain. For instance, you could be forgiven for
Rewilding has become the rallying cry of the The rewilding movement is skilled at thinking that the wildlife-loving Great British
most radical self-appointed conservationists. self-promotion and manipulating the media. public are itching to see the lynx released in
Their plans would wipe away generations of They are full of catchy slogans like “We’re Scotland. The papers have been full of stories
land and wildlife management at a stroke, working to restore wild nature across Britain” about a reintroduction ‘plan’, which could see
destroy rural jobs and businesses, and and “Let’s make the world a better place”. the big cats prowling Scottish hills and forests
populate our countryside with animals that They have the support of celebrities like Chris for the first time in more than 1,300 years.

PICTURE: ZOONAR GMBH / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 21
N
O
C V
ER
S TIO
A
WITH JAMES MARCHINGTON /
N

A report has claimed that reintroducing the responses like ‘I went to go walking and enjoy many the lynxes would eat for dinner.
lynx could generate £65.7 million from the scenery and the wildlife.’ To me, that Besides, I suspect most keepers would rather
ecotourism, create rural jobs, and even save doesn’t sound like ecotourism, and it leaves rely on their own skills at fox control, than risk
a fortune by keeping down deer numbers. And those pseudo-scientific figures looking very turning up for work one morning to find a lynx
the public are right behind it, the report shaky indeed, despite the fact that they tend in the release pen. And the rewilders don’t
claims. We are told that “Up to 91% of to be quoted as cast-iron facts when it suits seem to have any figures for how many
people who responded to a poll carried out by the greenies’ purpose. endangered capercaillies would end up as a
the charity earlier this year said they support Anyway, back to the Lynx UK Trust report, lynx’s breakfast.
the move.” Except this is not so much a and what exactly is “up to 91%”? It sounds Newspaper reports tell us that the Lynx UK
‘plan’ as a campaign by a single-species, like one of those dodgy ‘surveys’ on an advert Trust intends to make a formal application for
single-issue pressure group – the Lynx UK for anti-ageing cream. If people responded to the necessary licences in the next few
Trust. It’s not a charity at all, it’s a CIC – a a poll, they were either for it or they weren’t. months, “with the first animals due to be
type of company that is supposed to be more The precise number who said ‘Yes I support brought in next year.” That’s what is known in
about public good than private profit, but it’ is known, so calculating the percentage is the sales industry as an assumptive close,
isn’t regulated in the same way as a simple maths. It’s either 91% or it isn’t. You’d where the salesman assumes his victim has
registered charity. think self-proclaimed world-leading scientists agreed to buy, and moves the conversation
The group consists of a bunch of could do percentages or, if they couldn’t, then on to details like how many and what method
conservationists, scientists, public their ‘senior environmental economist’ could of payment they would prefer. It all adds up to
consultation experts, lawyers and the like, get his calculator out. a highly dodgy campaign to introduce a
who, forgive my cynicism, stand to trouser a predator the likes of which hasn’t been seen
significant amount of public money if a lynx
reintroduction was to go ahead. In the
‘The rewilders don’t in this country since King Alfred burned the
cakes. No one can know all the
meantime, their website solicits donations
with the words “You can donate to support
seem to have consequences, good or bad, regardless of
how much fake science they might quote. But
our work via debit or credit card on Paypal by
clicking the button above.” The figures
any figures for how one thing is for sure, once the genie is out of
the bottle it will be one hell of a job to put it
mentioned earlier smell decidedly fishy to me,
too – £65.7 million, not 65.6 or 65.8. That’s
many endangered back in. The rewilding lobby don’t care. They
have no plan for managing the consequences,
very precise, considering the wild guesswork
involved in predicting exactly how many
capercaillies would end because they’re not about building something
and caring for it; their aim is to destroy what
people will cancel their annual trip to
Benidorm and head off to watch lynx in the
up as a lynx’s breakfast’ we have now.
The lynx issue is just one prong of a
Scottish Highlands instead. There are plenty As for the environmental impact of concerted attack on the way the countryside
of figures bandied about regarding the releasing highly efficient self-replicating killing has been managed for generations.
amount of money that is supposedly machines into the Scottish countryside, well, Rewilding, reintroductions and the rest are all
generated by ecotourism. You’ll see the RSPB apparently we can rest assured. It’s not a about wrestling control away from the people
claiming that sea eagles bring £2 million to problem at all, because they hardly ever who have looked after the land for years,
the Isle of Mull each year, or the rewilding attack people and don’t have much of a taste making decisions instead by Twitter popularity
lobby stating that wildlife tourism is worth for sheep. In fact, lynx fans claim, they will do polls. You can imagine what the
£65 million per annum to Scotland. us a huge favour by killing lots of those pesky consequences will be, and they won’t be
Probe a little deeper and you’ll find that the deer, and now apparently 10% of foxes too. pretty, but the rewilders will be grinning from
latter is the headline figure from a piece of And I’m pretty sure they just made that last ear to ear. Let’s hope someone sees sense
research carried out at Bournemouth figure up. They don’t even know how many and puts a stop to their mischief before it’s
University in 2010. Read the actual report, foxes there are in Scotland, never mind how too late. ■
rather than just the executive summary, and
you discover that this huge figure is based
almost entirely on the responses to a survey
posted to around 1,500 people who visited
Scotland that year. Those that bothered
to reply may or may not be
representative of the whole. The There are fears
researchers then applied that the reintroduction
‘multipliers’ to that figure to arrive of the lynx will impact
at a vague estimate of how many negatively on our native
people visited Scotland each year deer breeds, such as
to watch wildlife, and an even the roe.
vaguer estimate of how much money
PICTURE: LAURIE CAMPBELL

they might have spent during their trip.

Pages and pages of the report are devoted to
justifying the wild assumptions made in
arriving at the figures. Naturally, the
researchers had to decide what to do with

22 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 SHOOTING
TECHNIQUE WITH JOHN HEAGREN // SHOOTING MANAGER AT BISLEY

Pocket rocket
This month John Heagren talks about the gamebird whose very name is enough to get the
adrenaline pumping... the woodcock
hether walked-up or driven, this wild bird Shooting them in cover when walking in the line shot, but always be aware of dogs working ahead
W provides some tremendous sport. Many
shooters may go their whole lives only having shot
can be truly exhilarating stuff, though it’s
important to ensure that the ‘red mist’ doesn’t
of the line and don’t take the shot unless you are
100% sure it’s safe. The same applies to those
a dozen or two of these elusive creatures; though take over as it’s very easy to get carried away and that burst forward and then turn back through the
most will remember each and every one of them, take a shot that can result in disaster. They tend line or fly across it, which can also prove
so sought after a prize are they. Always check to sit very tight and can explode from beneath hazardous if a Gun is too intent on his prey.
with your host at the start of the day that they are your feet at pace, jinking and turning among the
happy for you to shoot woodcock, as many trees. Most woodcock usually go forward, which Be ready
shoots now prefer to have them left alone. in a walked-up scenario should make for a safe Always keep a close watch on your surroundings
as you go, constantly appraising what is and isn’t
a safe area, as when a bird does flush you need to
already know where you can and can’t shoot; you
may have a window of opportunity of only a few
seconds. Consequently, it makes sense to carry
the gun closed, with the safety on and the
muzzles pointing skywards; however areas of
uneven ground, obstacles or thick cover dictate
that it should be open until the going gets easier.
From a perspective of technique, there isn’t
really anything specific to talk about when tackling
this wonderful bird; just bear in mind that if you
are likely to miss a rushed shot at a going-away
target, the chances are it will be over the top of
your intended target. So make sure your head has
a solid connection with the woodwork before
pulling the trigger, ideally in combination with your
weight being on the front foot. Other than that,
you are going to be shooting on instinct; stare
hard at the target and let your gun-swing do the
work as far as building in any required lead is
concerned, on the first shot at least – hopefully
the bird won’t jink as you pull the trigger. If a
second shot is needed, you may well have more
time to be a little more measured if Lady Luck is
on your side.
Don’t forget that woodcock are just as revered
as a culinary delight as they are as a sporting bird,
so make sure you don’t shoot them so close as to
waste them in a puff of feathers that sends your
dog hither and thither trying to decide which bit of

‘Make sure your head

has a solid connection
with the woodwork
before pulling the
trigger, with your weight
PICTURES: DON BRUNT

In thick cover, you won’t have much time to think

on your front foot ’

24 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 TECHNIQUE

Woodcock are delicious to eat, so don’t shoot them

too close and risk ruining the meat
THE VENUE
Bisley itself has been the
nation’s ‘Home of
Shooting’ since the
1800s, and Bisley
Shooting Ground has
long been an integral
part of the shotgun shooting community.
Set amidst 3,000 acres of stunning
heathland and woodland, its two shooting
locations – Long Siberia and Cottesloe
Heath – offer a perfect environment in which
to shoot. With targets that both educate,
entertain and challenge shooters of all
abilities, BSG offers tuition, guided practice,
‘Pay and Play’ and hosts popular
competitions throughout the year.
For more information, visit www.
bisleyshooting.co.uk or call 01483 797017.

the bird it should bring back first. Always mark the However, the emphasis on safety is still crucial;
bird down as there are dogs who struggle to find with beaters in front, Guns either side of you and so or you just might not see them at all. With such
them, while others will trot happily over to the bird pickers-up behind you, the consequences of low light, you need to trust that your gun shoots
yet be very reluctant to retrieve them. taking a chance on a marginal shot can be long where you point it and be prepared to move fast.
If you are fortunate enough to kill a bird with felt, so don’t do it. However, if you know the Once again, your chance might not last long
your first shot, don’t rush to reload; it’s relatively pickers-up are in the line with the Guns, don’t be before disappearing into the dark. When it comes
common for a second bird to flush from nearby afraid to shoot a woodcock out behind you if you to the end of the day hopefully you will have a
soon after the first, and there is nothing more are sure it is safe. The bird that flies along the front woodcock or two to chat over, and to ponder
annoying than having the other half of a left and of a wood is perhaps one of the most dangerous, what the recipe books recommend. Don’t forget,
right pop up in front of you while you have your as it’s easy to shoot at a bird that looks to be though, that if you are a guest it’s a nice way of
hand in your pocket. halfway up the treeline and a safe shot, only to thanking your host or even the keeper by giving
find that the ground actually slopes upwards, them your woodcock; however, it’s very unlikely
Gun choice putting the beating team in danger. that the precious meat will be wasted no matter
When it comes to choosing the right tool for the Your normal game gun should be fine for driven what you decide.
job, shy away from anything with overly long birds, and if you are lucky enough to be invited to
barrels if you intend doing a lot of shooting among go on a dedicated woodcock drive then no.7 shot Snipe
thick cover. However, as there are few of us who should be more than enough for the job at hand, Although smaller than the woodcock, this tiny bird
can afford the luxury of owning a 26-inch barrelled though a little more choke might be useful, provides big thrills. Often found in wet, low-lying
gun just for this purpose, 28-inch tubes are fine. If perhaps ¼ and ½, or even ¾. Don’t expect to see areas it tends to take off a little further out than
you only have one gun and it’s equipped with 30s, too many of these birds around until the winter woodcock, usually accompanied by some shrill
or even 32s, you will just have to manage the best has arrived in Northern and Eastern Europe, from calling as it does so. Again, shoot on instinct when
that you can. Don’t worry too much about having which many of the birds migrate. As a rule, expect walking up but remember to use the elements to
a lot of choke in the gun, cylinder or Skeet is greater numbers to come in with the moon help you; snipe always take off into the wind so
perfect for the first barrel, while ¼ or ½ might give sometime in November or early December, bear that in mind when planning your progress.
you a longer reach for follow-up shots. In 12 though the weather can push this earlier or later, When it comes to encountering driven snipe, they
gauge, a load of 28 or 30g of no.6 is probably while some mild winters may see fewer making are very awkward to connect with, making
ideal, though a fast-moving 20-bore is probably the long journey to UK shores. woodcock look slow and lumbering by
the best calibre for walked-up shooting in cover. Shooting flighting woodcock on a moonlit comparison so, once again, it pays not to dawdle
evening can be great fun; remember to try and too much and let your swing do the work as your
Driven day keep your eyes focused out to around 30 yards or instincts take over. ■
Shooting a woodcock on a driven day is a very
different affair, although they still jink and flit THE COACH
around, especially as they are emerging out of John Heagren is well known in both the clay and game shooting community as a coach who gets
woodland; they do tend to fly in a slightly more results, with more than 25 years of experience as a full-time coach and a shooting career going
consistent manner when out in the open, making back to his eighth birthday. Having come back to competitive shooting, in the last four years he
for a slightly easier shot. If they do remain straight has topped the FITASC rankings, represented England in International competition and in 2014
and level, remember that although you may be won the prestigious Stratstone Super 7 Challenge. He is also a respected shot in the game field
chasing them around the sky with your muzzles, and spends much of the winter coaching on the peg.
they don’t actually fly that quickly, so don’t give
them too much lead else you may miss in front.

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 25
READERS’

LETTERS
Something to get off your chest? Shoot us a line by post or email
WRITE TO Letters, Sporting Shooter, Evolution House , 2-6 Easthampstead Road,
Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 2EG EMAIL [email protected]
WORTH
£55.99!
To win your own Seeland Bolton LETTER OF
WIN Fleece, simply send your letter to
us at the above address.
The Seeland Bolton Fleece is one of the
THE MONTH
newest additions to the range. With two
zipped front pockets and a two-way YKK
zip, it has elasticated cuffs and hems. The perfect mid-layer on
Out of the colder days in the field. Available in sizes M-3XL and in carbon
and pine green. See www.seelanduk.co.uk for details
mouths of babes
The photo is of my son, Emmet, who shot
his first pheasant on Saturday, outside
Limavady in Northern Ireland. He is 11 and
A canny keeper
was alongside his brother Peter who is 12. Under the headline ‘The perfect shoot’ in the December issue of Sporting Shooter, it says ‘Too keen
They love beating and working their dogs, to kill’. I myself witnessed a guy who shot a bird no more than six feet from the end of his barrels.
Eden and Tucker. It was a great shot – high The Gun, handing what was left to the keeper, asked: “What should I do with this?” The reply being:
and curling. He was using a .410 single “I will try to find another to match it for your brace at the end of the day,” which he did, presenting
barrel, no.6 shot, mag cartridges and said: him with two birds which could only be used for ferret food. But this cured the Gun from shooting
“I just didn’t think about it, just led it and low birds. It’s a pity more keepers don’t do the same thing.
fired.” Good advice for us old hands from a Mr DV Edwards, Northants
new addition.
Thomas Conway, via email

Bedtime
reading PICTURE: REBECCA GREEN

This is my eight-month-
old son, Ollie, doing his
bedtime reading.
Richard Stockwell
SUITABLE FOR FRAMING – IS AVAILABLE. JUST CALL
NUMBERED, PRINTED ON WATERCOLOUR PAPER AND
AN ENLARGED VERSION OF THIS DRAWING – SIGNED,

TED ON 01908 371404 OR SEE WWW.TEDART.CO.UK

SNAP SHOTS

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 27
 LETTERS WIN FOLD UP DECOYS
WORTH £52
Thanks for the good advice
I just wanted to say a massive thank you for
all your columns relating to getting your
licence, what gun to choose and, more
importantly, what cartridge to use.
As a novice shooter, the thought of applying
for my licence was quite daunting, especially
when not really knowing much about exactly
The Fold Up Decoy (FUD) range is effective, functional and practical. The
what needs to go in the application. However, FUDs boast a variety of features that have quickly proven popular since
your columns relating to how to apply for your their launch last year. They are 3D and life size, with a movable head to
licence, along with buying your first gun, were recreate multiple postures. They are compact and lightweight, yet strong
extremely helpful. I now go shooting as much and long lasting and can be deployed in water using the detachable
as I can with my Lanber over-and-under,
anchor or staked in the ground.
teamed with Hull cartridges! Great work guys and girls.
James Hill, via email Choose either teal or wood pigeon
packs, depending on your needs.

Fantastic feedback
QQUESUTIIZON
Q
I’d just like to say many thanks for the book I GRASSIEST MOOCH is an
won in your Rifle Shooter prize draw – Venison, anagram of what bird that
The Game Larder by Jose Souto. What a
stunning book; I’d thoroughly recommend this was traditionally eaten in this
to anyone who shoots or processes deer. It country on 25 December?
would make the ideal Christmas present, too!
Again, many thanks and keep up the good work.
Pete Power, via email
SEND YOUR ANSWER TO THIS
MONTH’S QUESTION TO:
Game Fair greed Win Decoys (January), Sporting Shooter, Evolution House,
I understand through the grapevine that the Game Fair is on its way out. 2-6 Easthampstead Road, Wokingham, RG40 2EG, or email
Greed seems to be the main response from the people I have spoken to your answer to [email protected]
in the shooting and fishing fraternity. The last time I was there I spoke to
one of the traders, who told me how much he had to make before making NOVEMBER ISSUE WINNER
any profit, due to pitch Congratulations to Andrew Coulter from Livingston, West Lothian.
fees being so The answer was SHOOT CAPTAIN.
astronomical. As all the
infrastructure is there
already, why are the pitch RULES: Closing date is 1 January.
fees so high? Also, Answer will be published in the
concession prices of £1 December issue. Normal Sporting Win decoys January
less is nothing – why Shooter rules apply. For full terms Free to enter: fill in this form (or use
and conditions, send an sae marked a plain piece of paper) and send it to
bother at all? It won’t even
t&c to the postal address above.
buy you half a cup of tea. the address above, to arrive by the
Archant Ltd, publisher of
Mr DV Edwards, Sporting Shooter, would like to
closing date of 1 January
Northants keep you up to date with any
special offers or new products
or services which might be of
A:
Name:
Bagging a birthday duck interest. When entering by email
please state clearly if you DO NOT
wish for Archant Ltd to contact
Address:

This is a picture of my daughter Kerri Ann out on you in this way by email, SMS,
post or phone.
her 12th birthday at our flight pond. Asked what Tel:
We occasionally pass your
she would like to do for her birthday, she replied Email:
details on to carefully selected
that she wanted to go get a duck or two for her companies who wish to contact Teal or wood pigeon?:
dinner. Kerri Ann is photographed with her two you with information about their Archant Ltd, Sporting Shooter, and carefully selected
dogs, Bella (the Lab) and Lucy (the cocker). I am products/services. When entering companies would like to keep you up to date with any special
offers or new products or services that might be of interest.
a subscriber to Sporting Shooter and it is enjoyed by email please state clearly if you Please tick if you DO NOT wish to be contacted in this way by
by my entire family. DO NOT wish to be contacted in this email †, by text †, by phone †, by post †

Alwyn Orr, Northern Ireland way by email, SMS, post or phone.

28 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 Windsor Shotgun by Cogswell & Harrison
An icon of its time – regal, beautiful, strong, reliable

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Visit: www.cogswellandharrison.com SINCE 1770

ASK THE

EXPERTS QUESTION OF
THE MONTH

with: Cold feet conundrum

Q
DOM HOLTAM I tend to get very cold feet when stood instead for neoprene-lined models; these are far
STALKER AND EDITOR waiting at my peg on a driven day and as better at keeping your feet warm.
Dom Holtam is an a result, I have to constantly move around By far the best footwear option for keeping
experienced stalker to keep them warm. With the harder weather your feet warm and dry, and what we
and deer warden coming up, I would like to be able to concentrate recommend to our students here at Sparsholt
on my shooting instead of my cold feet. Do you College, are the leather lace-up boots; they offer
DON BRUNT have any advice or recommendations for the most ankle support when walking along
CLAY SHOOTING footwear which may help me? uneven or slippery terrain and the lace-up system
Don is a keen clay shooter enables you to find the best possible fit. The

A
and follows the country’s THE SPARSHOLT TEAM replies: When breathable liner allows your foot's perspiration to
top shots on the circuit your overall temperature drops, your escape, which further helps insulation.
body’s physiological response is to January is a glorious month to be out with the
ANDY CROW reduce blood flow to extremities in order to keep gun – cold, hard, frosty mornings and educated,
PIGEONS vital organs warm, your feet and hands bearing high-flying pheasants. Ensuring you are
Crowman has forgotten the brunt. Give your feet the advantage by prepared and wearing the right kit should mean
more about pigeons than wearing appropriate winter socks. People often you can enjoy your shooting and forget about
most of us will ever know think that wearing multiple layers of thick socks the cold.
will therefore keep your feet warmer, however,
DIGGORY HADOKE too many layers of socks can lead to
CLASSIC GUNS tighter boots, which in turn, leads to
Diggory Hadoke is an cold toes! If your boots are too big
authority on old guns and there can be a tendency to keep
buying at auction curling your toes and tightening your
feet and thereby restricting the
JONNY CROCKETT blood circulation; it is therefore
COUNTRYSIDE essential to find boots that fit you
Jonny Crockett teaches properly – remember to look for half
survival courses and other sizes if needed.
backwoods skills Look at wearing socks made with
merino wool which is a non-itchy
WILL EDWARDS wool that provides good insulation.
SHOOTING
Try to stay away from cotton-lined
Will Edwards is
wellingtons; they provide little
an APSI-qualified

PICTURE: NICK RIDLEY

shooting coach insulation on those colder days,
especially when you can be stood
TIM BONNER for long periods of time. Look
SPORTING ISSUES
Tim is Chief Executive of
the Countryside Alliance
Posting pointy prezzies
Q
SPARSHOLT COLLEGE
PICTURE: JAMES MARCHINGTON

I am thinking of buying a knife for my

GAMEKEEPING brother for Christmas. Is it okay to
An expert team of lecturers run send it through the post?
Sparsholt College’s full and part-time

A
gamekeeping courses JONNY CROCKETT replies: According
to the Royal Mail, it is fine to send sharp

Is there a question items (axes, knives, tools, etc.) through

the post, so long as it does not pose any risk
you want resolved? whatsoever to employees, customers or
anyone else coming into contact with the item
posted. This means that when you are posting
SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO:
Ask the Experts you should adopt a belt-and-braces approach
Sporting Shooter, to wrapping. Personally, I use extra cardboard
Evolution House, to wrap any sharp or pointed item and take
2-6 Easthampstead Road, the potential hit on extra postal costs. The
Wokingham, bottom line, though, is that it is legal.
Berkshire RG40 2EG However, any injury caused as a result of not
OR EMAIL: [email protected] packaging safely could result in prosecution.

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 31
 For the very latest news visit www.sportingshooter.co.uk
EXPERTS

Best hide materials

Q
What is the best
material to use for
building a pigeon hide?

A
ANDY CROW replies:
There is no right or
wrong answer, really. I
often use local vegetation,
from evergreen boughs to
hazel branches. Sometimes I
don’t use net at all. When I do,
I tend to use a combination to
‘layer’ my hide. I have some
different coloured old army
camo nets – some pale, some
dark. I also use a lot of the
modern ‘stealth camo’ type
nets. They have the advantage
of allowing you to see out
when crouching down but
won’t let the pigeons see in.
The main thing is to match the

PICTURE: DOM HOLTAM

colour of the environment you
are shooting in and to give
yourself a chance to see out to
spot incoming targets.

Travelling light Confused by

jargon
Q
I’m going on a hunting trip in Canada. We fluffed up it looks like talcum powder.
all have to pack light and I was wondering Soap – crushed campion roots, chestnut

Q
if there was anything I could do to leaves or citrus fruit water. My mate refers
minimise my wash kit and still stay hygienic? That should save an ounce or two! to his
ammunition as

A
JONNY CROCKETT replies: Here are ‘ballistic tip’. What
some alternatives: does that actually mean?
Toothbrush – a hazel twig the

A
size of a toothbrush handle can be DOM HOLTAM
chewed until it frays. Chew for a replies: I believe
further 15 minutes or so and the that the term
plaque will be removed from Ballistic Tip is actually
PICTURE: DOM HOLTAM

your teeth. a registered trademark

Toothpaste – a pea-sized for Nosler. However,
amount of clay (not clay many people use the
from the surface) can be term when referring to
used instead of any brand of plastic-
toothpaste. tipped bullets. The point of the plastic tip is to
Deodorant – take any allow the bullet to mimic the slippery shape of a
edible root (burdock, ‘spitzer’ bullet (giving good aerodynamics for
dandelion or thistle), long-range accuracy), while retaining the
crush and boil it. The construction of a hollow point. The plastic tip is
water will appear cloudy. also used to initiate expansion – this can make for
PICTURE: JONNY CROCKETT

Heat the water until it an almost explosive high-velocity varminting

evaporates and only the round, or just as effectively assist controlled
residue remains. This is starch. expansion at lower velocities if long-range
When it’s properly dried and A different take hunting, depending on the construction of the
on deodrant
bullet, jacket, etc.

32 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 OUR WAREHOUSE IS STACKED WITH

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 CLAY NEWS WITH DON BRUNT

US Nationals are a washout

San Antonio in Texas is usually a safe bet for the east an incredible 17 inches of rain had fallen, usual first-past-the-post format, meaning that
warm, dry weather but the week of the 2015 leaving devastation in its wake. leader Bill McGuire who had shot 218 now had to
Nationals proved to be rather different. With rain The cancellation of Saturday left the organisers start from scratch. In the end, the win went to
and strong winds throughout the week, the with something of a dilemma as one third of William Walton (208), while Todd Simmons (210)
decision was taken to cancel all shooting on the competitors had shot the four main courses over took second place and David Radulovich (215)
Saturday due to concerns about the safety of the two days early in the week, with the remaining two took third, which was the same spot he had earned
1,800-plus competitors on the ground. Freak thirds supposedly shooting their four courses and over the 224 birds. Ben Husthwaite flew the flag for
weather had produced rains that dumped more 300 targets over Thursday, Friday, Saturday and the UK, winning the Five Stand event, while expat
than four inches of water onto the ground in less Sunday. In the end, the decision was made to Doug Vine won the International Class with 214.
than three hours, which led to flash flooding and disregard the scores from the fourth course of the
parts of the FITASC prelim course were quite early week rotations and make the event out of a William Walton took the title in controversial
circumstances
literally washed away. The event, though, had total of 224 targets. The title was then decided in
something of a lucky escape, as just 30 miles to a 22-man Super Final shoot-off rather than the

Ben won the Five Stand event with a 98 ex 100

Much of the San Antonian ground was under water

PICTURES: DON BRUNT

34 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 CLAY NEWS

Brits triumph in South Africa Rachel Willcock took third in Ladies

The third ICTSF World Sporting was held at the

Valley Gun Club near Capetown, where a
somewhat reduced entry of 131 shooters took
part. The two 100-bird courses were far from
easy, with some quick long-range targets more
reminiscent of FITASC birds in some places.
However, Martin Myers took it all in his stride to
finish atop the podium with an impressive score of
186, having shot a 16 in the final. Nick Hendrick The competitors faced tough targets, some of which
took the Silver, while George Digweed took third had similar characteristics to FITASC birds
just ahead of Mark Winser and Jamie Brightman.
The all-British podium was repeated in Juniors
where Ben Sutton was crowned champion on 172
ahead of Taylor Hedgecock and Josh Bridges. We
were on top once again in Vets with John Wells
collecting the Gold on 173 followed by Keith Roe
and H Wills. Sara Chambers made it a full house
of champions in Ladies, with A Skeggs second
and Rachel Willcock third.
In the Team events, England had a huge margin
of victory of 49 targets over Ireland in Seniors,
while this was a close-run thing compared to the
76-point margin that the Junior team had over the
second-placed South African team. Things were a
little closer in Vets where England’s margin was
just 36, again South Africa taking second. In
Ladies, it was something of a one-horse race, so
the Gold was theirs for the taking.

A great performance from Martin Myers

Starshot perfection Colin Will (centre) is presented with his prizes after
some phenomenal shooting

This year’s National Starshot Final saw 251 would normally have been more than enough
shooters from around the country coming to earn him the win. Gareth Slack was close
together at Garlands Shooting Ground. The behind on 249, with Steve Whitlock fifth on 237.
crowd was treated to an impressive Former winner Colin seemed as surprised as
demonstration of shooting from winner Colin everyone else with the result and looked, for a
Will, who powered his way to the title having moment at least, to be somewhat taken aback
shot three perfect rounds of 88 straight to finish at his incredible performance, though his efforts
on an incredible score of 264. The runner-up were well rewarded in the form of a Browning
spot went to Dougie Aspden whose score of shotgun and Eley cartridges.

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 35
 105 Dudley Road, Brierley Hill, West Midlands DY5 1HD, England. Tel: 01384 573410. Fax: 01384 486467

POA POA POA

BERETTA 690 BERETTA 692 BERETTA DT11

POA POA POA

MIROKU MK38 GRADE 5 BROWNING 725 GRADE 5 BROWNING 725 BLACK EDITION

POA POA POA

KRIEGHOFF PLANTATION SCROLL KRIEGHOFF SOVEREIGN SCROLL KRIEGHOFF SUPER TRAP

POA POA POA

PERAZZI HIGH TECH PERAZZI MX12 PERAZZI MX2000S

POA POA POA

CAESAR GUERINI INVICTUS CAESAR GUERINI MAXUM CAESAR GUERINI EVO

THIS IS JUST A SMALL

SELECTION OF OUR SHOTGUNS
IN STOCK. VISIT OUR WEBSITE
FOR THE FULL GUN LIST.

FACTORY VISITS ARRANGED FOR

■ Beretta ■ Krieghoff ■ Perazzi

OTHER SERVICES
■ Counter coils supplied and fitted
■ Kickeez pads supplied and fitted
■ Cast work and oil finishes

Visit us at WWW.BRIERLEYGUNS.COM
THE MARKETPLACE
Bumper 10-page Christmas Gift Guide
elcome to the Marketplace – Christmas special.
W
52
In here you will find all the inspiration you need
to buy gifts for your shooting friends and family.
Whether gundog lovers, game shooters, stalkers or
pigeon shooters, we’ve got it covered. There’s a nifty
stocking filler guide too. And if you want to leave the
pages surreptitiously open, with certain items of
interest highlighted, well that’s up to you!

INSIDE THE MARKETPLACE

THIS MONTH...
The perfect presents – We’ve got all your
38 shopping needs covered this Christmas.
From gloves to cartridge bags, shooting
coats to ladies gilets, and everything in
between, our guide takes the guesswork
out of choosing gifts.

Gun test – Mike is testing the Krieghoff

44 K80 Parcours – a modern, innovative gun
that has evolved from the classic K32

Cartridges – Vic’s choice of loads for

54 mid-season birds

54 38

42

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 37
CHRISTMAS PRODUCTS
Our pick of the latest kit, the best value buys and the brightest new ideas

Carry with class The perfect gift is in sight

Cartridges don’t come cheap, and pockets are notoriously good at
spitting them out. The Cavendish cartridge bag, from Robey and If you’re thinking of buying shooting glasses for someone this Christmas, speak to
Green, is a smart alternative, and really tops off any shooting attire. the experts. With over 50 years’ optical experience, Optilabs are specialists in
Made from a sand-coloured, water-resistant canvas with dark prescription sports eyewear, precision-making all lenses in their in-house
Havana leather piping and fastenings, a dark green adjustable laboratory. Buy now and enjoy £20 off normal prices until 31 December 2015.
webbing shoulder strap, and finished with solid brass buckles, this RRP: from £99.95
classic cartridge bag is not an afterthought, but rather a feature to be www.optilabs.com
worn with pride. A hinged speed-load design allows for easy access,
and the bag can hold up to 100 loose cartridges.
RRP: £95 www.iancoley.co.uk

Kit for kids

It’s all well and good kitting yourself out with the latest clobber,
but if you plan on attending shoots with brood in tow then the
brood, like yourself, must be suitably clad; proper protection from
the elements is an absolute must. Featuring a tough, water- and
windproof Seetex membrane, classical styling and spacious
pockets ideal for cartridges, the Seeland Woodcock suit is all
your child needs to look smart and stay dry and protected while
What have we ear?!
out on a shoot. The trousers have adjustable hemlines to allow In cold weather you lose a lot of heat through
for growth spurts, and the jacket’s fleece-lined pockets will be your head, and although the same can’t be
sure to keep little hands warm in chilly weather. The Breeks also said for your ears, it doesn’t do to let them
allow for growing girls and boys with an elasticated waist and, get cold either – easier said than done
like the trousers, adjustable hemlines. when out on a cold shoot all day. But Alan
RRP: Jacket £89.99, Trousers £69.99, Paine has got you covered. The Compton
Breeks £49.99 in sizes 4-16 years Gents Cap with ear-warmers is made from
www.seelanduk.co.uk 100% pure wool, which is waterproof and
breathable, with soft, fleece-lined, ear-warming flaps.
The tweed finish is stylish and complements most country attire.
RRP: £39.99
www.alainpaine.co.uk

Roll up, roll up!

A roll collar is a great alternative to a scarf.
In harsh weather, when the wind feels like it’s
trying to whip the gun from your grasp, the last
thing any shooter needs is two yards of unruly,
billowing scarf to deal with as well. This roll collar,
by Harkila, is lightweight yet warm, made from soft,
non-itchy 100% merino wool, and comes in a lovely dark shadow brown to tie-in with
your sporting kit. Practical with a subtle sense of luxury, it’s a bargain at under £20!
RRP: £19.99 www.harkila.com

38 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 GAME SHOOTING – CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Pack up in style
The Cambridge slip and cartridge bag from Ogdens is a classically styled range of luggage that
uses a three-layer construction of canvas, bridal leather and sheepskin fleece (for the lining).
Solid brass fittings are used to produce a hard-wearing range of bags that are made in England.
The slip is available in two lengths to accommodate either 28"/30" barrels and 30"/32" barrels.
The cartridge bag has a hinged lid and holds 125 shells.
RRP: Slip £89.99, Bag £79.99 SPECIAL OFFER:
www.ogdensshootingsupplies.co.uk
Free p&p
(£10) when
Sporting Shooter is
mentioned when
ordering.

Stand out Look – no hands!

in the Field Calling all game shooters! No more will you struggle to carry all
your birds around. No more will you desperately wish to itch
Belgian technical clothing brand, John Field has your nose and end up with a mouthful of feathers. No more will
updated the design of its Ladakh shooting jacket you precariously juggle your equipment, guns, birds and
and trousers for the 2015/16 season. Now thermos to varying success. The Velveteen Game Carrier,
available in a darker Forest Green, the bestselling named after Victorian gamekeepers (or Velveteens), keeps your
outfit is now even better suited to blending into hands completely free, looks smart, and carries up to four
the British countryside. brace. The carrier has smart leather fastenings, high-quality
The warm, lightweight and waterproof outfit webbing, and comes in a range of colours and models; so there’s
boasts numerous well-positioned pockets plus a something for everyone.
Primaloft lining, making it extremely breathable. RRP: £69 www.augustuspink.com
The jacket’s high-tech fabric is complemented
with a touch of tweed to create a jacket with a
difference, but which still meets all the
requirements of a shooting jacket with game
Pretty performance A touch of class
pocket, padded flap for sitting on, and a bag for Once upon a time, the only The Windsor Game gun by Cogswell &
empty cartridges. There are also shoulder pockets colours high- Harrison is a real icon of its time. Regal,
for recoil pads and a set of heat patches for the performance beautiful, strong and reliable, it's the ideal gift
wrist and neck pockets. Matching trousers with outwear came in to treat that special shooter in your life.
reinforced fabric and zippers at the bottom of were dark, dull and The Windsor is available in 12g, 20g and
each leg are also available. rather depressing. 28g, with 28" or 30" M/C barrels. It is
Sizes: XS-XXXL Non-essential three-inch chambered, steel shot proof and
RRP: Jacket £300, Trousers £210 additional features has a single selective trigger, ejector and
www.johnfield.eu were virtually auto safe. Both right- and left-hand versions
unheard of. Not are available.
anymore! The lovely RRP: £1,145
Katy unisex fleece www.cogswellandharrison.com
gilet, by John Field,
embodies the new
trend for aesthetically
pleasing technical clothing. Made from Tecnopile
fleece, which is washable, abrasion-resistant,
anti-pilling, and bonded with sheepskin-esque
fleece on the inside, the gilet is warm, breathable
and durable. It comes in a non-garish but cheerful The
blackberry colour, with leather piping around the Windsor Game
four well-placed pockets and collar, and a over-and-under
faux-horn toggle at the neck. It’s perfect for comes with five internal
shooting, too, as arm movement is not restricted. chokes and boasts an
Sizes XXS-XXXXL attractive walnut
RRP: £95 www.johnfield.eu stock.

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 39
CHRISTMAS GIFTS
For the very latest news– GUNDOGS
visit www.sportingshooter.co.uk

Canine comfort
If you want to sleep sound in the knowledge that your dog is doing
likewise this Christmas, a pocket-sprung Waterproof Orthopaedic
bed from Berkeley Dog Beds is just the ticket.
This innovative mattress is 15cm (6") thick and is made up of a
central layer of pocket springs sandwiched between four layers of
rebound felt. This core is then wrapped in lambswool and
compressed and buttoned inside a tough, zipped, natural cotton drill
inner bag.
A pocket-spring mattress is the preferred choice for most human
orthopaedic beds, so why not for dogs? They contain many
individual springs, housed in fabric pockets, all working
independently of each other and offering support from the edge to
the very centre of the mattress. These provide a dynamic response
to the natural body movement of your dog, cushion vulnerable
exposed joints such as hips and elbows, and allow your dog the
freedom to either ‘nest’ or stretch out with ease.
These durable beds are heavy, so won’t slide around on the floor.
They come in three sizes and are available with a range of covers.
The standard outer cover is a 100% waterproof, PVC-backed,
polyester pillow-case design that is sealed with heavy-duty Velcro.
RRP: from £139
www.berkeleydogbeds.co.uk

A little bit of luxury and comfort A vest of interest

These leather lanyards from Paws for
Thought (Dog Training Supplies) are the It’s great when a product is
perfect stocking fillers this festive season. In designed based on
either a beaded or plain design, they are feedback from the ‘real
stylish and practical. world’, and that is exactly
And for those whose gundogs need a bit the case with the new
of extra help in the coat department, there is Gundog Gear Training Vest,
the canine jacket. Lightweight yet made developed with Firedog.
from a robust cordura, the coat features “Firedog’s Hunter
reflective trim to ensure visibility on winter Dummy Vest has been a
evenings. There is also a pocket that’s massive hit with our
perfect for storing essentials, such as poo customers,” says
bags and extra leads. Emma McCarthy of
RRP: Lanyard: plain £10, beaded £12.50 Gundog Gear. “We’ve
Canine Field Jacket: £39.45 listened to feedback,
www.dogtrainingsupplies.co.uk and taken advice from
A Panel spaniel judge,
Ray Casey. The revised
design is based closely
upon the Hunter Dummy

Santa paws Vest, but with new features to aid working test
competitors, triallers and those out picking-up.”
The back of the new vest is about four inches longer than
Fieldsports photographer, Charles Sainsbury-Plaice the Hunter Dummy Vest, making it easier to reach around
has produced a new dog-themed range of Christmas and into the game pocket. The game pocket itself is more
cards. The large, A5 cards feature a heart-warming spacious and there are hand-warmer pockets in both sides
collection of dogs in Santa hats that read ‘Santa of the chest. A ring has also been added to the bottom
Paws’. In amongst them are a lurcher, Patterdale corner of the front left pocket, to which you can attach a lead.
terrier, Jack Russell, springer spaniel and Labrador. The two large front pockets provide enough space for
Ideal to send to like-minded doggy devotees. other training tools and one small pocket provides
RRP: £2.95 each, £19.99 pack of 10 comfortable space for smaller things. There is also a large
www.countrysidegreetings.com zipped pocket inside for keys, wallet, etc. The vest is easy
to clean, washable and water-resistant.
RRP: £68 www.gundoggear.co.uk

40 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
CHRISTMAS GIFTS
For the very latest news– FOXING/STALKING
visit www.sportingshooter.co.uk

Nite Site Digital NV

As premier stockists of the 2015 Nite Site range of night vision
add-ons and handheld spotters, Scott Country has the new
range for you to try before you buy with their dedicated demo
service (conditions apply).
Whether you are looking for the long-range 500m
identification capability of the Eagle, mid-range 300m range of
the Wolf, or short-range 100m capability of the Viper for air rifle
and rimfire, there is a Nite Site model to suit your application
and budget.
The new Spotter Extreme is the only digital night vision device
on the market to provide up to 20x optical zoom, and a 500m
identification range.
Prices start at £449 for Viper, £639 for Wolf, £849 for Eagle,
and £949 for Spotter Extreme.
www.scottcountry.co.uk Tel: 01556 503587

Splash out! Deer-ly

beloved
Once again The British Deer
Society (BDS) has produced a
calendar filled with the most
If you want to really spoil someone (or yourself!) this beautiful and exciting pictures
Christmas, then why not treat them to a rifle kit from of deer that it could lay its
Anschutz? This .22 LR 1416 D G Classic 15" barrel rifle hands on. Turn the pages to
comes with an Anschutz sound moderator and a choice of discover a stunning new
either a 6"-9" or a 9"-14" swivel bipod. photograph every month.
SRP: £795 Perfect for deer lovers, stalkers
Available from your local gun shop. and wildlife enthusiasts.
RRP: £11 www.bds.org.uk

Stunning custom knives Light fantastic

If you are fastidious about your blades and fancy treating yourself, you This cordless, rechargeable lamp from
could do worse than to check out Emberleaf Workshops. They Deben’s Tracer Sportlight range is
specialise in custom blades made to the very highest standards and ideal for foxers travelling light. It has
from the best materials available. an impressive 500m beam and a
This stunning Cael AR set features two hunting knives aimed at 2½-hour run time, and with its
deerstalkers with Witte-Teal stabilised maple burl handles and AEB-L durable, weatherproof
steel blades. polycarbonate body and tough
Lexan lens, it’ll handle the toughest
RRP: from £600 of conditions. The lamp comes
www.emberleaf.com complete with a charger and red filter.
RRP: £69
www.ukshootwarehouse.com

The best of both worlds

Sometimes practicality overrides tradition, and sometimes you don’t have to choose! This innovative rifle sling by Seeland provides the best of both worlds. A
classic, one-shoulder sling on first inspection, it incorporates a subtle zip which, when undone, transforms it into a two-shoulder, rucksack-style rifle holder. It’s
just perfect for the Bear Grylls of the stalking world, who enjoy tackling rough terrain and employing every available limb to crawl into position. Safely stowed in
the centre of your back, the sling allows for the full use of both hands, and can just as easily be zipped back up and slung across one shoulder should the going
soften a little. Genius, really!
RRP: £33.99 www.seelanduk.co.uk

42 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 PIGEONS – CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Compact Lofting Champion of chairs

Comfortable, transportable seating that won’t

Poles, Lofting Hooks deposit you in the mud at the slightest breeze is
hard to come by; some have resigned themselves to

& Pigeon Decoys Kit the fact that they will never find a soft, carry-able
surface on which to rest their behinds. But don’t
despair – Seeland have come to the rescue of
This compact set from UK Shoot Warehouse is a great bottoms everywhere with this multi-functioning
gift for the keen pigeon shooter. It comprises eight wonder of a rucksack chair. The fleece-lined
lightweight aluminium poles, featuring high-quality backrest and seat keep you well cushioned and
swaged ends allowing the poles to interlock and giving warm while offering unrivalled back support, and
a total reach of over 7.5m. Additionally, it has five the padded shoulder straps on the rucksack
lofting hooks, five flocked, full-bodied pigeon decoys, make for easy transportation. The chair folds
and a bag made by Croots England. easily into the rucksack leaving room for extra kit,
RRP: £115 and the whole package looks neat and well
www.ukshootwarehouse.com designed. What a comprehensive solution to a
simple problem!
RRP: £69.99
www.seelanduk.co.uk

Blind faith
Pigeon shooters need a variety of different hide
camo for different seasons, crops and
backgrounds. The ability to ‘layer up’ different
camo allows for a more realistic hide. This
Omnitex 3D fabric in Mossy Oak Infinity is
polypropylene, so won’t rot or mildew, and is also
glare free. Available in 12' x 56" packs.
RRP: £40
www.highlandoutdoors.co.uk

DIY decoys Stick it to ‘em

Decoys looking a bit tired? This A perfect pigeon shooter’s stocking filler, this
UV paint from A1 Decoy is just the 10-pack of neck props will allow you to add shot
ticket to spruce them up and start birds to your pattern with that all-important
pulling in the birds again. ‘head-up’ appearance to show off those white
Available in white and grey. neck bars.
RRP: £11.99 RRP: £6.99
www.a1decoy.co.uk www.thepigeonshooter.com

Sillosocks Motorised Pigeon Flapper Hypa-Flap Decoy

The new Sillosocks
Motorised Pigeon For an extra
Flapper from UK £12 you can buy an
Shoot Warehouse is Extendable Telescopic
lightweight, realistic and one Bouncer to mount your
of the most effective pigeon Hypa-Flap decoy on.
decoys to hit the UK market
in recent years.
RRP: from £49
www.ukshootwarehouse.com

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 43
CHRISTMAS GIFTS
For the very latest news– WOMEN
visit www.sportingshooter.co.uk

Mucking about Nosy Parker

Cold, wet feet used to be an unfortunate and Often the inevitable consequence of warm,
unavoidable affliction of country life. Who hasn’t practical dressing is a strong resemblance to your
experienced premature rigor mortis in their toes great-aunt Myrtle. Country clothing brand Maude
when the temperatures are low and the action too & Fox are well on their way to squashing this
slow? The Original Muck Boot Company has stereotype once and for all. Their country-chic,
created an extreme conditions boot for women tweed-with-a-twist designs mix classic fabrics
that is not only 100% waterproof, but warm, with unconventional shapes and beautiful
breathable and stylish, too. The Arctic Sport II detailing, and manage to prettily perch on just the
boots are fully fleece-lined, come in a good range right side of quirky. If one product perfectly the roomy pockets blends in seamlessly with the
of colours and full- or calf-height options. The sole epitomises the brand’s tone, it is the Nosy Parker. overall design. This coat is suitable for a day of
is made with CR Flex-Foam – a clever material Traditional, high-quality Yorkshire tweed shooting, but equally would not look out of place
that is very durable but light, and provides shock maintains a classy, country feel, while the unusual in the town. A timeless, quality investment piece.
absorption and heat retention. Great for winter parker shape adds a subtle, modern edge. Far RRP: £480 (Yes, it’s pricey, but it’s fabulously
walks, shoots, skiing holidays, popping to the from being a futile fashion statement, this coat is well made. And think of the brownie points that
shop on icy mornings and just about any other fantastically warm with a full fleece lining, lined would fall out of the wrapping paper with this one,
chilly situation. They’ve even re-vamped their pockets to keep those hands toasty, and a big, come Christmas day!)
Rugged II Muck Boot for kids, making it even beautiful fur-lined hood. The patriot detailing to www.maudeandfox.com
warmer and easier to pull on and off – great for

Gorgeous gloves Wrap up

kids whose main concern is getting outside and
into muddy puddles as quickly as possible!
RRP: Ladies tall £95,
Ladies calf £90, Kids £60 There’s no doubt Wraps are very fashionable
www.muckbootcompany. about it, gloves are at the moment – or so the
co.uk essential shooting windows on the high
attire, and these ones street tell us, anyway.
make the most This one is an absolute
gorgeous, sumptuous beauty, and won’t look out
gift for shooting ladies. of place on a shoot day. Made from
Soft, dark leather palms pure wool in a range of stunning colours, it hangs
contrast beautifully with a in gentle, flattering folds, and has the added
tweed outer for a stunning, benefit of being water-repellent. This makes a
classy finish. lovely, luxurious and elegant gift for any lady.
RRP: £59.99 www.alanpaine.co.uk RRP: £99.99 www.alanpaine.co.uk

Practical, yet girly Fabulous fleece

Country Clothing
Gamebirds Clothing is a unique shooting and legends Schöffel
country clothing label, designed by ladies, for have been making
ladies, on the peg, on the lead, and on the land. great outdoor gear
The initial collection is all about introducing the since 1804; in fact,
brand’s core autumn/winter items, such as the the company is still
skinny range of moleskin and cord trousers and run by a Schöffel.
breeks, with 2% elastane, which are practical and Perhaps that’s why
comfortable for long days in the field, but also their iconic, Polartec
flattering and elegant to wear. Thermal Pro gilet
The Ptarmigan Tweed Waistcoat and Quail remains so popular;
Tweed Breeks are made with Gamebirds with over 200 years
Tweed and are neatly fitted and superb to of expertise behind
wear. Rich with details and features, the it, it must be pretty
Ptarmigan Tweed Waistcoat, designed good by now! It has
ultimately to pair with the Quail Breeks, happily a lovely shape with
complements either the Grouse Moleskin Breeks or the a half drawcord
Woodcock Cord Breeks. option for a flattering fit at the waist, two zipped
RRP: Ptarmigan Waistcoat £189.95, Quail Tweed Breeks pockets (handy for keeping cartridges, car keys
£149.95, Skinny Pheasant Moleskin Trousers £89.95, Skinny Grouse and sherbet lemons safe), and a snazzy alcantara
Moleskin Breeks £94.95, Skinny Partridge Cord Trousers £89.95, trim. Surprisingly smart and perfect for shoots, the
Skinny Woodcock Cord Breeks £94.95, Widgeon Moleskin gilet is now available in a fab new colour – a
Waistcoat £139.95 beautiful, soft fern green.
www.gamebirdsclothing.co.uk RRP: £129.95 www.iancoley.co.uk

44 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 01208 813651
Gunshop Open
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Tue 7pm-9pm
Sat 10.30am-12.30pm Shooting & Fieldsports Supplies
Ian Hodge Field Sports, Burlawn, Wadebridge, Cornwall. PL27 7LA

CORNWALL’S ONE STOP GUN SHOP FOR

SHOTGUNS, RIFLES & AIRGUNS
CLULITE PRO SCANNER GUARDIAN CANTERBURY JACK PYKE RIFLE AND JACK PYKE
1000 GUNLIGHT LUXIAN ELITE SHOTGUN SLIP SIGHT SLIP RIFLE BAG
Constructed from aircraft Combining premium grade chestnut Leather trim with padded lining sling & carry Large padded main section
grade alloy giving leathers and traditional designs the handles pouch will take gun with scope size for rifle and sights.
added protection Canterbury collection has been 25cm high x 125cm long One large external pouch.
and durability. carefully crafted to produce a Two smaller external
Makes a great range of products renowned pouches.
hand held torch. for their functionality and Large zipped pocket.
PRICE: classic elegance.
£79.00 PRICE: £105.00 PRICE: £34.95 PRICE: £49.95

KNOCKDOWN BOX OF 20 CLULITE LONG RANGER AIGLE CHERBROOK BOOT

RABBIT TARGET PIGEON DECOYS LED PISTOL LIGHT Full grain leather upper with polyamide
Target can be set back The Long Ranger membrane MTD for waterproofness and
up with a pull cord once LED Pistol Light uses breathability. Hard
the target is anchored to Great the latest CREE LED wearing rubber
the ground. Heavy metal value pack which produces 1200 outsole. KHAKI
construction. Suitable of 20 whole lumens with a 500m SIZES 39-46.
for all power air rifles bird pigeon beam.
in any calibre. PRICE:
decoys.
PRICE: £19.95 PRICE: £49.00 PRICE: £45.00 £79.95

JACK PYKE ALLEN CLUSON KOLPIN  RHINO VEHICLE

HUNTERS JACKET WINDOW LED GRIP
MOUNT LAZERLITE Safely and securely transport your gear.
Waterproof - Breathable -
Noiseless Outer
BAG The brightest Durable, flexible grips
shell: 100% Allen Shoot’n Filled and whitest cushion and protect while
polyester Window Mount Bag LED hand providing custom fit.
brushed tricot with - Fits over window, held light Mounts on any vehicle.
laminated membrane fence or mirror. available with
lining. Ideal for Lamping an incredible PRICE:
PRICE: £69.95 out of vehicle. PRICE: £19.99 beam. PRICE: £79.00 £60.00

JACK PYKE FIELDMAN NITESITE  WOLF BISLEY CLEANING KIT BUFFALO RIVER MOBILE
WELLIES The WOLF is the perfect night vision unit for
CLEANING CENTRE
Gusset with buckle fastening. any hunter, delivering high quality, clear night The unique design
Off track rubber sole with vision through any day vision rifle scope. allows the Cleaning
integral toe grip and kick • Identification range: 300 metres (330 yards)* centre to be folded
heel. 3mm neoprene lining. • Net weight away into its box
Available in Green. (excluding battery): 440g for easy storage
Sizes: 6-12. • Usable calibre: Any or transport to the
PRICE: PRICE: 12G cleaning kit. Everything you PRICE: range or in the field
£69.95 £635.00 need in a tough carry case. £34.50 when hunting. PRICE: £34.95

PULSAR QUANTUM SQUIRREL PAPER TRACER 12V SPORT GUN BUSHNELL TROPHY CAM
XD19S TARGET LIGHT  140 VP ● 3, 5 or 6 MP high-quality
The new Pulsar XD19S Thermal Imager 6.7 X 6.7 INCH Powerful, lightweight and full colour resolution
17 X 17 CM ● Day/night autosensor
features a 50hz thermal core, combined with durable. Adjustable focusing
● External power
a full colour palette system. Variable power.
microbolometer, Featuring a vertical filament compatible
● Adjustable PIR
range finding 50W halogen bulb,
reticle system capable of producing a super (Lo/Med/High/Auto)
and up to 500m PRICE: bright 400 metre beam. ● 0.8-second trig. speed

detection range. PRICE: £1,995.00 £4.95 PRICE: £44.99 PRICE: £149.00

HAWKE COMPACT HAWKE DERBY TWEED JACK PYKE COUNTRYMAN

BINOCUAR LASER BODYWARMER TROUSERS
RANGE ● Made from a high quality ● Heavy duty cotton canvas
● Multi-coated optics
● Lightweight
FINDER tweed fabric including ● Reinforced with 600d
● Fold down eye cups 400M 60% wool mix. waterproof Oxford cordura
● Centre focus PRO ● Traditional and hard at the knee and seat
wearing Derby Tweed ● 2 Front upper pockets
● Folds to pocket size Laser Range ● Heavy duty 2 way zip ● 2 Cargo pockets with flaps
● Carry case & neck Finder, Carry Case, ● Colours: Sage & Dark Tweed ● Rear zipped pockets
strap Wrist Strap & CR2
PRICE: £19.95 PRICE: £145.00 PRICE: £49.95 PRICE: £46.00
● Sizes Small - 3XL
Battery.

Tel: 01208 813 651 | Email: sales@ianhodgefieldsports.co.uk | www.ianhodgefieldsports.co.uk

CHRISTMAS GIFTS
For the very latest news– STOCKING
visit FILLERS
www.sportingshooter.co.uk

A touch of luxe Musical Mayhem

No gentleman shooter should be without a smart, Farmers play classical symphonies to calm
functional pair of gloves, for practical purposes if cows during milking; boxers motivate
nothing else. These gloves tick every box – water- themselves pre-fight by listening to ‘pumped-
resistant sheepskin leather and a high-quality, up’ tracks; meditation fanatics have been
ultra-fine fleece lining combine to ensure dryness utilising whale-song since Ghandi was a lad;
and warmth, while the dark brown, glossy finish so it was only a matter of time before some
and tweed trim present a smart, stylish appeal. smart cookie had the idea of creating music
Designed for shooters, they feature left- and especially for shooters. Murray, from Murray’s
right-hand trigger-finger fold-back Velcro flaps Musical Mayhem, has compiled a CD, entitled
– no chance of a chilly trigger-finger between Side-by-Side, which contains a mix of tracks
drives! To top it all off, they come in a branded gift bearing names such as ‘Skeet’, ‘Game’ and ‘Pull’.
box, making these the ideal, touch-of-luxe present Murray’s goal was to inspire a feeling of pride and
for any shooting man. unity within our sport, and to get the Guns’ feet tapping!
RRP: £49.99 He advises listening to it before shooting to calm nerves, or
www.alanpaine.co.uk after to reminisce to. It sounds a bit ‘out there’, but I bet the first
farmer that rigged up a sound system and let rip with the Mozart got some strange looks, too.
RRP: £12 (inc. UK postage)
Email: [email protected] Tel: 07845 276775

So long, soggy toes!

Make damp, smelly boots a thing of the past.
This nifty boot dryer by Seeland is an
absolute revelation. Compact, effective,
and the answer to an ongoing and
soggy-toed problem! This clever little
The Seeland boot device, which fits in most boots, harnesses
dryer comes with either a UV light to warm and dry out wet footwear.
UK or a European plug. A night by the radiator is not only an
insufficient drying method, but can
often damage the leather, too. This
fantastic gadget is easy to use,

Pellet safety store, and can even be popped into

dry shoes to warm them ready for a
long day of shooting.
The best things come in small packages, as they RRP: £11.99
say, and this is the perfect stocking filler. The www.seelanduk.co.uk
handy little pellet saver from RWS will keep your
pellets safe in your bag or your pocket.
RRP: £3.90
www.ruag.co.uk One for the ladies
Designed to complement country clothing, this beautifully made tweed purse features a leather fastening
and a brass-coloured popper with the Alan Paine logo stamped into it. It is satisfyingly sturdy and
radiates quality. The beautiful range of multi-tonal, pure wool tweed colours will coordinate with almost
anything; but we think it goes especially well with the Alan Paine wrap on the gifts for ladies page (p.44)…
just a thought!
RRP: £34.99
www.alanpaine.co.uk

46 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 STOCKING FILLERS – CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Marvellous mugs
Mugs, like socks, are always fail-safe stocking
fillers. Longthorne gunmakers have
commissioned their own range of fine, English
bone china mugs just in time for Christmas.
The lovely scroll design is made to match the
engraving on their Deluxe gun, and the heavy
gilding adds a special touch of luxury to this
modest little gift. Perfect for shooting friends
and family, especially if they are Longthorne
fans! The mug comes in a gift box.
RRP: £25.60
www.longthorneguns.com

Is it a scarf? Is it a tie? Timeless tipples

No, it’s the Alan Paine Aylsham men’s choker! This great
choker will have everybody on the shoot enquiring as to This beautiful hip flask from Harkila radiates
where it came from… the beautifully embroidered tonal quality and old-English charm. The stainless
Alan Paine logo might be a bit of a giveaway! An ideal steel circular design, reminiscent of clay targets,
stocking filler for any shooting gentleman, the Aylsham is encased in chocolate leather through which a
choker is made from luxurious fleece to keep necks little round window of your chosen tipple peeks
warm in chilly breezes, and is a steal at £14.99. It comes appealingly through. A copper and zinc mix
in a range of lovely country colours – stay warm, look popper fastening at the top, proudly bearing the
smart! Harkila brand, provides quick and easy opening
RRP: £14.99 for numb winter fingers. Give this wonderful,
www.alanpaine.co.uk timeless gift to a discerning gentleman of the
same persuasion.

Squeaky
RRP: £44.99

Belt up www.harkila.com

We know, we know, Christmas is a time of expanding

waistlines… not conducive to belt buying. However, once
little number
the last turkey and cranberry sandwich has been eaten, the The Fox Call UK from A1 Decoy is
last cracker pulled, and the New Year diet started in billed as being the original and best.
earnest, they’ll shrink back down to their usual slender (!) “Nothing squeaks them in like this
proportions. And what better excuse is there than that to call,” say the makers. The call, which
indulge in this beautiful, soft, quality dark leather belt. comes with a lanyard, is hands-free,
Spectacular in its simplicity yet robust and functional by so you can focus purely on shooting.
nature, with the heavy brass-coloured buckle lending to the RRP: £11.99
classic styling. The Moel leather belt by Seeland is a www.a1decoy.co.uk
stocking filler that is not only useful, but special enough to
provoke some excitement upon opening.
RRP: £29.99
www.seelanduk.co.uk

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 47
UK’S TRADE AND CONSUMER SHOOTING PRODUCTS SPECIALISTS
Visit our website at: www.gdkoutdoors.co.uk
T: 01582 879 588 E: [email protected]
Norrington End Farm, Redding Lane, Redbourn, Hertfordshire, AL3 7PU

GUN CABINETS GDK GUN BAG PRO

with integrated pop out stand.
AVAILABLE IN FULL
GUARDIAN LEATHER 50” & 54”
Leather colours available -
Dark brown or London Tan
From £84.99 - £98.99

LEATHER & CANVAS 50” & 54”

6 GUN CABINET WOOD
EFFECT WITH INNER Canvas colours available -
AMMO SAFE Black or Green.
Dimensions: From £134.99 - £148.99
Height 1500mm
Width 350mm This is a brand new 2016 product,
Depth 300mm but will be available from 24/11/15,
● Suitable for shotguns / rifles just in time for Christmas.
● Internal key locking Please visit our website for full info.
inner ammo safe
● Red carpet lining throughout
Police Approved GDK179 GUNSLIP
Built to BS7558/92
● Suitable for 28-32” Barrels
£199.99 Inc VAT ● Longer lengths available
& Delivery
● Also available in TAN

£88.99 Inc Vat

VAULT LOCKING 8 GUN CABINET

WITH AMMUNITION SAFE CLAY TRAP
Dimensions:
Height 1430mm
ACCESSORIES
Width 530mm
Depth 310mm
CHECK OU
● Holds 8 shotguns / 6-8 scoped rifles T
● Suitable for 4 x X-Long shotguns / OUR NEW £59.99
rifles at the right hand side Inc VAT & Delivery

WEBSITE
£279.99 Inc VAT ! WIRELESS SYSTEM
70M Wireless hand remote
& Free delivery

CLAY PIGEON TRAPS £189.99 Inc VAT & Delivery

FOR ALL CLAY PIGEON TRAPS, VIEW OUR WEBSITE FOR FULL DESCRIPTIONS AND VIDEOS. SMALL
WOBBLER KIT
Black wing clay trap, aerial assault clay trap, Black
BLACK WING AERIAL ASSAULT quail clay trap or any other branded clay trap under
PACKAGE DEAL CLAY TRAP 50kgs. The small wobbler kit has 2 settings, DTL & ABT
(down the line, and Automatic ball trap).
Includes: with 100m wireless
50 Target black wing auto remote control.
2 wheel trolley Target capacity 50 targets
ABT / DTL Wobbler kit Distance 70-80 Meters
70m wireless remote control Elevation 0-70 degrees
Our GDK Black wing clay trap Clay Type Standard only
is our most popular starter (midi converter
machine. This package deal available)
is the best option to save Powered by 12 volt battery £99.99 Inc VAT & Delivery
money on buying each (not included)
of the above accessories Warranty 1 year 300m RADIO FOOT
individually. £429.99 Inc VAT & Del. PEDAL SYSTEM
Weight 28kg The best wireless foot pedal currently available. With
the 300m radio foot pedal, you will be guaranteed
Clay release Comes with a cabled foot pedal release (6M 100m range even with high/low ground and
£599.99 Inc VAT & Del obstructions between the foot pedal and the receiver.
cable) & 100m wireless hand remote control
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www.sportingshooter.co.uk 51
 GUN TEST WITH MIKE YARDLEY

Gentle giant
With its combination of classical good looks and modern, innovative functionality,
Krieghoff's prodigious K80 Parcours gets it spot on
his month’s test gun, the but has traditionally ribbed, presented with good-quality wood. weighs in at about 8lbs, I
T Krieghoff Parcours, arrives in
these pages for the best of reasons
fixed-choke 32" barrels. These are
lighter for length than the previous
The wood and metal have the
competent fit and feel that one
immediately felt confident in its
dynamics. The barrels are lively as
– because I had heard good things Krieghoffs. Consequently, this expects from an established maker well as long with sufficient weight to
about it. I have shot many K80s. model provides quicker handling offering a premium product. It feels remain steady. Their length and
When well sorted, they are excellent than its stablemates. First solid and pointable. As for the reduced profile makes them
guns – chunky, but notably steady impressions of the test Parcours are aesthetics, I suspect it’s a Marmite pointable, too. They are of
and efficient, clay-mashing still that it’s a big beast, but quite an situation. Krieghoffs are distinctive, monobloc construction and fitted
machines. Based, externally at least, attractive one. Looking at its as noted, and there really is no with conventional joining ribs, as
on the old Remington 32 as silver-finished action, you will note mistaking their squarish lines, which noted. The sighting rib is fairly
recreated in Germany, they have a fairly bold scrollwork (many have a sort of brutal, modernist narrow at 6-8mm. Chambers are 3"
reputation for solid quality and some decorative options are, however, elegance. To me, they look – like the (76mm) and are chrome lined. The
characteristics which make them available). The rest of the Remingtons they’re inspired by barrels have an internal bore
stand out from the modern pack. specification includes an adjustable – very much products of the dimension of 18.6mm (wider than
The angular, sliding, top-cover trigger with a well-shaped blade, a 20th-century machine age. But that many and better for it) with longer
action, for example, is distinct in barrel selector forward of it (not is not necessarily a bad thing; it’s than average forcing cones set
both profile and mechanism, as are combined with the safety as usually part of the gun’s character. forward from the chambers. The
the barrels on most K80s, which seen), and a lockable safety – a On the handling front, I have often fixed chokes are ¾ and full (though
dispense with side ribs and are feature geared towards the needs of found Krieghoffs to be pretty hefty. Teagues would be a possibility). The
connected by a hanger at the clay shots, although this might be On first mounting this one, which barrel wall thicknesses are thinner
muzzles that allows for point of considered a gun that is equally
impact changes (an especially useful suitable for game. The Parcours
feature for Trap shooters). may also be fitted with an automatic
The Parcours model, introduced a safety making it more suitable for
couple of years back, retains the game shooting.
well-proven sliding top action, The test gun is generally well

HISTORY
The K80 Krieghoff is an evolution of the K32, which itself is an
ancestor of the once much coveted Remington 32. The Remington
appeared in 1932 as their answer to the recently introduced
Browning Superposed (which was first marketed circa 1929). The 32
was designed by Crawford Loomis. His new gun dispensed with
conventional bolting and used a sliding top-piece instead. It also
used a trunnion hinging system (the inspiration for which may have
come from Boss and Woodward) as since adopted by Beretta and
Perazzi, and just about everyone else save for Browning and Miroku.
A prime advantage of this system is that it keeps action height down
compared to guns with under-barrel lumps.
The 32 sold for under $100 (less than the Browning), but required a lot
of handwork and was discontinued after a decade of production (in
which about 5,000 were made). After World War II, Remington sold
the design and manufacturing rights to Krieghoff. Remington seem to
have regretted their decision to sell off the 32, because, noting the
success of Krieghoff, they introduced a 32 lookalike, the 3200, in the
early 1970s. This was a different gun internally to the original. It was
PICTURES: MIKE YARDLEY

not a great commercial success, but continued in production until

1984. Valmet, Miroku and Marocchi have also produced sliding
top-cover models (the Miroku was called the model 3000), as has
Damon Petrick (under the Darne name) in France.

52 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 RRP
555 KRIEGHOFF K80 PARCOURS
£9,
UP CLOSE

than ribless Krieghoffs because the SHOOTING

IMPRESSIONS
stiffer, ribbed construction method
allows for it.
Considering the pleasantly figured
stock (and you can pay more to Though it is livelier than some
upgrade the wood further), the comb Krieghoffs, this is still a big gun which
feels comfortable and is significantly requires a bit of upper body strength to
higher than many Krieghoffs. The shoot well. Balance is just forward of
the hinge pin (where it should be on a The locking cover slides forward to engage with the side wings
grip is of a sensible size, with not too
tight a radius, and with a right-hand 32" gun; long guns balanced out on the
palm swell (much better than pin can feel ungainly). The Parcours
ambidextrous ones previously seen). feels exceptionally pointable, and its
Length of pull is 375mm with drop narrow rib suited, too. Shooting the gun
dimensions of 35 and 46mm at the was an entirely positive experience.
nose of the comb and heel The tight fixed chokes munched clay
respectively. There is some birds decisively. The gun felt
right-hand cast – 6mm at the heel comfortable and the stock, with its
and 9mm at the toe. The fore-end is reduced drop, contributed to low felt
of an excellent new pattern, too, recoil along with the overall gun
which fills the hand well and weight. Trigger pulls, which may be
dispenses with a schnabel lip. The regulated to specification, were
woodwork is hand chequered and pleasantly crisp. The mechanical single
oiled. A simple, but perfectly trigger functioned well (though I was
adequate, black recoil pad graces aware of its mechanism operating, and Bold scrollwork decorates the silver-finished action
the rear of the butt. I might also more so than in some other designs).
mention here that a new stock bolt is Overall this is a well-sorted, much
available upon which up to three 40g evolved gun, backed up by the
balance weights may be placed. first-class service offered by Alan
The Krieghoff action is a bit Rhone. If I was buying a Krieghoff, this
different. The locking cover slides is the model I would opt for.
forward to engage with side wings
on the barrels to lock the gun up.
There are conventional trunnion-type
WE LIKE
■ The light, long barrels
-
hinging studs, upon which the ■ The new, higher stock
bifurcated lump barrels pivot. The
dimensions
top lever is quite short, but the ■ The handling dynamics
thumbpiece larger than average,
offering good leverage and
purchase. The sliding safety has a
push-button lock. The barrel selector
WE DISLIKE
■ Not too sure about the
/ The sliding safety is fitted with a push-button lock

(a small lever) is positioned forward

action profile
of the adjustable trigger within the
trigger guard bow. The action body
of the Parcours, like other K80s, is TECH SPECS
based on a steel forging and has top ■ Make: Krieghoff
and bottom straps, unlike many ■ Model: K80 Parcours
over-and-unders which mostly tend ■ Bore: 12
to be trigger-plate designs ■ Barrels: 32"
(Browning/Miroku being an ■ Chambers: 3" (76mm)
exception). Hammers are powered ■ Chokes: fixed – three-quarters
by helical springs positioned, and full
unusually, to the front, and are low ■ Rib: 6-8mm
and mainly concealed in the action ■ Weight: 8lbs
body. This arrangement results in ■ RRP: £9,555 The adjustable trigger boasts a well-shaped blade
especially rapid lock times. ■

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 53 53
www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 CARTRIDGES WITH VIC HARKER

Mid-season marvels
Whatever your bore preference, Vic has a cartridge to fill the bag
ue to the exigencies of the publishing game loads that will enable you to make a pushing the envelope in terms of performance
D industry, this column is always a little in front
of itself; however, by the time you read this the
handsome contribution to the bag, whatever your
position in the line – pound seats or walking Gun.
and quality. Black Gold Dark Storm incorporates a
combination of diamond hard shot, a fibre wad or
pheasant season will be in full swing and birds will a newly developed wool, which makes for an
be getting bigger, stronger and higher. Therefore, 1. ELEY ZENITH environmentally-friendly cartridge but at the same
my cartridge selection this month, from the Demonstrating once again that GB’s longest time provides ultra-fast, 1525fps long-range
country’s best-known manufacturers, features established manufacturer is about more than just performance. Already a favourite of a number of
tradition, Eley have reached new heights of high-pheasant specialists, it provides a
excellence with the introduction of their Zenith standout performance in any company. Available
‘The 20-bore gun continues cartridge. Copper-plated shot ensures pellet in 30g and 32g fibre wad 4, 5 and 6, £295-£314
deformation is reduced to the minimum, meaning per 1,000.
to grow in popularity and the pattern holds together for longer and hits
harder at greater range. On the pattern plate, 3. HULL HIGH PHEASANT EXTREME
this is, in no small part, due results were as impressive as they are in the field, Few game cartridges enjoy the reputation that
with 30g and 32g loads even more so. Available in this cartridge has achieved for consistent quality
to the ammunition industry 30g and 32g fibre wad 4, 5 and 6, £320-£342. and high performance. With December birds
flying higher and stronger, this famous maker’s
producing ever more 2. GAMEBORE BLACK GOLD 32g load sits in a class of its own. More pellets
DARK STORM and increased velocity provides downrange
effective cartridges’ Gambore is another company that is always hitting power, time after time. Available in 32g and
PICTURES: VIC HARKER

54 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 CARTRIDGES

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

34g plastic and fibre wad 4, 5 and 6, £297.50- 6. LYALVALE EXPRESS SPECIAL GAME well mannered with a suitably moderate recoil.
£315.50 per 1,000. Another superb cartridge for lightweight English For the small-bore aficionado, who wants to
guns from this redoubtable English manufacturer. keep up with the big shots, he could hardly do
4. FIOCCHI PL34 With a genuine 2½" case, moderate ballistics and better. Available in 30g fibre wad 5 and 6, £285
Very much a cartridge for those high, wide and clean-burning Vectan powder, this cartridge is a per 1,000.
handsome pheasants that might otherwise real bag filler. The devotees of this cartridge swear
escape, this 34g load from Italy is a real stopper. It by its performance, and after putting some 8. EJ CHURCHILL HELLFIRE GAME
is developed by one of the longest established through my venerable boxlock, I could see why. The junior member of the Hellfire Club is as
manufacturers in the world, with a wealth of For those who shoot a lot of cartridges through a lively a performer as the senior member. With its
experience in producing shotgun cartridges for light English gun, this load is the one. Available in high performance and low recoil, it is very suitable
every purpose. For mid-season birds and beyond, 30g and 32g plastic and fibre wad 5, 6 and 7, for use by the fairer sex shooting 20-bores.
keep some PL34 in your pocket for the really long £248-£275 per 1,000. Available in 30g and 32g fibre wad 4 and 5,
ones. Available in 34g plastic wad 4, 5 and 6, £340-£402 per 1,000.
£225 per 1,000. The 20-bore game gun continues to grow in
popularity and this is, in no small part, due to the 9. LYALVALE EXPRESS SUPREME
5. EJ CHURCHILL NEW GENERATION II ammunition industry producing ever more GAME
HELLFIRE GAME effective cartridges. For the already dyed-in-the- This premium grade 20-bore cartridge with a 30g
Manufactured by Gamebore to EJ Churchill’s wool small-bore enthusiast, or the shooter going shot load really does make a case for using the
specification, the copper-plated shot load avoids down a bore size this season, the next three smaller calibre game gun. At any sensible range
deformation in the barrel so that more pellets cartridge offerings will not fail to impress. you are never going to be under-gunned, and the
reach the bird. This can be seen on the plate and lighter, faster handling gun really does make
via the benefits experienced in the field. This is a 7. HULL HIGH PHEASANT EXTREME sense for some shooters, male and female,
very effective load and suitable for use in best Sharing all the virtues of its 12-bore big especially with this excellent load from Express.
English guns. Available in 30g and 32g fibre wad brother, this smaller gauge still packs an Available in 30g and 32g fibre wad 5 and 6,
4, 5 and 6, £382-£416 per 1,000. impressive punch and, at the same time, is equally £292-£313 per 1,000. ■

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 55
 Park Street Guns
Est. 1987
Credit Offered Subject to Status

A SMALL SELECTION OF OUR COMPETITION GUNS Krieghoff K-32 32” Sporter/Trap gun with adjustable comb stock in tidy condition throughout ................... £3,695
Holland & Holland Sporter 28” multi-choke with detachable trigger mechanism, in case. Beautiful gun .. £29,995 Perazzi Grand Italia SC3 12 bore Trap Gun with 29.5” barrels in tidy condition throughout ........................ £3,750
Beretta S05 Sporter 30” multi-choke in superb condition throughout with well figured woodwork ............. £8,750 Perazzi MX8 12 bore Trap Gun with 29.5” barrels choked at 3/4 & Full. Very tidy condition ........................ £3,500
Beretta DT10 FITASC 32” Teague Choked Sporter in very tidy condition throughout. Highly sought after gun!...£4,750 Beretta 687EELL 28” Sporter 20 bore with pretty woodwork and complete with case and all accessories .... £3,495
Beretta 687 EELL 30” Sporter with ISIS recoil reducer fitted. A lovely gun for not a lot of money! ............... £2,995
A SELECTION OF GAME GUNS
Beretta Silver Pigeon 1 30” 12 bore Sporters always in stock ................................................................................ £1,449
Beretta SO3 12 bore with 26.75” barrels choked at 1/4 & 1/2 with 14.5” all wood well figured stock
Beretta DT10 30” Sporter in tidy condition throughout ........................................................................................ £2,650 and complete with case. Very tidy condition indeed ............................................................................................... £5,995
Beretta 690 I 32” Multi-Choke Sporter in stock-latest model from Italy with black and orange action. Beretta Silver Pigeon 1 Classic 12 bore with 28” multi-choke barrels and well figured woodwork. NEW .... £2,425
Lovely handling shotgun .............................................................................................................................................. £1,994
Beretta Silver Pigeon I Deluxe 20 bore with 32” multi-choke barrels. A great handling,
Beretta 682 28” Skeet Gun with adjustable comb ....................................................................................................... £600 long barrelled 20 bore from Beretta. NEW................................................................................................................ £2,205
Beretta 682 Gold 30” multi-choke Sporter. This example is in mint condition and has fired less than Beretta Silver Pigeon I Classic 20 bore with 30” multi-choke barrels and stunning woodwork! New .......... £2,555
70-0 rounds since new! ................................................................................................................................................. £1,600
Beretta Silver Pigeon 3 28” multi-choke game gun in good condition throughout .......................................... £1,595
Beretta Silver Pigeon III 32” multi-choke Sporter in good condition throughout ............................................ £1,500
Beretta 686EL 12 bore 28” fixed choke game gun in immaculate condition throughout .................................. £1,675
Beretta 686 28” Left Handed sporter, choked at 1/4 & 1/2........................................................................................ £695
Beretta 686EL 12 bore 28” fixed choke game gun in excellent condition ............................................................ £1,595
Beretta 686S 20 bore 28” multi-choke Sporter with shortened stock, ideal for youngster or lady shooter. Very tidy!... £995
Beretta Silver Pigeon S 28 bore with 28” multi-choke barrels and fitted with a shortened stock (13.5”),
Browning C2G 30” Sporter with barrels choked at 1/4 & 1/2, this is a very presentable, high grade B25 ..... £5,500 ideally suited to a youngster ........................................................................................................................................... £975
Browning B2G 30” Trap Gun with Broad rib and barrels choked at 3/4 & Full ................................................ £3,250 Beretta Silver Pigeon 30” multi-choke .410. Pre-owned but 100% unfired ........................................................ £1,275
Browning B2G 27.5” Skeet Gun in very tidy condition with light, honey coloured woodwork...................... £2,750 Browning B725 Hunter 1 12 bore with 30” multi-choke barrels ............................................................................NEW
Browning B1 27.5” Skeet Gun in fair condition. A 1973 gun with only one owner from new, Browning B725 UK Game Black Gold 20 bore with 30” multi-choke barrels, round knob pistol grip,
this would benefit from a total refurb............................................................................................................................ £895 rounded forend and pretty woodwork. NEW ........................................................................................................... £2,195
Browning B425 GDI 30” multi-choke Sporter in tidy condition throughout........................................................ £895 Webley & Scott 900 12 bore 28” Game Gun. NEW. 0% Finance Available on this product, see below for details.....£799
Browning B525 Sporter 1 28” multi-choke in tidy condition but with marks on stock ...................................... £995
Ceasar Guerini Essex 34” multi-choke Sporter. Despite the long barrels, this handles like a dream! ............... Call!! LOTS MORE GUNS AVAILABLE, FIND THEM NOW ON OUR NEW LOOK WEBSITE
Miroku MK60 GDV 32” Universal 3/4 & Full, great sporting shotgun also suitable for high bird This is just a very small selection of the guns we have in stock. Every gun listed here is in stock at the time of writing.
shooting. Lovely wood!................................................................................................................................................. £2,250 For an accurate, up to date listing of our guns find us on www.gunstar.co.uk, pictures available of most guns.

Special Offer of 0% Instant Finance is available We now offer Instant Finance on all purchases
on selected Webley & Scott shotguns and BSA Pre over £300, excluding ammunition, thanks to the
Charged air rifle products only. For example, a new
Webley & Scott 12 bore 900 over and under at £799, Tel: 01727 872646 | www.gunshot.co.uk guys at Omni Capital Retail Finance. Typical
APR is 19.9% with a minimum of a 10% deposit
pay 50% deposit then the balance over 12 months at 1-2 PARK STREET LANE, PARK STREET, ST. ALBANS, HERTS AL2 2NE with repayments spread over anything from 12
£33.29 per month! Credit subject to status. to 48 months.
MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9AM - 5:30PM SATURDAYS9AM TO 5PM

56 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 CAMPAIGNING FOR
Jamie Stewart is SCA Director
of the Countryside Alliance
THE COUNTRYSIDE WITH JAMIE STEWART GET IN TOUCH...
Web: countryside-alliance.org.uk/join

Radical reform
Telephone: 0207 840 9300

The image of a Scottish farmer breaking down in tears at the prospect of losing the land he has
worked so hard to maintain adds an emotional tone to Scotland’s Land Reform Bill debates
he movement towards further land reform in supports the Scottish government in its a report on land reform in Scotland. When asked
T Scotland has attracted much attention; but
does the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill authorise a
objectives, while reserving the right to a different
approach to achievement.
what his children will say about the situation, he
broke down in tears.
Zimbabwean-style land-grab, metaphorical or The Land Reform (Scotland) Bill begins by Memories of clearances, and current battles
otherwise? The Scottish government may have providing for a ‘land rights and responsibilities with derelict land and evictions give the debate an
published ‘radical’ proposals, aimed at widening statement’ and a new Scottish Land Commission emotive tone – sometimes helpful, sometimes not.
the ownership and diversity of land use across the to ensure fairness over land ownership and use. Rightly or wrongly, land reform has become one
country, but understanding what effect land To which many have applied the line: ‘Land that is of the central issues in the nationwide discussion
reform may have on Scotland’s population and a finite resource should be owned and used in the on Scotland’s future; but it is one in which we
economy involves, first of all, understanding what public interest for the common good of all the should not be held to ransom by the hugely
land reform is actually about. people of Scotland’ – whatever that means! In emotional experiences of individual cases.
Contrary to much of the land-reformists’ reality, the Land Reform Bill is a beast of many It is a convenient narrative for those who see
rhetoric, it is not a process of simply removing all heads with many meanings to as many people. land reform as a crusade to break up estates,
lands deemed to be unjustly owned, à la Controversial or otherwise, after a vigorous which they perceive as a throwback to a bygone
Zimbabwe in 1980. It is a process of reforming the debate, delegates voted against a motion era. However, it is a distortion of reality and a view
legal, fiscal and administrative framework welcoming the introduction of the Scottish that is serving the interests of rural Scotland very
governing all land in Scotland. It is about how land government’s Land Reform Bill by 570 votes to poorly. The argument that changing the pattern of
is owned, occupied, taxed, inherited, and used. 440, rejecting the Scottish government plans to land ownership, by breaking up estates and
Complex, to say the least! widen the ownership of land across Scotland for expropriating land from some landowners to give
How land is owned, used and governed is not being radical enough. to others, is fundamentally flawed. This land
vitally important to the wellbeing of Scotland, with One image sums up, for me, the extraordinary reform debate needs to focus on land use, not
a healthy bias towards those who live and work events that took place in Aberdeen – that of land ownership.
thereon. Scotland’s iconic landscapes are all too weeping tenant farmers. A stunned silence filled It is unlikely that the move will affect the
often sold as wild and untamed, which is, by and the church hall when tenant farmer, Andrew passage of the Bill at this stage. However, the
large, untrue. Much of the land in question is Stoddart addressed the 300-odd attendees of the SNP activists’ public outcry demonstrated that
managed sensitively and sustainably through Our Land meeting. He explained that he faced there is still time for the Scottish government to
tried-and-tested methods, to produce eviction from the land he’d farmed for 22 years, listen to feedback from its call for evidence, and
employment opportunities and greatly needed and that he would receive little compensation, subsequent analysis from its committees and
income sources to facilitate and support the despite investing nearly half a million pounds in parliament as a whole.
establishment of rural communities. Colstoun Mains Farm over that period. The As with all land reform measures, these will
The Scottish Countryside Alliance, like so many previous night Andrew had appeared on Channel ultimately be judged by the effect they have on
organisations representing sustainable land use, 4 News, interviewed by Alex Thomson, as part of the landscape itself. ■
PICTURE: LAURIE CAMPBELL

57 www.sportingshooter.co.uk www.sportingshooter.co.uk 57
 A lifetime’s shooting experience, home and abroad
FURRIER

Thirteen, unlucky for some

Furrier recounts hilarious, heart-warming gundog tales of two unforgettable canine
colleagues, now sadly passed
very Christmas you see those adverts While in Essex and helping out with keepering been left in the car asleep as my wife did some

E and posters that say ‘A dog is for life, not

just for Christmas.’ This always strikes a
chord with me as I remember past canine
duties on a farm shoot, I was given an English
springer spaniel pup – a breed I always swore
never to have anything to do with. The shoot
gardening work, got himself into more mischief.
The client, in a rush and unable to find my wife to
pay her, popped the cash through the open
colleagues and some of the more amusing captain couldn’t cope with him; it didn’t help that window of the car, only for my wife to return a few
anecdotes about their antics. These stories, left he had been spoilt every night since he’d left his minutes later to find the £50 note being devoured
with me by two very memorable gundogs, will mother with a hot-water bottle and a supper of by the pup and only just retrievable by the final
hopefully jog some memories of your own close condensed milk. From day one he was a corner poking out of his mouth.
confidants, the loyal work they carry out, and the character, careering around the house before Having moved from Essex, I contacted the
way they continually heighten our enjoyment of collapsing to sleep, as many pups do. local gamekeeper and was duly invited to beat on
the sport. There is a good lesson to be learnt here, and a his first day of the season, so I happily turned out
very good reason why one should not have dogs with the spaniel, now in his middle years. We were

‘He dogged-in fastidiously loose in the front seats of vehicles. In his early
weeks, during the summer months, he was
beating close to the keeper as it was new ground,
and the dog was quartering well, slightly in front of

for years, although he travelling on the front seat loose. He decided to

crawl onto my lap just as I was wrestling the wire
both of us, until a French partridge flushed out of
the kale, only to be followed by an athletically

was a late starter in wheel of the old Series 2 Land Rover in an

attempt to keep it on the road. He hunkered down
soaring spaniel who proceeded to pluck it out of
the sky a metre or so above the crop!

retrieving and was four and then quietly and quickly sunk his rapier sharp
puppy teeth through the material of my shorts and
He was 13 at his demise and, having said I
would never have an English springer spaniel, he

before he smugly swam into my scrotum; now, that certainly wakes one
up, and I struggled even more to stay on the road
was a godsend. He dogged-in fastidiously for
many years, although he was a late starter in

out to retrieve a duck’ with him attached!

On another occasion, the spaniel pup, having
retrieving and reached the age of four before he
very smugly swam out to retrieve a duck.
PICTURE: NICK RIDLEY

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 59
 R
FU IER
To ensure an extra income for the estate the the far end of the net and drag him back? Perhaps
Happily, Furrier’s English springer spaniel changed
duck ponds were stocked with carp – goldfish to there was the risk of drowning him with the nets’ his perception of the breed
be precise – to be grown-on for sale in garden weight? Finally biting the bullet, I stripped down to
centres. To reduce damage to the fish by my long john thermals on that cold, frosty morning,
cormorants, the aqua culturist criss-crossed the and left the rest of my clothes on the quad. Far
ponds with tennis-type nets. from solved, next there was the problem of how to
After every shoot day, especially if we had shot get him free. Rambo-like, I grasped my pocket
the ducks, it was necessary to sweep the banks Opinel in my teeth, there being no other feasible
and adjoining fields and woods for dead or place to store it, and gingerly entered the water.
wounded duck, which could be confidently The air was forced from my lungs with the bitter
predicted to add another 10% to the previous cold; I must have been crazy! Swimming the 15 or
day’s bag. Wounded, flightless ducks would be 20 metres to the now frantic Labrador entangled in
shot to ensure they wouldn’t tie the remaining the net, I took the knife and cut the nylon from
healthy birds to the water on the following shoot around him, as he splashed and scrabbled at my
days. On this particularly frosty winter morning, chest and limbs with his paws and claws. Once he
whilst mopping up the wounded with the aid of my was free, I turned and swam slowly back to the
black Labrador, a drake was shot and lay in the bank, only to be greeted by the same puzzled
water on the far side of the pond. The dog jumped Labrador, stood looking back into the water from
from the back box of the quad bike and entered the the bank with the duck in his mouth, as if to say,
water, only for me to realise too late that he would ‘What are you doing in there?’ Now freezing, the
swim straight into the cormorant net that was cold air almost drying me, I struggled back into my
strung across the pond at its surface. No amount of dry clothes and returned home, wrapping myself
gesticulating and whistling could stop him, so he in a duvet to warm up and going straight to bed. It
ploughed on, getting his head and forelegs through was only then, whilst reliving the events of the
it before being forced to halt, whereupon he just morning, that I pondered where my long johns from the right side of the net. Thank goodness
continued to tread water and look more and more were – now nowhere to be seen! that the only thing that was lost that time was my
frustrated at not reaching his quarry. The lesson to be learnt from this last story is to winter undergarments. We had many more
A number of rescue plans ran through my mind, ensure your dog is steady to the shot. If he had less-cold sporting forays before he, too, died at
but there was no boat. Would it be possible to cut been, he could have been sent on the retrieve the age of 13. ■
PICTURE: NICK RIDLEY

60 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 WILD FOWLING
GUNS @ JOHN
FORSEY GUNS PRICE
AT
D

5
£5,49
FINANCE NOW AVAILABLE
TEL: 0208 304 9922
AYA 10 bore Matador ejector 32” magnum, chokes ¾ + ¼.
Second hand. ....................................................................................................£695.00

12g Browning Maxus, 3” magnum, proof barrel, multi choke.

New. ....................................................................................................................£995.00

12g Browning A5 3” magnum, 28” barrel, multi choke New. ..............£1,195.00

12g Benelli Black Eagle 3 ½ “ magnum chambers 28” multi

choke barrel, wood stock and forend. Second hand. .............................£395.00
A Stunning Pair of Guns!
12g Benelli Super Black Eagle II. Camo finish. Mechanically Miroku MK60 High Pheasant Shotgun Pair.
sound and tested. Bargain! ...........................................................................£695.00 Grade 5 Walnut Stock, 32” barrels.
Pigskin Leather Case.
4 Bore Single By Tolley. Barrel 38 ½ “ Damascus, well figured. Available from Emmett and Stone Country Sports
Chamber 4”to throw 3 ½ oz loads, black powder proof. Extra
full choke, back action hammer with Jones rotating under 01628 474 187
lever. Stock length 14 3/8” inc. pad. Stock fitted breeching [email protected]
rope hole. Pistol grip, stock detaches just rear of grip so gun www.emmettandstone.co.uk
converts to a light short punt gun. Weight 15lbs. Complete in Wilton Farm, Marlow Road, Little Marlow, Bucks, SL7 3RR
a Thomas Bland full length leather 4 bore case. Includes a quantity
of fully loaded 4 bore shells plus a quantity of 4 new
bore brass capped cases. New .....................................................................£10,950.00

8 bore single by Tolley. 34” Damascus barrel choked extra full.

Chambers 3 ½ “ chamber nitro proof. Jones patent rotating
under lever back action side lock gun. Steel butt plate, stock
14 3/8”, weight 10lbs 6oz. Second hand. ..................................................£3,300

10 bore Browning Auto 3 shot Gold Hunter, 3 ½ “ magnum,

steel shot proof available either 28” or 30” multi choke barrel.
Camo finish, pattern Mossy Oak Break-Up .Dura Touch Armour
finish. New. £1,599.00 ..............................................Our Price £1,299.00
(Finance available please enquire)

10 bore Remington 3 shot auto 3 ½ “ magnum chamber, 30”

multi choke. Camo finish pattern. Second hand bargain!.....................£1,595.00

10 bore side by side AYA Matador, 32” barrels, choked full and full
magnum proofed chambers. 3 ½ “ full ejectors, pistol grip.
No. 523940. Second hand in sound condition. ........................................£895

WE CAN OFFER EASY PAYMENT FINANCE TERMS

on any gun from £300 - £1,500 over 12,24 or 36 months.
It’s available either in store or on line for mail order customers.
For mor details please call 0208 304 9922.

32/34 PARK VIEW ROAD, WELLING, N.W. KENT DA16 1RT

TEL: 0208 304 9922

www.johnforsey.co.uk

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 61
M
O
C PETI N
TIO
WITH GMK AND STOEGER /

CHRISTMAS GUN
GIVEAWAY!
We are giving away not one, but two Stoeger semi-autos, courtesy of
GMK, in our bumper Christmas competition!

I t is the season of goodwill and sharing, so

what better way to spread the love of
two hard-working semis from Stoeger are ideal for
pigeon shooters, wildfowlers and rough shooters.
you waiting for? Just fill in the form opposite and
post your entry to us, or send your answer by
shooting than with a free shotgun or two? These The competition is free to enter, so what are email. Happy Christmas from us!

M3000

RR 65
£4
P

M3500
RR 45
£5
P

62 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 WITH GMK AND STOEGER // COMPETITION

For your chance to win, simply answer this question:

How many years’ warranty does Stoeger offer on its guns? A:
Name: Tel:
Address: Email:
Do you have shooting insurance?
Do you have a Shotgun Certificate?
Archant Ltd, Sporting Shooter, and carefully selected companies would like to keep you up to date with any special offers or new products or services that might be of interest. Please tick if you DO NOT wish to be
contacted in this way by email †, by text †, by phone †, by post †

SEND YOUR ANSWER TO: Stoeger Comp: Sporting Shooter, Evolution House, 2-6 Easthampstead Road, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 2EG
or email your answer to [email protected]

RULES: Closing date is 29 January 2015. Normal Sporting Shooter rules apply. For full terms and conditions, send an sae marked t&c to the postal address above. Archant Ltd, publisher of Sporting Shooter, would like to
keep you up to date with any special offers or new products or services which might be of interest. We occasionally pass your details on to carefully selected companies who wish to contact you with information about
their products/services. When entering by email please state clearly if you DO NOT wish to be contacted in this way by email, SMS, post or phone.

The solidly constructed M3000 shotgun will more than fulfil your shooting needs. It’s the perfect choice for waterfowl or upland
gamebirds. For reliability and performance, no other semi-auto in its price range compares to the rugged, practical M3000.
■ 3", 12-gauge, Inertia Driven semi-automatic ■ Ventilated, stepped rib and fibre-optic front sight on the
■ Handles loads of up to three-inch magnums without adjustment barrel for quick target acquisition, even in low light
■ Drilled and tapped to accommodate Weaver-style ■ Synthetic black
scope bases
The M3000 shotgun is a working gun that gets the job done.

The affordable M3500 shotgun is another great choice for waterfowl or upland gamebirds. It provides versatility, value, and solid
reliability. For dependable performance, no other 3.5" semi-auto in its price range compares.

■ 3.5", 12-gauge, Inertia Driven semi-automatic ■ Barrels are fitted with a ventilated, stepped rib and
■ Handles loads from 2.75" to 3.5" magnum without adjustment fibre-optic front sight for quick target acquisition
■ Operating system is lightning fast and reliable, with only ■ Synthetic black
three moving parts in the bolt
The M3500 shotgun delivers magnum performance
■ Three barrel lengths: 24, 26, or 28"
and reliability. Both come with a five-year warranty.

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 63
 Vertex
Rizzini The Vertex, with its tricolour striped action and fancy
chequering, is a true competition gun with an unashamed

Competition Shotguns Italian flavour. The reinforced action sides make it perfectly
suitable for intensive use and the 3” will happily digest any
ammunition you choose to put through them. The heavy
barrels are offset by a sporting stock, which is fitted as
History standard with an adjustable comb, allowing the user to
set it to the optimum shooting position.
Since its foundation in 1966 Rizzini guns have obtained world renown, thanks to a perfect
combination of technology and workmanship. This has been made possible not only
through the personal commitment of the founder, Battista Rizzini, but by the dedication
Premier
and enthusiasm of his three children, all actively engaged in the company. As its name suggests, this model is very much in first
All Rizzini guns are developed to meet the most demanding needs of the shooter and they position in the competition range of Rizzini guns. The
are the product of advanced technology combined with traditional workmanship. reinforced action is finished in classic business-like black
chrome with the model name neatly engraved on the
It is fair to say that, whatever your shooting needs, Rizzini have a gun for you; in the event underside. The competition stock is made from well-
that you do not find what you need from the standard range, Rizzini are specialists in figured oil finished walnut. Thanks to its excellent balance
custom built guns. Their state-of-the-art facilities enable them to take on almost every and handling, the Premier is also finding a keen following
commission, such as pairs, extra barrels, multi-calibre sets – the list is endless. amongst specialist high bird shots.

VERTEX

PREMIER

A winning choice
tel: 01728 688555 | web: www.a-s-i.co.uk | email: [email protected]

64 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 Alan Jarrett is chairman of the Kent Wildfowling & Conservation
Association and author of several books on wildfowling
WILDFOWLING WITH ALAN JARRETT

Wild goose chase

Christmas is coming; the geese are getting fat; and Alan receives a phone call that rekindles
fond memories of his own festive goose-chasing endeavours
call came from the owner of a local farm shop. not sat down to wild goose for dinner – even if it is Canada goose. Waiting by the river for dawn to
A The farm in question has been the scene of
great carnage by myself against the hordes of
augmented by turkey for the sake of the rest of
the family. The dark, rich meat is, for me, a delight
push through was an inspiring, if luckless,
exercise. Plenty of geese passed well off to the
corvids which frequent the place – numbers of when set against the paler fare so enjoyed by west, and it seemed like it was going to be a blank
which are now greatly reduced! “Can you get me others. The call set me thinking about those flight. Finally, from the far side of the river, a great
a wild goose? A customer has asked for one.” A escapades as the New Year approached, when shape flipped low over the bank and swung past
freebie, of course, as the sale of wild geese is geese were uppermost in the mind. As ever with me, before crumpling gently into the moving water
still illegal. The reply was simple: “I’ll see what I wildfowling, some were fruitful; others less so. at the shot. The dog had it back in no time, and it
can do.” However, when success did come it was all the was not a blank flight after all.
For my own part, I can only think of one better for that. Waiting in the moonlight for geese to flight can
Christmas over the last few years when we have There was the chance encounter with a single be a wonderful and frustrating experience in equal

‘As if rewarding
my decision to stay put,
a small skein passed
across a break in
the cloud’
PICTURE: TIDEPOOL

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 65
WILDFOWLING
measures. On one particular night, the cloud stay put lest a skein passes over your recently
The common domesticated goose, traditionally
cover was heavy, with a brooding light that came vacated position. As if rewarding my decision to enjoyed at Christmas, is a descendant of the greylag
and went. This inevitably meant that there was no stay put, a small skein passed across a break in
consistent movement of the greylags: when the the cloud. It was the decision of but a moment –
cloud was 10/10 all went quiet; when the cloud whether to fire or not – but the shot was on. A
broke a little, geese could be heard moving. Just moment later a great bird came slanting down,
occasionally, their great shapes could be picked and the long vigil had been worthwhile.
out, but always too far to one side or the other. One year, a few days before Christmas,
But the geese were there, out on the roost, and pink-feet were the attraction. The wind blew quite
the hours ticked by without a shot breaking the hard from the south-west and it was not possible
tranquillity of the night. to hear whether any geese were on the roost to
The moderate wind from the north-east was the the north. As the light strengthened, a couple of
only sound as it sighed past, but even then there small parties of greylag passed well wide of me.
was nothing more than a slight chill in the air; The odd duck passed through, but with the wind
hunkered into a tiny creek, I was comfortable blowing out towards the goose roost it would

PICTURE: DAVID MASON

enough. Once or twice the thought of moving have been foolish to fire, and risk putting any
occurred to me, but it can often be fatal to move roosting birds to premature flight.
when in pursuit of geese. Invariably it’s better to It was a long wait, and just when it seemed that
the roost was unoccupied a huge ball of geese

‘The dogs were rose, their wild cries coming faintly against the
wind. They, too, passed well wide, forming into
futile efforts to collect a second. The dogs, too,
were equally delighted to be freed from their

delighted to be freed ragged skeins as they headed inland to feed. Their

cries became stronger as they crossed the wind.
unmoving vigil and, after a brief tussle for the
prize, had the bird back to me. Even as the dogs

from their unmoving vigil Even if there had not been a chance, it had still
been a wonderful experience. However, shortly
went I knew it was a European white-front, and
when it was presented to me, it was with great

and, after a brief tussle after, another small skein left the roost, and this
time they came on nicely, heading right for me.
delight that the adult bird was grasped. It was a
real beauty – resplendent with those black breast

for the prize, had the bird They made hardly a sound, and if they held their
line a shot would be on.
markings and a crisp white forehead.
It was stowed tenderly into my rucksack and

back to me’ Eventually, the chance was in range, and a bird

collapsed in front, whilst the other two shots were
then it was back to the car for a bite to eat. My
work was done. I had my Christmas goose. ■

A single Canada goose was an unexpected end

to an otherwise fruitless flight

PICTURE: TIDEPOOL

66 www.sportingshooter.co.uk www.sportingshooter.co.uk 66
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 IRELAND

Douglas was an esteemed member of his local gun club

across the field at a rate of knots, de-robing as he

went. I must admit, I thought he had finally lost the Douglas (centre) with his sons
plot. It turned out that he had shot a mallard into a
clump of rushes and his, normally reliable,
retriever would not pick it up – with good reason
as it turned out. The mallard in question had fallen
into a nest of wasps. You can picture the scene
now. Philip running like a lunatic with a large
swarm in hot pursuit. Dad actually got some great
pictures but decided to delete them, much to
my annoyance.
The other incident involved John D Condon and
was equally as funny. One bitter December
evening, while waiting beside one of the smaller
ponds, he heard a rush of wings overhead. Out of
the fading light appeared two mallard, one of
which he managed to drop at the second time of
asking. Falling belly up in the middle of the pond,
John D decided that it may deter future arrivals
and proceeded to go and pick it up. Thinking that
there was no more than a foot or so of water in the Douglas kept himself busy in latter years by building
pond, he waded out quickly. What he didn’t two duck ponds on the farm
realise was that Dad, while constructing the pond,
had asked the digger man to dig a smaller hole in
the middle which reached down to the water table
some seven feet below. You can imagine what
happened next. All that was left of John D was his
hat floating beside the mallard. Brother Paul was
asked by somebody further away as to what John
D was doing and he quickly retorted: “The back
stroke, I think.”
So there we go; my beloved Dad has gone to
find some new shooting opportunities high above.
He will no doubt have everything arranged when
we come to visit. I have many great memories
which I will cherish in the years to come. He was
my shooting companion, my dad and my friend.
We’re going to miss him terribly. I’m going to
miss him. ■

70 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 KEEPER’S
COUNTRY WITH ADAM SMITH

Height of absurdity
At what point is a sporting target still sporting, and how high is high? These and other
dilemmas pose questions for Adam Smith – but does he have any answers?
have to admit, I very nearly went off half-cocked reached the point where he talked of suitable points were made with the option for the reader to
I on this one – which just goes to show that you
shouldn’t jump to conclusions without all the
loads – starting with 36g no.4s – when a red
mist descended, bringing my absorption of the
agree or disagree, rather than dogmatic preaching.
So, while entirely valid cases were made for
facts. That said, ‘the facts’ are capable of all sorts rest of the article to an abrupt conclusion. This correct footwork, gun fit and gun choice, when it
of interpretations, and although that’s not a was wrong. came to cartridges, it was conceded that not so
particularly unique conclusion, the decision will But, what I should have done was read through many years ago, loads which seem to be
still lie with you. to the end, and thus discover that the writer had increasingly approved and even required today
Thumbing through the latest issue, skimming rather more balanced views than I had first given were then confined to the foreshore. Of course,
over Dick Jones’s words of wisdom on high him credit for. Not, I have to add, views with which there remain very good reasons for such loads as
pheasants and how to cope with them, I had I have a great deal of sympathy, but at least the 40g no.3s being regarded as suitable for bringing
down birds that tip the scales at twice, and
frequently three or four times, the weight of a
full-grown cock pheasant, but that only begs a
few more questions.
At what point did it become acceptable to fire
loads like these at pheasants? At what point did it
become acceptable, even required, to present
birds at such extreme ranges that only extreme
loads could be expected to bring them down
cleanly? At what point did game shooters assume
a degree of arrogance that demanded ever
greater tests, above and beyond the skills that
had been agreed and established over many,
many decades? And at what point did game
shooting, as a sport and industry, reach the
conclusion that it would be acceptable for birds to
be shot at in the hope, rather than expectation, of
clean kills?
Of course, these parameters can just as well be
applied to run-of-the-mill shoots the length and
breadth, because clean humane shooting
depends on ability just as much as choice of gun
and cartridge. The problem, I believe, is to start to
think that for exceptionally high birds a shortcut,
such as using the right gun – heavy, highly choked
and long barrelled – with a massive cartridge,
might be the answer.
Part of the problem is a man thing. Just as
none of us would ever concede that faults of any
kind could be picked in one’s driving abilities, it
would be equally silly to suggest that a pheasant
at a height which makes it look more like a starling
is beyond our capabilities. No, that’s not to be
countenanced, so the answer is simply to hurl a
massive amount of lead at higher than normally
accepted velocities in order to achieve… what? A
1:5 kill ratio? And what vetting procedure is there
in place to set this as an acceptable average?
A mate of mine, a well above average shot,
visits the high tower at Roundwood most weeks
PICTURES: DAVID WILLIAMS

so he’s got quite good at hitting tiny targets at

extreme range. At 145ft, it’s the highest tower in
the UK so straight birds are just under 50 yards
up, but factor in any sort of rise and angle and
These birds look quite high, but are well presented
you’re talking 60 yards or more – which is about

72 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 KEEPER’S COUNTRY
the same sort of distance as the pheasants we’re don’t need the extra inertia and weight of no.3s example, be the sort whose main preoccupation is
talking about. He uses 28g no.7 or 7.5 through ½ or 4s; they don’t need the massive velocity of a in deciding what colour Ferrari to have this year…
choke and breaks rather more than his fair share 40g load; they simply need to penetrate a But there was a time when sportsmanship took
but, just as with other aspects of clay shooting, millimetre or two. Job done, credit achieved, pride of place. And to think that sportsmanship
such top shots are becoming increasingly credibility retained. means accepting one’s limitations, and treating a
challenged and intrigued by variations in speed In the final analysis, you could say – well, I living creature with the respect it deserves and
and angle, recognising that sometimes range could, anyway – that there’s something inherently demands, rather than simply as a target, is to any
simply becomes a lottery. wrong with the approach to modern high- shooter’s credit. And if that means going through
Now I know that many will now be bouncing up pheasant shooting on some estates. In fact, life with a gun that will never be shot off its face,
and down, saying, ‘But that’s clays, birds are pushing the parameters of height and range to and without the need of a physiotherapist to
different…’ and I would reply that it remains a their extremes and beyond tells us more about massage damaged shoulder muscles, well, I’d be
question of ballistics. Yes, a clay is a brittle target, some of the people who shoot today than perhaps happy with that. And so, I believe, would the
and while a visible chip is all that’s needed to they would prefer or accept – they might, for majority of my fellow shooters. ■
register a hit, it is also significantly smaller – most
especially at any angle other than directly This is a fantastic bird, but only for a really
overhead – and yet the vast majority of such birds competent shot with the right equipment
are not chipped, but are shattered because of the
simultaneous impact of several shot. Again, yes,
these shot are small, and in the context of high
pheasants, too small, but they are effective, and
there are several reasons for this. One – a vital
factor – is the very high number that will actually
reach the target thanks to their protection within a
plastic shot cup, which has minimised the number
of pellets distorted or damaged in their passage
down the bore. So there are more pellets, of
which more are concentrated into the pattern
thanks to fewer fliers. Contrast this with the
fibre-wadded shells which are increasingly
insisted on at most game shoots, and there’s
already a disparity that may not have been
considered or allowed for. Another factor is the
charge behind the load, an amount of powder
needed for effective velocity without blowing
holes in the pattern – which again results in a
higher concentration of pellets reaching the target.
But what constitutes an effective-sized pellet?
The difference between the fall of a wing-shot
bird, side-slipping down, and a heart- or lung-shot
bird, gliding on motionless wings, and a
head-shot bird which folds instantly to the shot,
are clear. The head shot is the cleanest and most
humane because the skull is not much thicker
than a ping-pong ball, even its lower surfaces,
compared to the heart and lungs, hidden behind
four or five centimetres of muscle and then bone.
So one pellet, even a no.6 – though a no.5 will
create an acceptable compromise – will kill
cleanly if it hits the brain. Surely it makes sense to
deliver as many pellets as possible into this area,
to create a higher probability of success? They

‘You could say that

there is something
inherently wrong with
the approach to modern
high-pheasant shooting
on some estates’

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 73
 ONE
FOR THE
POT
Look around you
Make more of your shoot days this season with some subtle foraging, says Tim Maddams.
You’ll never look at a maize cover crop in the same way again...
love the early pheasant season, partly because November, but the hens will be in with a chance rightly so, but as we’re talking about foraging this
I for many it marks the beginning of the winter
routine that has been eagerly awaited for months.
of the hot pan then oven treatment until after mid
winter and maybe, just maybe, into the new year,
month, I can just about pretend that I have
permission for a little woodland larceny. Anyone
The start of the season brings with it hopes and but not very far. who has ever wondered why I always take a game
dreams, new people on the shoots, new plans, Anyway, more about pheasant as we get bag beating is blissfully unaware of the large
dogs and guns to be tested, tales to be told and further into the season. My thoughts this month plastic tubs contained within. It is often remarked
fun to be had. will be as much about the other things to be found that I am late to the end of a drive and again the
Though, from a foodie point of view, it’s not in the woods, as they will be for the game. You poor old dog will take the blame, though of course
really the pheasants that I am most excited about see, I am a little bit mischievous, and my love of the old hands know full well that I have been
at this time. I like pheasant meat a lot more once wild food has combined with the fun of beating to ‘filling my boots’ and will be looking for a share of
we hit mid November and the birds have a much create a sort of hybrid activity. Though my focus the spoils to go with their end-of-day brace.
wilder feel to them and are a little more fully will be on keeping in line and not flushing birds
grown; what they gain in flavour, though, as the too soon and shouting at my dog, this will all go The rough stuff
season moves along, they will certainly begin to out of the window the second I spy some tasty When out rough shooting, things are even better
lose in texture. As is the case in many things, you mushrooms or some sloes or nuts or crab apples. as I can legitimately call a halt to the proceedings
can’t do with an older bird what you can with a Often when there is a lull at the beginning of a and enlist the whole party’s help in collecting a
young one, but to overlook the benefits of either is drive or between drives, I like to disappear just few mushrooms or fruits and nuts. I am, however,
foolish. As a general rule, a late-November hen into the woods; often these woods are never often very surprised that there aren’t more people
bird is the best bird for roasting. I wouldn’t foraged in, by humans anyway, as the who shoot that are into the foraging side of things.
attempt to roast a cock bird much past the end of gamekeeper won’t want the cover disturbed, and It’s a big part of the whole thing for me and if I can
find (as I did last year) a large cauliflower fungus,
While out beating, keep your eyes peeled for nature’s then I am jolly well going to stop for a moment
edible jewels, such as sloes, rowanberries and rosehips and pick it up; a single specimen can provide
enough fungus for several meals and goes very
well indeed with pheasant, partridge and duck.
If wild food, particularly mushrooms, puts you
off – and understandably, as the wrong fungi in
the pan could well be the end of you so you need
to know what you are looking for (though I have
found my fellow Guns and beaters more than
keen to learn!) – you may be surprised at just how
much game cover can provide you with a tasty
snack. I am often pinching a few leaves of kale, or
a head or two of maize, but I’m just as happy with
a few rape tops or the odd stubble turnip; what
harm is there in helping myself to a garnish or two
for this week’s suppers? Very little, if any at all.
Enjoy the opening of the season and the tender
succulent results, but don’t be afraid to think
outside the box when it comes to supper time;
you’d be amazed what goodies you can pick up
while out shooting, I often gather the whole meal
on the same trip, and you can, too, with a little

76 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 ONE FOR THE POT

About Tim Maddams

Tim is a chef, food writer and cookery teacher
who lives in Devon. He’s been into food from an
early age and spent much of his childhood on the
family farm in Wiltshire, gleaning a close
understanding of farming and fostering a love of
the great British countryside, wild food and
quality produce, which would form the
cornerstone of his culinary ethos. Over the course
of his career, Tim has worked under such culinary
luminaries as Fergus Henderson, Alistair Little,
Marco Pierre White and Mark Hix, as well as
leading the VIP catering team for the Ferrari F1
team in Europe. A nagging feeling of unease with
the corporate world made Tim yearn for a return
to his country roots, so Tim returned to the South
West and started
work at River Cottage
where he cooked as
head chef for over
four years and has
recently written their
Game handbook.

PICTURE: TIM GAINEY / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 77
ONE FOR THE POT

A little imagination goes a long way when foraging – even a head or

two of maize can be a transformed into a tasty treat SQUASH
KETCHUP
(SQUETCHUP)
Christmas is coming and I love a seasonal
chutney or pickle as much as the next man,
but frankly, sometimes, what you really want is
a good dollop of ketchup, which, when you
think about it, really is just a smooth chutney.
Here’s a recipe for my seasonal favourite. It
works a treat on a venison burger with blue
cheese, or even a mallard and smoked
bacon burger.

INGREDIENTS

✦ 1 small pumpkin or butternut squash,

peeled, diced and deseeded
✦ 1 teaspoon ground allspice
✦ 1 chilli
✦ ¼ pt cider vinegar
✦ 2 tablespoons sugar
✦ 1 teaspoon salt
✦ Enough water to cover

METHOD

1. Cook all ingredients together in a pan until

tender. Remove the liquid and blitz the squash
to a paste. Add the liquid back in and reduce
on the stove to a ketchup consistency,
adjusting the seasoning as needed.
2. Allow to cool, and store for up to a month.

planning, a little subterfuge and a little knowledge. and will stand up well to some sautéed rape tops!
One of the easiest wins is wilding apples. Often Just don’t mention this to the keeper; let’s keep
these trees have grown from the casually ‘I am often pinching a it between ourselves...
discarded cores of beaters’ snacks, so you will
find apple trees in the most unlikely of places, and few leaves of kale, or a The gifts that keep on giving
the fruit is often excellent. Fill your boots! As this is the Christmas issue, what better way to
Try roasted pheasant with wilding apples; after head or two of maize, but use the fruits of your labour than to make
washing, just pop them into the roasting pan with delicious edible gifts to give to your friends? You
the pheasant, and once the bird is resting pop I’m just as happy with a could have a go at making jellies – such as apple
them back in the oven until they soften, then and blackberry, or rowanberry – sloe gin,
scrape them out along with all the good bits at the few rape tops or the odd chutneys, jams... The only limit is your
bottom of the pan and push the pulp through a imagination, and your culinary prowess! See the
sieve. This makes an excellent, tart sauce for the stubble turnip’ boxouts for a couple of simple, tasty suggestions.
tasty pheasant meat, it hasn’t cost you a penny, Happy foraging! ■

BEETROOT, LEMONGRASS AND CARDAMOM GIN

Too impatient to wait for the sloe gin to be ready? INGREDIENTS METHOD
Run out of last year’s? Missed the elderberry
crop, or just looking for something a little different ✦ 1 large beetroot, well washed and grated Bung it all in the bottle of gin. Reserve any
and less time-consuming? Look no further... ✦ 1 bottle of gin (quality is up to you, but in this leftover gin to top up the bottle in a fortnight
Ready in just two weeks (so plenty of time to instance, cheap and cheerful will be fine) when you sieve out all the bits; at the same time, I
do this before Christmas), this infusion is the ✦ 100g golden caster sugar often put a new stem of lemongrass and one new
answer to your prayers – interesting, warming, a ✦ 1 stem of lemongrass cardamom pod in the bottle to keep it fresh. This
bit out of the ordinary, and as welcome in the hip ✦ 4 cardamom pods, broken lightly is not a keeper – it needs drinking this season or,
flask as the martini shaker. ✦ 1 red chilli (optional ) ideally, as soon as possible. Chin chin!

78 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 CHICHESTER
www.chiarm.co.uk
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Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon 1L/H 28" £1,380 Beretta 687 EELL 30" £3,495
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Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon 1 28" £1,450 Beretta DT10 L 30" £4,250
Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon 1 L/H 30" £1,450 Beretta SV10 Prevail 1 30" £1,345
Beretta 690 Sport Black Edition 30" £1,995 Beretta Ultralight LH 28" £1,495
Beretta 690 III Field 30" £2,135 Browning B25 B2 30" £1,895
Beretta 690 III Sport 30" £2,325 Browning B325 Grade 6 30" £2,195
Beretta 692 Sporting 32" £2,725 Browning B525 Sporter 28" £1,195
Beretta 692 Sporting 30" £2,725 Browning B525 Sporting 30" £1,095
Beretta Silver Pigeon 1 DL 30" £1,855 Browning Cynergy 30" £1,295
Browning B525 Hunter 28" £1,295 Browning Cynergy C/ fibre 30" £1,495
Browning B525 Hunter 30" £1,345 Browning Medalist 30" £545
Browning B525 Hunter Light Elite 28" £1,875 Browning Ultra XS 30" £1,795
Browning B525 Sporter Adjustable 30" £1,495 C. Guerini Maxum 32" £2,195
Browning B525 Sporter One 30" £1,345 Gamba Gold 28" £595
Browning B725 Black Edition 30" £2,295 Krieghoff K80 30" £4,995
Browning B725 Hunter 28" £1,890 Lincoln Premier 29.5" £595
Browning B725 Hunter L/H 28" £1,925 Miroku 3700 28" £695
Browning B725 Sporter 32" £1,750 Miroku MK 38 Grade 1 32" £650
Browning B725 Sporter 30" £1,889 Winchester 6000 28" £795
Browning B725 Sporter L/H 30" £1,889
Browning Cynergy 28" £1,595 NEW 20 GAUGE SHOTGUNS
Browning Cynergy Composite 30" £1,999 AYA #4 Boxlock 28" £2,895
Browning Heritage II 30" £4,795 Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon 1 28" £1,380
Browning Ultra XS Ti Prestige 30" £2,995 Beretta 687 EELL 32" £5,695
Miroku MK 60 Grade 5 30" £2,495 Beretta 690 Field III 30" £2,135
Webley 912 30" £745 Beretta 690 Field III 28" £2,135
Webley 912 K 27" £745 Beretta Silver Pigeon 1 Adj 30" £1,750

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80 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 CROCKETT’S
YOU
COUNTRY WITH JONNY CROCKETT WILL NEED:
1 x sharp knife FOLLOW JONNY...
1 x saw Facebook:

Build your own trap

www.facebook.com/thesurvivalschool
1 x straight
stick
Twitter:
@survivalcourses

If you need to capture an animal without harming it, you’re going to need something other
than your trusty shotgun, however well it’s served you in the past
here are times when you need to It is also worth mentioning that In this case I need to think about the ■ The horizontal length needs to
T catch a bird or animal without
dispatching or killing it. This could
this trap can be built on any scale to
catch any animal or bird that can be
height and length of the squirrel. I’m
going for a body height of around
have a one-inch, flat platform cut on
the thin end [pic 3], and a bevel on
be to check for disease, to tag, to legally caught. Quite simply, the 10cm and a body length of 25cm. the thicker end.
catch a distressed or injured larger the creature, the larger the The trigger mechanism is made ■ The diagonal length should
creature, or to catch a menace for set-up required. from one long piece of wood. I’m have a chisel end on one end [pic 4]
release at a distant location. I’m going to build a ‘figure four using a bit of straight hazel. I want it and a point on the other.
This calls for a special type of trap cage trap’. Firstly, the trigger to be around five foot long and Now we need to cut some square
as no harm is to come to the animal. mechanism needs to be built, and about an inch thick. I then need to notches. First, place the three
I will be showing you how to build secondly, we need to build the cage. cut it into three 18-inch lengths [pic lengths back in formation [pic 5], so
such a trap. In this first part, we’ll concentrate on 1]. There will be a bit left over; but that you can locate the correct point
Please note that using this to the trigger mechanism. these are approximate lengths, and to carve the notches, which should
catch songbirds and badgers, etc, is This time, I’m going to build if you are trapping on soft soil then be as follows:
not legal. Always ensure you are something suitable for catching a the thicker end needs to be a couple ■ At the point where the
complying with legal guidelines squirrel. Before I start building, I need of inches longer. horizontal and vertical lengths cross
when setting any traps. to think about the size of the quarry. Now we need to shape the trigger. you need to cut a square notch into
First, place the three lengths into a each stick [pic 6].
relatively flat, figure ‘4’ shape. The ■ Where the diagonal length
thickest length should be the vertical meets the horizontal length you
and the thinnest should be the should carve a sloping notch about
horizontal. The diagonal length needs one inch from the end [pics 7 and 8].
to be just short of the end of the ■ The last notch is a simple
horizontal stick and resting on the V-shaped notch where the diagonal
top of the vertical stick. Each stick meets the vertical length [pic 9].
must then be shaped at each end: This completes the trigger
■ The vertical length needs to be mechanism [pic 10].
sharpened to a long point on the In the next article we’ll have a look
thin end [pic 2]. The other end needs at the cage and how to go about
1 2 to have a chisel end. setting the trap. ■

3 4 5 6
PICTURES: JONNY CROCKETT

7 8 9 10

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 81
 Diggory has
written a number of
CLASSIC GUNS WITH DIGGORY HADOKE
books on classic guns.
To find out more, go
to: www.vintageguns.
co.uk/company/

A day to remember diggory-hadoke

Turn your Boxing Day shoot into a lasting memory by swapping your usual gear for some of
Diggory’s nostalgia-steeped suggestions
very much enjoyed the photos on Facebook of Black powder
I Mike Yardley’s son and his pals, all dressed in
animal onesies and out having jolly capers in the
If you can’t get the bug for the muzzle loader but
still want to make a noise and a display, try black
snow on their Boxing Day shoot a couple of years powder; it creates a totally different atmosphere
ago. While such undergraduate antics may be a and experience. Just remember to keep the swing
little too much for the average Sporting Shooter going and put on some extra lead. Then smile as
reader this festive season, it is a not uncommon you contemplate the end of the drive – the smoke
practice for many a sportsman to keep ‘something drifting down the line and the dogs scurrying
special’ in his cabinet for the Boxing Day shoot. about picking up the fallen birds. It could be 1900
Boxing Day is ripe for a ramble with the family, again, just for moment.
the dogs and the old musket. For some of us it is
the only time we get to spend a bit of outdoor time Hammer guns
with old friends and relations. It seems an Perhaps the most common nod to this special
appropriate opportunity to do things a bit differently. time of year is the wheeling out of the hammer
gun. Away goes the Beretta and out comes the
Muzzle loaders vintage Rigby, resplendent with slightly thin,
If you are minded to really make the day special, acid-etched damascus barrels, non-rebound
bring out the muzzle loaders. Have the whole locks and nicely-patented stock, with a proper
team, be they walking up the hedges or driving 1870s wedge profile and steel butt-plate. On a
The Boxing Day shoot is a chance to share some
the coverts, bedecked in their top hats and day like this, you should eschew the Musto, dust time outdoors with friends and family
waistcoats with an old Manton or Harkom in hand, off the tweeds and team them with a proper hat
loaded with the finest powders, shot and felt and leather boots – and you’d better be wearing a bring out Grandpa’s gun, if you are lucky enough
wads; and do it the way they did back in the tie! Special occasions call for a bit of effort and to have it in the family. Even if it doesn’t really fit
1840s. Anything you bag is a bonus, and reminds your old gun will demand some respect. you, or it is a bit battered, why not give a nod to
us of how skilful our forebears were with the old the old-timers and keep that continuity going for
guns. It may be the only time you do it all year, but Something local or familial another year? With luck, your son or daughter will
that is what makes it worthwhile. The Boxing Day shoot can be a great excuse to be holding the very same gun in 40 years and
fondly remembering you standing just where you
Put on your tweeds, grab a cigar and give your old are today, with your cigar going and your feet
hammer gun an airing stamping on the frosty ground, awaiting the first
bird of the day.
If you don’t have a gun that has been in the
family for a generation or two, it can be fun to find
one that has your family name on it. This is quite
easy if you are a Mr Watson, Grant, Smith or Reilly
– all common names in this country and
coincidentally the names of quite prolific
gunmakers of old. However if, like me, you have a
name that is unlikely to be found on any gun ever
made, you can go the local route and find
something sold in your town; small towns all had
gunsmiths and ironmongers selling sporting
firearms in the past. Even a little place in
Shropshire, like Ludlow, once boasted a
gunmaker or two; Smallwood being one that

‘The most common nod springs to mind.

Whatever route you choose, make Boxing

to this special time of year Day something special. Wearing your old kit,
carrying a gun you don’t normally use and

is the wheeling out of the marking the passing of another year in the field
PICTURES: DIGGORY HADOKE

with friends and family deserves a little extra

hammer gun’ effort. These days stand out in the memory

long after they have passed and normal life
has resumed.
Happy Christmas. ■

82 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
www.sportingshooter.co.uk 83
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 YILDIZ SPORTER SHOTGUN
This is the new 12 bore Yildiz Sporter. It is steel proved with a steel action, ejector,
manual safe, SST, multichoke. Stocked in 28” or 30” barrel versions.
It is also available with an adjustable comb. Both guns are presented in a hard carry case.

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Please contact us for a list of our stockists near to you.

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01772 718 048

[email protected]
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88 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 Tim is Development Officer for the
National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO)

WITH TIM WESTON KEEPERING

Fact is duller than fiction

Tim makes a well-deserved mockery of the letters written by the League Against Cruel Sports,
as they launch a factually-unsupported media hate campaign against pheasant shooting
ame shooters often come under pressure to be shot by sadistic cowards. She also claimed gamekeeper than those without. The GWCT’s
G from groups who do not want us to carry on
doing what we do. I often get personal abuse on
that gamebirds are factory farmed in appalling
conditions and that the releasing of gamebirds
Salisbury Plain project showed the same findings
over many years of scientific study and, lastly, the
platforms like Twitter just because of who I work has a negative impact on the countryside. Let’s RSPB’s Director of Conservation, Martin Harper,
for and what I do in my spare time. Unfortunately, take a look at these claims, rationally and who is certainly no friend of shooting sports, is on
the anti-shooting lobby seem to have an awful lot properly. record as saying: “Shooting can do some
of time on their hands to write blogs, send tweets The claim that 40 million gamebirds are fantastic things for our wildlife. There are loads of
and create Facebook pages which are usually full released each year is very much at odds with people doing some great things with shooting at
of unsubstantiated rhetoric. I am often asked why research conducted by BASC, which gave a the heart of their land management.”
the shooting lobby don’t get as much press as figure of 15 million fewer. Now, the BASC The letters from LACS also stated that the
these antis, and the answer is simple – we tend to research is accountable and valid, and they can average day’s shooting resulted in around 500
have a far more balanced view and use actual justify where they got their figures from; the LACS birds being slaughtered – wrong again! The
facts to back up our arguments. That, claim, however, is totally unjustified. average day’s shooting across the UK has a bag
unfortunately, doesn’t make very good reading in With regards to Dr Shephard’s claim that of around 50 birds, with 97% of that meat going
your mainstream press. Papers and news outlets gamebirds are reared in appalling welfare conditions, into the human food chain.
want sensationalism. They don’t want a story built I wonder, then, why the RSPCA have not made any The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation has
on dull facts and truths – why would they? It convictions, that I’m aware of, under the Animal written responses to all of the letters in the
doesn’t make very good headlines. Welfare Act 2006, which makes it an offence to harm national and local press, and has published
As we came towards the start of the pheasant livestock or gamebirds, or to fail to cater to their comments on our social media sites, such as
shooting season there was a massive press needs. Again, she has got this absolutely wrong. Twitter and Facebook; the response to this has
campaign, lead by Animal Aid and the League Another of Dr Toni Shephard’s claims is that been positive.
Against Cruel Sports, with letters sent to every game shooting has negative impacts on the As an organisation, the NGO fights hard to
local and national paper in the UK condemning environment and on conservation. That is a promote and protect gamekeeping and game
pheasant shooting. In one letter, sent to a number strange statement, since a survey conducted for shooting. We can all help by getting a copy of the
of papers by Dr Toni Shephard, who describes the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation by the Code of Good Shooting Practice, and making
herself as ‘head of research’ for the League Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (who are sure that we all read it, follow it and support it.
Against Cruel Sports (LACS), it was claimed that proper scientists), shows that there is a more Let’s all do our bit. You can download the code
40 million gamebirds are released every year only diverse sample of wildlife on areas with a from www.codeofgoodshootingpractice.org.uk ■

Ninety-seven per cent of the birds

shot go into the food chain
PICTURE: REBECCA GREEN

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 89
 THE ULTIMATE PAIR

THE
ULTIMATE PAIR
With a glittering and rather weighty prize fund, the Ultimate Pair competition has
attracted a lot of attention. Let’s find out what all the fuss is about...
The tournament gunmaker, Browning. This year’s prize fund, and by professionally running such a prestigious
The Royal Berkshire Shooting School’s Ultimate which is worth in excess of £160,000, also competition, we are raising the profile of shooting,
One competition hit the headlines last year thanks includes a vintage Rolex donated by David which is vitally important. Another factor is that
to the extravagant top prize of a brand-new Duggan Watches. this competition is unique; by definition, many clay
Range Rover Autobiography. This year, the Launched on Monday 5 October and running shooting competitions don’t involve driven targets
shooting school has evolved the competition into until Saturday 30 January, the idea behind the and certainly don’t involve driven targets of such
the Ultimate Pair, with entrants competing to win competition is to continue to raise the aspirational heights, angles and speeds. So, while this is a
either a Range Rover Sport Autobiography, element of shooting. Dylan Williams, Managing clay shooting competition, it certainly suits game
donated by Stratstone of Mayfair, or a pair of Director of RBSS, explains: “By incorporating shooters too, and I absolutely encourage game
handmade B25 shotguns from renowned brands like Browning, Range Rover and Rolex, shots to come and have a go as I think they stand
PICTURES: SELENA BARR

The stunning Royal Berkshire Shooting Ground will

provide the stage for this unique competition

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 91
 THE ULTIMATE PAIR

a very good chance. Furthermore, many top clay variant is the weather or the
The winner will have the choice of a pair of B25
shots these days are also recognised for their shooter’s performance!” shotguns or a brand-new Range Rover
game shooting skills, such as Des Sturgess and
John Heagren. I would also love to welcome Lord What does it take to win?
James Percy – whose Linhope partridges are a lot So what does it take to perform
harder than these birds – to have a go, along with well or to win a competition of
the likes of Phil Burtt and Peter Schwert.” this nature? Mark Winser, last
year’s winner who shot a perfect
The format 25 ex 25 in the final, but is not
The format of the Ultimate Pair is simple, as allowed to enter this year,
Robert Cross of RBSS, who designed the layouts believes it is down to
and sequence of each element, explains: concentration and nerve. “There
“Entrants pay £50 and start by shooting 50 is not a person in the world who
warm-up Sporting birds, 10 birds on each of five would not feel their nerves
A vintage Rolex
stands. [They] then have two attempts at the building up as they progress has been donated
Challenge, where they shoot at a new sequence towards the 25th target. You by David Duggan
of 25 driven birds off our legendary 120-foot high can’t afford to miss anything;
tower, where they can use a maximum of 26 the minute you miss one
cartridges. The 20 highest scoring individuals on you’ll get tense and
the tower alone will then go through to the final make mistakes. So
where, if the overall winner shoots 23 or more of you need to make
the 25 birds, he or she will win either the car or the use of the space sequence several times is vital. “Being
shotguns. The entrant scoring the highest score available to you and confident on high birds is important, so if
out of 100 each week during the qualifiers will also maximise your you are a game shooter that will help.
be invited to the final to shoot-off for a vintage footwork as much as Another aspect is footwork and being able
Rolex worth over £5,000.” possible. You’ve also to read the targets, so you get your feet and
The tower sequence, once again, takes the got to pick a sound shoulders into the correct position. But while
form of 25 high birds hand-thrown from six traps, technique, and if you want to the birds are high and fast, pure clay shooters are
but differs from last year’s event. “The tower is take on this tower you need to get also in with a great chance of winning as they have
actually a 40 foot-long gantry so this means we in lots of practice. My advice is to enter the the correct mindset to try for perfection and shoot
can throw a huge range of different styles of competition several times so you can memorise 25 out of 25. Game shooters don’t have to
targets, so this year’s sequence is completely the targets and timings.” concentrate on 25 birds in a row without stopping,
new,” says Robert. “Hand-throwing the targets John Heagren, shooting manager at Bisley whereas clay shooters are more used to that type of
means we can send a mix of 90s and standard Shooting Ground, who won the competition in its shooting. It is really anyone’s game but, as always,
clays, plus the clays actually go further. The first incarnation as the Stratstone Super Seven you do also need a little bit of luck on the day.”
sequence will be the same each time – the only Challenge, agrees that shooting the tower For more information, visit www.rbss.co.uk ■

Incorporating well-known brands, such as Range

Rover, raises the profile of our sport

92 www.sportingshooter.co.uk www.sportingshooter.co.uk 92
94 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 SHOOTING
VOICE WITH BASC’S CONOR O’GORMAN

BASC calls for 10-year certificates

BASC fights the case for extended shotgun and firearms licences in a bid to improve the
current problematic system. Conor O’Gorman reviews the progress made…
ne of BASC’s top priorities is making a development arrangements needed to be
O case for improved firearms licensing across
the UK. Our firearms department typically
brought into forces to ensure a more consistent
national approach to firearms licensing. The
THE 10-YEAR RENEWAL PROPOSAL
The white paper arrives at three
handles over 700 enquiries a month from problem has long been recognised by BASC, as recommendations:
members seeking expert advice. This staggering well as the police licensing staff and the many
1) Recognition by government that
number continues to increase, particularly in tens of thousands of certificate holders who are
renewals after five years serve no added
relation to complaints about poor service and unfairly affected as a result. It has taken many
benefit to enforcement.
delays in the grant and renewal of firearm and years of painstakingly slow progress, but we are
shotgun certificates. While there are some now starting to see top-level government and 2) Recognition by government that phased
outstanding examples of efficiency in processing police recognition of the problem and meaningful introduction of ten-year certificates would
renewals, in our experience these are the dialogue on a solution. significantly improve the enforcement of
exception, not the rule. Modern police intelligence-gathering and firearms law, bringing benefits to public safety,
The underlying problem is that police licensing -sharing methods mean that the suitability of the police service and to certificate holders
departments experience peaks and troughs in certificate holders is under constant review. Such by preventing the current peaks and troughs
their workloads caused by the five-year renewal advancements in real-time monitoring render of renewals.
cycle. Many fail to recruit or train new staff in time five-year renewals unnecessary. The police 3) That ten-year shotgun and firearm
for the busy periods. This leads to delays in continue to face heavy budget cuts under austerity. certificates be introduced and phased in using
renewing certificates. Shooters facing the prospect Around 80% of the police budget is staff costs. the 50% method.
of being left in unlawful possession of their Phasing in 10-year certificates would smooth We are close to reaching consensus on the
firearms can demand temporary permits, but this, workload peaks and troughs, reducing pressure, principle of ten-year certificates and now it is
of course, puts further pressure on understaffed the need for staff, and allowing the retention of down to the political will to get us there.
licensing teams. Also, even temporary permits do experienced staff within licensing departments.
To download a copy of the BASC white paper,
not cover items such as expanding ammunition, There are various ways of phasing in 10-year
search for ‘white papers’ on the BASC
which causes serious problems for certificate certificates and, after analysis by BASC’s
website: www.basc.org.uk
holders who manage wildlife. Understandably, the business intelligence and firearms teams, we
firearms licensing system has become regarded as recommend the ‘50% method’. This involves
dysfunctional by many shooters. giving half of renewals five-year certificates and Conservation, in parliament. Crucially, it includes
A more serious consequence of the current the other half 10-year certificates, continuing until qualified approval for the extension of the
renewal cycle is that firearms licensing teams a point (after one full five-year cycle) at which all certificate term from Chief Constable Andy Marsh,
tend to shed staff in trough years, resulting in a renewals could be granted 10-year certificates. the national lead for firearms within the National
loss of expertise. This has been recognised by the BASC has published a white paper to help Police Chiefs’ Council, who wrote in the paper:
Home Office as depriving firearms licensing inform an evidence-based decision making “There is an opportunity, with appropriate
departments of the knowledge and experience process. The paper, Extending the duration of supporting developments, to deliver 10-year
vital for making informed public safety Firearm and Shotgun certificates, was launched in certification without compromising on public
assessments. The recently published HMIC September at a meeting of the All-Party safety and, on that basis, I will work towards that
report recommended that professional Parliamentary Group on Shooting and end in support of BASC’s proposal.” ■

‘The underlying problem

is that police licensing
departments experience
peaks and troughs in their
workloads caused by the
five-year renewal cycle’
PICTURE: NICK RIDLEY

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 95
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 GUEVER
SP OGH IN SPO
NDY MON
EC SERTING
with

IA CTSHOOT
Howard Kirby

L IO ER
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The essential guide to owning and working a gundog

102
INSIDE THIS MONTH...
Howard takes on the World!
98 Howard Kirby gives a stirring account of
his experience representing his country at the
Gundog World Championships in Serbia

To beat or not to beat, part 2

102 Ryan Kay continues his guide to going
beating with your gundog, looking at the place of
HPRs and young dogs in the beating line, plus advice
on how to get the best results from your dog

Gundog Q&A
106
106
All of your health, behaviour and other
gundog-related questions answered by our
resident team of experts

Gundog vet – Tails of woe

108 The final part in our 12-month series
looking at each part of a dog’s body, from nose to
tail. This month, Vicky looks at the common
problems that can occur in tails, explaining how
to avoid and treat tip damage and the issues
surrounding docking

HOWARD’S TIP
OF THE MONTH:
Banish those burrs!
98
Before a day in the shooting field or a training
session, carefully apply Mane and Tail (found
in equestrian shops) to your dog’s hairy bits.
This will make removing burrs, thistles and
debris from the dog’s coat much easier. Just
ask Rebecca if she wishes she’d

108
used some on Monty (below)!

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 97
GUNDOG TRAINING with Howard Kirby
Howard Kirby runs Lains Shooting School and Mullenscote Gundogs in Hampshire

Flying the flag for GB

Unshakeable team spirit, world-class dogs and a truckload of national pride… Howard’s
account of the Gundog World Championships makes for a heartwarming, misty-eyed read
eing asked to represent Great Britain with two stayed injury free, while making sure they were at languages and dogs that you can imagine. If I’m
B of my gundogs at the 2015 FCI World
Championships, to be held in Serbia, was nothing
the top of their game. All was going well until the
Syrian migrant crisis started to make headline
honest, it was a little intimidating. However, any
nerves were soon brushed aside as we prepared
short of fantastic. It was to be the first time that news. After endless phone calls and biting of nails, for the opening ceremony. Hearing your national
the Kennel Club had entered a team to this eventually the team calmed a little, and we waited anthem played while you parade in uniform with
prestigious event, and Team Captain Meryl Ashby nervously for final travel arrangements to be teammates and dogs is something every young
began serious preparations way back in 2014. made. Finally we were on the road! I travelled with dog handler should aspire to. It’s something I will
Team members were selected and informed as Team Vet and fellow competitor, Rob Gould. never forget.
to what would need to be in place in order for Leaving Suffolk at 7pm on Wednesday 28 The programme was set with Championships on
dogs and handlers to travel: rabies vaccinations October, we drove 1,500 miles in 28 hours, Saturday, St. Hubert on Sunday, and Monday
and a pet passport, along with a European driving through France, Germany, Austria, Slovenia and hosting the second day of the World Championships.
permit, travel and vehicle insurance, sporting Croatia, finally arriving at the Championship HQ in There were separate competitions for setters and
insurance, European Firearms Pass and an Serbia late on Thursday night. pointers and another for the continental HPRs. There
invitation from the Serbian Hunting Association, Friday morning was truly mind-blowing; the were two subgroups for each, labelled Batterie one
allowing us to enter Serbia with guns to hunt. Then hotel was filled with competitors from 28 countries and Batterie two and, just like a UK trial, a running
all we had to do was ensure that all team dogs with all the uniforms, personalities, sights, sounds, order for each. All dogs ran as a brace (two

Howard (second from left) feels honoured to have been part of the
first Kennel Club team to be entered into the Championships

98 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 CONSULT HOWARD ABOUT GUNDOG TRAINING
TELEPHONE 01264 889467
OR EMAIL [email protected]
OR VISIT www.mullenscote.co.uk

running together) and we all huddled around the Howard casts off FTCh Wamilanghaar Tash
batterie sheets every morning, excitedly looking to of Mullenscote
see when and with whom we were to run. All pretty
straightforward really; all we had to do was ensure
that we and the dogs were fed, watered and kitted
up ready for the briefing at 8am.
What we now needed to understand was
‘Serbian time’. This was something that became
predictably unpredictable. In a nutshell, ‘be at the
briefing at 8am’ meant just that, but then be
prepared to wait around while nothing seemed to
happen. Just as you were starting to lose the will
to live, a horn would sound and all hell would
break loose.
Briefings were fast and furious. TEAM
With approximately 150 handlers
to brief and dispatch to four MEMBERS
different hunting grounds, you Meryl Asbury (Team Captain)
needed to have your ‘listening Maddy Raynor
ears’ on. Sometimes in Italian, Sara Chichester required. At no time did I work. Whenever possible, dogs were run into the
sometimes in Serbian and, Geoff Saint burst into tears, but believe wind. Each brace ran for 10 minutes. Dogs were
every once in a while, in Mark Clifford me, the thought of missing out cast off and the first minute of hunting was
English, your name was called Rob Gould on my first run at the World classed as a warm-up period, after which a horn
and your batterie was told to jump Howard Kirby Championships brought this man was sounded. Any action during this first minute
into your vehicles. In our case: close to crying. Team Captain Meryl was not taken into account. All of the GB dogs put
“Follow the white Renault Megane!” Well, – you saved our skins. in a sterling performance, which wasn’t easy; the
that’s what Rob and I heard, anyway, and in our Our vehicles were parked alongside a dual partridges were there, but the dogs had to work
enthusiasm to get going we rushed to the 4x4. carriageway from where we had an excellent view hard to find them. Once a dog located game and
Unfortunately, 30 seconds after we left, the head of each brace as they competed. Each brace ran came on-point, the dog would then be asked to
of briefing announced there had been a mistake: for 10 minutes hunting the famous Serbian wild flush and be steady to shot. This shot was a
“Batterie one, DO NOT follow the white Renault grey partridges. The ground was a patchwork quilt salute as no game was killed for this trial. Brace
Megane.” It was too late. Rob and I were all over of Serbian agriculture made up of maize, cabbages, dogs had to either ‘back up’ the point, if they
that little Renault. After three hours of desperate chillis, stubble and waste ground, on which lurked happened to be hunting in the same area, or sit to
phone calls, endlessly driving down every a sharp-spined sticky burr that clung determinedly shot after a flush. Both dogs were then picked up
motorway, lane and track in Southern Serbia, we to our long-coated dogs. We quickly learned that and handlers returned to the judges before
were located by a Serbian hero who got us to our the best way to deal with this was to clip hair, changing sides and resuming hunting. At the end
allocated hunting ground before we were where possible, and rub olive oil into their coats. of each run – if all had gone to plan – a shot was
I defy any dog handler not to be impressed by fired and the judges threw out a dead bird which
‘All of the GB dogs put in the drive and power that is so obvious the first
time you watch one of these dogs in action.
the dog then retrieved. Of particular note were
performances by Maddy Raynor with her Irish
a sterling performance, German shorthaired and wirehaired pointers,
Brittany spaniels and a few German longhairs
setter, Ginger, and Rob Gould with his German
longhaired pointer, Dyjnn, both of whom were
which wasn’t easy; the quartered the ground at a blistering pace,
sometimes taking in a beat up to 200 yards wide
taken to the water and asked to make a retrieve to
complete their day. A great start, with two GB
partridges were there, in each direction. Watching the pointing dog’s
ability to locate and turn into a point from full
dogs receiving awards.
Evenings were spent looking after the dogs,
but the dogs had to work gallop is one of life’s pleasures, and these
world-ranking dogs confirmed this.
with lots of de-burring, followed by an evening in
the hotel. The language barrier was always the
hard to find them’ Day one was dry and overcast, nice and cool
with a gentle breeze – nice conditions for dog
biggest challenge for us; I so wish I was
multilingual. Fortunately, a lot of the other

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www.sportingshooter.co.uk 99
GUNDOG TRAINING DOUBLE DVD
COMBO!
Buy both the Mullenscote dog training DVDs –
Establishing the Basics and
Get On – for the special
combo price of
£18 + £2 P&P
Buy them on
the website:
www.mullenscote.co.uk
or telephone:
01264 889467

anyway). Team spirit was high, however, and once

again the HPRs along with the setters and pointers
had flown the flag and all put in good performances.
Day three, and by now we knew our way
around, had made friends, and learned how to say
The dogs covered large areas of ground so it was
essential that competitors kept up with the trial ‘good morning’ in numerous foreign languages
(test me if you like!). The whole team looked more
relaxed and settled in. Allez! Go! Hurry up! Here
HPRs are fast, powerful and fascinating to watch
we go again – dogs, briefings, and a one-hour
rally drive to the hunting grounds.
It was the second day of World Championships.
The early dogs got two important ingredients: cool
temperatures and game. By midday, the opposite
was true. This is a tough and bitter pill to swallow,
but that’s trialling. Once again, Rob Gould and
Dyjnn were awesome and a point and flush on
partridges on open ground saw them set for a
second award. At the water, Rob and Dyjnn shone
again; following their first-class water retrieve the
judges called for them twice more. “Anglettera,” a
judge shouted sarcastically, insisting Rob return
to retrieve the duck that the last dog had failed on.
Twice more he was called in, each time to a
rapturous round of applause from handlers that
had travelled from all over the world. Dyjnn put on
a show; a slight, fast and gentle-mannered
German longhaired bitch, she proved that she’s
world class as she slid silently into the water and
put on a beautiful demonstration of water retrieval.
The atmosphere at the water on that last day was
something I am honoured to have been part of –
countries’ teams spoke English, so we were able and give the judges a display of your hunting hard-hunting ladies and gentlemen from around
to communicate. Failing that, a lot of smiling and skills,” said Tommy Lundgren, a very helpful and the world enjoying the theatre, spectacle and
gesticulating got us through most conversations. charismatic Swedish competitor. Fellow camaraderie that this amazing Gundog World
The wealth of knowledge, experience and opinion teammate, Mark Clifford and I competed in the Championships created. Rob and Dyjnn finished
among such a large gathering of top handlers was spaniel class. When required, the steward sixth overall – what an achievement. He was
vast. Whenever possible the talk was about collected you and took you down to meet the overjoyed, as was the rest of the team, albeit in a
dogs… I loved it! judges. After handshakes you were then expected reserved, British kind of way.
I was fortunate to spend an hour with the to introduce yourself and your dog, and discuss This was the first time that the Kennel Club had
President of the FCI, Peter Bahlke, a most your choice of gun and cartridges (each sent a team to this competition and, for sure,
charming and informed man. We discussed many competitor needed to carry six), before confirming Team GB were nothing short of first-class
things, and at one point he said, “In the UK, you what game was allowed to be shot; our brief was ambassadors. It’s essential that we continue to
hunt not to miss; in Europe, we hunt to find.” By cock and hen pheasants. Next, you presented attend – let’s be honest, why wouldn’t we?! There
this he meant that the relative abundance of game your gun to the judges for inspection. Finally, they are differences in the way we work our dogs to
in the UK means that we put more control on our checked that you had the correct hunting licences the rest of the world, and any of you that are
dogs to avoid missing game, whereas in Europe and insurance before directing you to your foolish enough to think that we, or our systems,
game is less abundant, and so dogs need to be allocated beat. Let the show begin! Twenty are superior to theirs, then shame on you. Go and
given their heads a bit more and get out that bit minutes of hunting heavy brambles in searing watch, work hard… maybe you’ll be selected for
further. In my opinion, it is this significant difference midday temperatures made life tough for all of the the team. Your horizons will be broadened; there’s
that has developed the hunting and, particularly, dogs. Mark’s English springer and my cocker the opportunity to see and learn so much. I
the competing styles that differentiate us. worked their hearts out, finishing exhausted and personally had the time of my life.
Day two was programmed for a competition bloodied. Unfortunately, both of us had blank runs That was the Gundog World Championships
called the St. Hubert. This was very different to – no game. Gutted doesn’t really describe the I took part in. Wow! I’ve only just stopped
the previous day. “You must think theatre; go out feeling, but neither of us cried (not publicly pinching myself. ■

100 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 GUNDOG FOCUS with Ryan Kay
Ryan Kay is a
keen trialler and trainer
with a passion for working
HPRs and spaniels. He beats and
picks up on various moors in

To beat, or not to beat – part 2

North Yorkshire and enjoys
rough shooting with
his dogs.

Ryan continues his guide to going beating with an in-depth look at where best to place your
dog in the line; age, breed and experience are all deciding factors
o, you’ve managed to find some beating. Don’t take a dog beating until it is first beating experience – it could be 10 months or
S You’ve been a couple of times (without your
dog) and sussed out the lay of the land, so to
two years old
This could, to some extent, be true; but, as I
five years old – but if it’s not responding in a
boring environment and you haven’t built the
speak – what’s needed, what’s acceptable and mentioned last month, it’s not that black and excitement gradually, then you can’t expect the
what will suit your dog. As I mentioned last month, white. In the past, I’ve had the opportunity to brakes to work in a testing one!
if you’re happy for your dog to just run about and introduce a six-month-old forward-going pup to a
knock birds up, way out in front, and the keeper’s nice, quiet drive, near the back end of the season The beating line goes too fast!
happy for this also, then by all means, crack on. – that’s measured and monitored control on the If you’re rough shooting or trialling with a dog,
But please don’t take it on a different shoot the appropriate ground! The young dog was kept then the dog needs to flush in shooting range. Not
next week, where things are a little more in order, back a little out of the way, and looked after. only does this aid the shooting, but hunting it at
and then expect it to behave perfectly! We’ve talked about gentle exposure and how we the correct distance will ensure you don’t miss
The melee of dogs on some shoots can be one can go about achieving this, and we’ve also anything to flush. In my opinion, it should be no
of the hardest things to put up with, and dogs mentioned looking out for particular areas on a different when beating. Far too many shoots
careering about, way in front, easily distract and shoot that will get the best out of your dog. It hurriedly run their beaters through the woods
encourage a young dog to follow suit. doesn’t matter what age you set for your dog’s rather than covering them properly. The reality is

TOP TIP
If the beating line is
moving too fast, intersperse
short bursts of hunting with
some heelwork; the hunting
is then the reward.
PICTURE: NICK RIDLEY

102 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 Training talk and updates from the gundog world

that the beating line goes too fast and this Rough foliage along the banks of a stream can be an
encourages your dog to take a larger ‘bite’ of ideal spot to work an HPR
ground, and forge forward when quartering. So
what do you do? I try to use this as an obedience
opportunity at keeping control. Run your dog as
you would in an ideal situation, keeping him at the
correct distance. After a minute or two you’ll
notice you’re perhaps just behind the line. Bring
your dog in to heel and then catch up, before
casting him off again. When beating down a block
of woodland, the line can be a bit skew-whiff
anyway, due to folk getting caught up in the odd
bramble, for example; by bringing him in to heel,
you’ve asked him to focus more on you again.
Then, by giving him the short bursts of hunting,
he’s getting a reward to do his favourite thing
once more. This enhances your control over your

PICTURES: RYAN KAY

dog, allowing him less time to potentially switch
off and perhaps go solo. Remember, this could be
something you’ve cleared with the keeper
beforehand, but really it shouldn’t be that
noticeable anyway. Of course I realise that during Beating with an HPR your HPR to ‘point’? And more importantly, ‘hold
the catch up, with your dog at heel, you could HPRs are generally best used for picking-up on the point’? If so, then you need to look carefully at
also miss game, but so could the dogs that are the majority of shoots, as this is where they can your beating opportunities. Smart spaniels and
pulling forward! really contribute. That’s not to say that they can’t Labs will soon catch on to an HPR ‘on point’,
be useful in the beating line, too, but there are a realising there’s game present before flying in to
Don’t let your dog off in maize! few things to consider here. First, do you want flush it. If you allow this to continue, that point will
You can’t see your dog when it’s in a field of
maize, but your dog can see everything! Maize is
often one of the cover crops that brings out the
worst in a beating dog. It encourages it to switch
from using its nose to using its eyes more. I’ve
witnessed dogs that have quickly deteriorated
week after week – as far as their obedience is
concerned – and who can blame them given the
constant exposure to maize? The dog soon learns
to run forward in search of gathering birds to
chase, and actually ends up sending birds out
everywhere. I hate the stuff! Dogs that can see
lots of game running-on in front will be tempted to
give pursuit. Plus, the excitement this will cause to
some young dogs may encourage them to make a
noise, resulting in yipping and barking. Seriously,
get down and look through the maize stems, so
you can see it from a dog’s perspective… lots of
birds rushing about! If you can see that many
birds, what do you need a dog for? I appreciate
that some pressure needs to be put on some
young birds and first time or reluctant flyers, but
why not start cracking those flags instead?

‘The reality is that the

beating line goes too fast
and this encourages your
dog to take a larger ‘bite’
of ground, and forge
forward when quartering’

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 103
GUNDOG FOCUS

HPRs can cover a large amount of ground in a short space of

time, so keep them focused on a suitable area of cover

PICTURE: REBECCA GREEN

‘Smart spaniels and If you can finish your day’s beating with
a nice retrieve, then so much the better

Labs will soon catch on

to an HPR ‘on point’,
realising there is game
present before flying in
to flush it’
soon diminish as your HPR will start to creep and
flush the bird itself, before another dog gets to it.
This, of course, is fine if that’s what you want. But
if you’re wanting your dog to hold that point, PICTURE: NICK RIDLEY
because you either enjoy rough shooting or
trialling, then you need to think differently.
Remember, HPRs are all about trying to find those
odd one or two birds, and so areas of cover with a
high population of game generally won’t suit them. by sending it continuously over a dyke or stream, syndicate shoot where good dogs in the beating
So for this reason, I try to choose my areas to enabling it to cover both sides and keep in touch line are indispensable. Wherever your beating
work my HPRs, and these are often on the with me. I say this because one of the hardest opportunities lay on this scale, you must use your
peripherals of the beating line. Here, I can things about working an HPR in the beating line is own common sense and try to recognise what will
sometimes hunt them flatter and wider, so they’re how fast they can cover the ground, and unless suit you and your dog.
not funnelled forward, as they may be in the you can keep them busy in an area of suitable In the end, you’ve trained hard to get where you
middle of the line. This way I can hopefully protect cover, you’ll find yourself constantly on the whistle, are and you’ve hopefully built a good partnership;
the training progress of the dog and keep it away pipping the dog back in. a perfect day is one where your dog has worked
from flushing spaniels. HPRs, of course, are also As I’ve said several times, the spoken terms and earnestly and listened well. We all look for that
often suited to different ground compared to rules of beating with a young dog are not by any opportunity to show that the hard work has paid
spaniels and Labs, and this needs to be in your means black and white; the circumstantial off, and when a Gun calls to you, as you appear
thoughts when choosing a spot in the line. In a variations from one shoot to the next can differ from the end of the wood, to help him find a bird,
HPR field trial, hedgerows can feature quite a lot, enormously. To set a scale, one end would be a there’s the opportunity to finish the whole job off.
perhaps with a bit of rough grass along one side, large commercial shoot with so many birds that The dog is sent out and the bird is found with
or maybe rough foliage along a stream. These the only use for a dog would be as part of the minimal effort, before bringing it nicely to hand.
areas, I find, are ideal and I can keep a dog busy picking-up team; at the other end would be a small That’s when you know it was all worthwhile. ■

104 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 GUNDOG EXPERTS GOT A GUNDOG PROBLEM?
SEND QUESTIONS TO Ask the Experts,
Sporting Shooter, Evolution House, 2-6
Easthampstead Road, Wokingham,
The place for all your health, behaviour, diet, breeding and training queries
Berkshire, RG40 2EG OR EMAIL news@
sportingshooter.co.uk

QUESTION OF THE MONTH

Send us your gundog problems and the best one will win a £50

WIN! Chudleys dog food Chudleys dog food voucher. Chudleys makes a wide range of
complete working food for dogs. Simply post or email your question to
the address above. For more information, go to www.chudleys.com

Coming off the whistle

Q
My spaniel has been hunting really well but has recently started to you want the dog to hunt. Once you start him hunting, keep the dog close,
ignore the whistle and is pulling away from me. I’m worried it’s all pipping him on the whistle when you want him to turn. Be consistent; the
about to go really wrong. first time the dog ignores the whistle go to him quickly, growling at him. If
he has been well schooled in early training he will recognise that you are

A
HOWARD KIRBY replies: Well done for recognising the problem unhappy. Slip a lead on to him and give him a sharp check while repeating
quickly. Go back to establishing the basics. Find a nice, open piece the whistle command. Timing is crucial; if you get it right he will quickly
of ground with light cover and ideally a fence along one side. This understand that you won’t tolerate him ignoring the whistle. Be vigilant and
fence will help you to ensure you are accurate in the width of the pattern he will soon learn what you want from him.

in association
with

Reluctant to release Stud fears

Q Q
My lurcher caught and retrieved his first rabbit, but growled when I Will using my male dog at stud change his behaviour? He has such a
went to take it. Of course I smacked his head and he let go. How do I good character at the moment, I don’t want him to change, but I’d like
stop him being dominant? to breed from him.

A A
JACKIE DRAKEFORD VICKY PAYNE replies: It is hard to predict how using a dog at stud will
replies: This isn’t change a dog’s behaviour. Many dogs combine stud duties with work
dominance, and please and competition without any problems, but others become distracted
never smack him again, because from their work, or may
you will stop him retrieving and even become aggressive
ruin your teamwork. A first rabbit with other dogs. Problems
is important to a dog, and some are more likely if a dog is
are reluctant to hand it over already struggling with
initially. concentration, or has
When he catches next, don’t already shown competitive
take the rabbit, but put his lead tendencies towards other
on and let him carry it for a little dogs. To limit the risk of
way until he starts to find it heavy. problems, I like to be in
Then hold a tasty reward above control of my dog during
his nose while taking hold of the mating; I allow him to cover
rabbit from underneath, and as a bitch, just as I allow him
he opens his mouth for the to go for a retrieve. After a
reward, gently slip the rabbit out mating, I take my males
PICTURES: NICK RIDLEY

and put it in your pocket. Reward out for a walk or some

again, then encourage him to training together and keep
look for another rabbit. Soon he an eye on them for a couple
will readily give them to you. of days.

106 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 GUNDOG VET with Vicky Payne
Got a dog health problem?
Send questions to Gundog Vet, Sporting
Shooter, Evolution House, 2-6 Easthampstead
Road, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 2EG
Vicky is a keen shooter and qualified vet
email [email protected] or submit
questions on our website:
www.sportingshooter.co.uk/ask-the-experts

GUNDOG HEALTH: NOSE TO TAIL Vicky runs

first aid courses
for groups. Email

Tails of woe
vicky@holisticvetsussex.
co.uk for further
details.

There’s no happier sight than a working dog; its head buried deep in a scent, tail a joyful blur.
As owners, it’s our duty to keep those tails healthy…
undog tails are usually a pleasure to see; Where a breeder can supply the required evidence,
G wagging away, letting us know how much
they enjoy their work. But gundog tails are at risk
that the puppies are likely to be kept or sold for
working, a vet must dock them before they exceed
of injury, both at work and in the kennel. Spaniels, five days old. Many vets don’t offer a docking
some HPR breeds, and some working terriers service anymore so, if you are planning a litter,
have traditionally been docked as puppies to finding a vet who will should be a priority. After
reduce the risk of tail damage. Although docking docking you will be supplied with a certificate,
has been banned in the UK, exemptions apply in which should be passed on with the puppy, and

PICTURE: REBECCA GREEN

England, Wales and Northern Ireland for dogs of docked pups must be identified with a microchip.
specified breeds or types intended for work. If you have an older, undocked spaniel or HPR
pup, you can’t ask a vet to amputate the tail,
unless there has been significant damage to it. Prevention is better than cure when it comes to
‘Recurrent damage Dogs working in thick cover are at the highest risk
protecting the tip of the tail

of tail-tip injuries, and though some dogs will work wagging it repeatedly against a hard surface, such
to the tail tip can leave full-tailed for their entire career without problems, as a kennel wall. Recurrent damage to the tail tip
many others will get injured. Trimming long hairs can leave it constantly swollen and painful, and
it constantly swollen and can help, but always leave enough hair to cover amputation may be the only cure. Amputating an
and protect the tail. Bandaging with sports adult dog’s tail is a major operation, and healing
painful, and amputation strapping (or electrical tape) or applying a Dog can take some time. If such a thing occurs and
End allows some dogs to avoid further injury. this is the only treatment option for your dog,
of the tail may be Spaniels and HPRs aren’t the only gundogs at risk expect him to be out of action for four to six
of tail-tip injuries. Retrievers can suffer from weeks, and expect a shorter tail than the
the only cure’ ‘happy tail’, which is damage to the tail tip from traditional puppy dock.
Another rather poorly understood tail problem
Swimmer’s tail commonly occurs in Labradors is cold tail (also known as limber tail, dead tail,
after they have been working in water swimmer’s tail, and no doubt others I haven’t
heard of!). The main symptom is a tail that won’t
wag. The tail will hang; the dog won’t wag; and
handling of the tail may be painful. It is often seen
in Labradors after water work and may be caused
either by the tail getting sprained or by the
circulation shutting down (like a chilblain). Even
vets might panic and think that the tail is broken
or the dog has a spinal problem, if they haven’t
seen it before, but all that most cases require is
warmth, rest, and perhaps some pain killers.
Using a drying rug after water work and feeding
ginger to dogs prone to cold tail might help
prevent attacks.
Chewing at the tail base can be a sign of
fleas, worms, or overfull anal glands, while a bald
patch on the top third of the tail is often an
overactive skin gland. As this condition is seen
mostly in older, entire males, it is given the name
stud tail and, although unsightly, does not usually
PICTURE: NICK RIDLEY

require treatment.
So, keep a close eye on your dog, take some
precautionary measures when out in the field, and
let’s keep those tails wagging! ■

108 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
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www.sportingshooter.co.uk 111
FIN DSH OTI
Use this page to find agents offering sport around the UK and overseas
NG
WILDFOWLING PERMITS
Wildfowling clubs
across the country
Last chance for young shots
offer day permits to
BASC members.
For a copy of the
to win car in TSC Winter Series
The final day of the The Schools Challenge
latest BASC (TSC) Winter Series, on 21 December, marks the
Members’ last chance for young shots to qualify for the
Wildfowling Permit final and bag the top prize of a Vauxhall Corsa
Scheme Booklet, send an SAE to worth £15,000.
Wildfowling Management, BASC, To qualify for the final, shooters must have
competed in at least four of the seven qualifying
Marford Mill, Rossett, Wrexham,
competitions, from which their four best scores
LL12 0HL or email your name and are added together to determine their qualifying
address to [email protected] score. The competitors with the 30 highest total
scores from the qualifying rounds will go on to
YORKSHIRE & N.E. ANGLIA SPORTING compete in the final for a chance to win the car.
Guided pigeon shooting, deer Second to fifth places also present generous
CARTER’S COUNTRYWEAR stalking; rough and driven
North Yorkshire shooting; wild duck flights. prize funds with, in descending order, a
Tel: 01439 770688 www.cart- Tel: 01728 605892 www. Browning 725 shotgun, a Rizzini Premier shotgun
erscountrywear.co.uk Pheasant angliasporting.co.uk and two Bowman Auto Traps up for grabs.
and grouse shooting BASC NORFOLK The final will be broken up into two parts. The
NORTH WEST Andrea Green, 01244 573047,
semi-final will see all 30 qualifiers shooting a
[email protected]
SOUTH SOLWAY 50-bird Sporting competition, with the five
BLACKWATER
WILDFOWLERS
WILDFOWLERS top-scoring entries going through to the
www.solwaywildfowlers.co.uk
Essex. 01245 283210 www.
MC Slater, Lancs.
blackwaterwildfowlers.org.uk sudden-death Flash Final. This will take the form

PICTURE: OXFORD GUN COMPANY

Tel: 07779 934563 Pinkfoot of a Sportrap layout where shooters will shoot-off
geese, pigeons, driven duck & FENLAND WILDFOWLERS
evening duck flights www.fenlandwa.org.uk in order to determine placing and those
TUFTON ARMS HOTEL GEDNEY DROVE END all-important prizes.
Appleby-in Westmorland, Cum- Wildfowlers Cambridgeshire. The competition is new to 2015 and is open to
bria. Tel: 01768 351593 Tel: 01945 420359
any young shot in full-time education aged 21 or
www.fishing-shooting.co.uk NBC BIRD AND PEST
Tel: 0800 169 9646 www. under on the date of the final.
MIDLANDS nbcbirdandpest.co.uk

CREATURE
THE BARTON ON HUMBER KING’S LYNN & WEST TO CLAIM A BADGE, SEND AN ADDRESSED ENVELOPE
Gundog Club Tel: 01724 NORFOLK WILDFOWLERS
WITH 58P OF STAMPS WHEN YOU ENTER THIS
FINDERS
734700 www.bohgc.co.uk www.klwa.co.uk
[email protected]
LEIGH-ON-SEA MONTH’S COMPETITION. SEE PAGE 11 FOR DETAILS.
ROBERT GIBSON-BEVAN WILDFOWLERS
Lincs Tel: 01673 858387 www.loswa.co.uk
KEADBY WILDFOWLING & WE FOUND LUCINDA LAPWING ON P64
NORTH SUFFOLK Northants • Craig Drinkwater, Waricks • Selina
CONSERVATION SOCIETY W’FOWLING CLUB OF THE NOVEMBER ISSUE
www.kwacs.org.uk Tel: 07810 122404 www. Webb, Suffolk • Baker Revett, Suffolk • Gavin
LEICESTER WILDFOWLERS northsuffolkwildfowlers.co.uk John Ahearn, Ire • Philip Kent, Lincs • Jim Campbell, Waricks • Malcolm Goodman,
Contact: www.leicswa.org NORWICH & DISTRICT Morgan, Caithness • Melanie Hendry, Scotland • Oxfords • Michael and Janice Owens, North
[email protected] WILDFOWLERS
Charles O’Connor, Ire • Wayne Davison, Yorks • Stephen Hill, Gloucs • Dave Barrell,
PESTWISE www.norwich-wildfowlers.
Contact Richard Tel: 01664 co.uk Bedlington • Wendy Berry, Staffs • John Carroll, Suffolk • Rory O’Kane, Ire • Colin Ashley, Staffs •
850287 or 07764 485726 PETE’S AIRGUN FARM Merseyside • Lloyd Mucculloch, Scotland • Greger Jackson, Cleveland • Robert Lyon, Angus
www.pestwise.co.uk nr Chelmsford, Essex. Contact: Stephen Morris, Bristol • Douglas and James • Frank Holman, Suffolk • Bob Masters,
DELTA DEER SERVICES Peter Mallett, Tel: 07973
Tel: 01536 761978 509198 www.airgunfarm.co.uk Crosby, Cambs • Paul Berry, Staffs • Sharon Birmingham • Philippa Sharp, Kent • Mike Lloyd,
or 07850 380923 www. RIFLECRAFT LIMITED Davies, Waricks • Alfie Hollingsworth, Wellington Cardiff • Les Davies, Leigh • Mark Biggins,
deltadeerservices.co.uk Tel: 01379 853745 • Mrs R Tattershall, Barnsley • Ewan Whyte, Cumbria • Gerald Titterington, North Yorks • Mr
WEST RIDING www.riflecraft.co.uk Moray • Becki Cathro, Moray • Eddie Finney, and Mrs Brown, Norfolk • John Avery, Derby •
WILDFOWLERS SPALDING WILDFOWLERS
Contact Graham Teale, Staffs • Bobby Samuel, Staffs • Nigel McNeil- Allan Chesterton, Herefords • Alan Nash,
www.spaldingwildfowlers.co.uk
Tel: 07711 555295 wildfowl- Smith, I.O.W • Abi Thorn, Powys • Tom Jones, Dumfries • Nadine Weeks, Norwich • George
[email protected] LONDON & S.E. Carmarthen • Shrodinger, Essex • Steven Gosling, Devon • Liz Harper, Norwich • C T
EAST WILLIAM & PHILIP Stroud, Suffolk • Kimonie Sturgeon, Suffolk • Diver, Cambs • Brian Kenny, Co Durham •
BEASLEY
ALDE & ORE WILDFOWLERS Tel: 01869 277534 for Philip, Jim, Lincs • Martin Cowan, Milton Keynes • Phil Russell Hurley, Cardiff • Raymond Murray,
www.aldeandorewildfowlers.com Tel: 07831 572247 for William, Hunnisett, Wilts • Pat Chambers, Lincs • Ian Hall, Dumfries • David Rogalski, Caithness • Brian
ALKBOROUGH WILDFOWLERS Tel: 07831 195736. Pigeon Notts • Laura Coathup, Worcs • Paul Barnes, Hughes, Northants • JJA Loveridge, Cambs
www.alkboroughwildfowlers.co.uk shooting, also deer stalking.

112 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 AGENTS: Send any updates to Find Shooting, Sporting Shooter,
Evolution House, 2-6 Easthampstead Road, Wokingham, Berks RG40 2EG

MARK BOULTON DEVON WILDFOWLING & CA Fetherston-Godley Contact Mark Piper, DAVID VIRTUE
HORNDEAN Tel: 01395 268837 devonwild- Tel: 01575 560292 www. Tel: 01496 850120 or 07786 Berwickshire. UK driven birds, driven wild
Deer stalking in south; [email protected] avonandairliesporting.com 906472 www.thegearach.co.uk Tel: 01578 740672 or 07866 boar in Europe & African big
Boar shooting in Europe DORSET WILDFOWLERS BASC Isle of Arran GREYLAG COUNTRY SPORTS 901019 www.dvsporting.co.uk game.
and Sussex. Tel: 02392 www.dorsetwildfowlers.org.uk Contact Andrea Green Aberdeenshire. Contact John WILDFOWLING IN GI COUNTRY SPORTS UK
595925/07854 985006 mark- Gloucestershire Tel: 01244 573047 andrea. Lewis, Tel: 01799 476421 or ABERDEENSHIRE Tel: 01507 327522 or 07980
[email protected] [email protected] 07793 025859 BASC regd Contact Sandy Strachan, 071192 pigeonwilson @
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
STALKING & PHEASANT WILDFOWLERS CAPREOLUS GAME goose/woodcock guide Tel: 01779 838427 btinternet.com Dove & geese
CANVEY WILDFOWLING www.gloucestershire Scottish Borders Tel: 01864 HERON FIELDSPORTS Registered goose guide. www. in Argentina. Driven wild boar
& CA wildfowlers.co.uk 502317 or 07725 943190 Contact Colin Chisholm, ansersportingservices.co.uk & pheasant in CZ.
Tel: Mr Webster on www.capreolus.net GREAT NORTH COMPANY
01268 752665 IAN COLEY SPORTING Tel: 01369 705888 or 07836 NORTHERN IRELAND
Tel: 01242 870391 CASE SPORT 511792 Woodland stalking. Contact Mike Rainback,
CHICHESTER HARBOUR WA Driven Pheasant and Partridge LOUGH FOYLE WA Tel: 01305 853737
www.iancoley.co.uk MAL KEMPSON
www.chwa.org.uk Shooting Contact: Andrew www.wildfowlers.com www.greatnorthsafaris.
MELCOMBE PARTNERS WILDFOWLING
GEORGE DIGWEED Case Dumfries & Galloway Fife & Tayside Tel: 01592 STRANGFORD LOUGH com Impala, warthog, blue
Chris Kirby Tel: (01643) www.casesport.com wildebeest + more
SPORTING AGENCY 831439 721140 www.wildfowling.co.uk Wildfowling Club day permits
www.georgedigweed .com Tel: (01644) 430469 or 07747 to BASC members. Contact HAWKEYE SPORTING
SPORTING AGENT 691447 LOCHNELL ROUGH
Duck & pheasants. SHOOTING
BASC HQ, Tel: 01244 573000 AGENCY
Tel: 07724 689295 BORDER FIELDSPORTS Mike Manley, Tel: 01962
EMSWORTH & DISTRICT www.sportingagent.com Argyllshire Tel: 01631 720413 UK & WORLDWIDE
WILDFOWLERS For quality estate stalking, www.lochnell.co.uk 733378 www.hawkeye-sporting.
www.wildfowling.com PRESCOTT SHOOTING high pheasants and walked A1 DECOY co.uk UK & worldwide game,
SCHOOL up days. Contact Steve Nuttall LAGGAN ESTATE wildfowling, rough & vermin
Driven Wild Boar in Serbia,
FROBURY FARM SPORTING Tel: 01242 673542 www. on 07860461017 or visit www. Islay. Tel: 01496 810235
CLUB www.lagganestate.com
Bulgaria, Croatia. Monteria HIGHMOOR
prescottshooting.com borderfieldsports.co.uk boar/deer and Nambian Contact Simon Dickens,
nr Newbury, Berks. [email protected] EILEAN IARMAIN ESTATE
Contact Paul Oldring, BROWWELL SPORTING safaris Contact Mark Curtis Tel: (+46) 707792744
TAW & TORRIDGE Steven Burton 01387 870351 Isle of Skye. Contact Michael Tel: 07860657990 Walked-up grouse in Sweden &
Tel: 01635 297122 Mackenzie, Tel: 01471 833266
www.frobury.co.uk WILDFOWLING CLUB www.browwellsporting.co.uk www.a1decoy.co.uk moose hunting
Duck, goose, pheasant, www.eilean-iarmain.co.uk
Barnstaple AFRICAN SKY HUNTERS LASAROTTA
HOLBOROUGH SHOOT www.ttwc.org.uk partridge nr Solway Firth MORTLACH SPORTING Contact A Williams, Tel: 01443 Tel: 01344 457052 or 07723
SOUTH (KENT) Aberdeenshire
Driven pheasant shoot. THE WARRENER WINSTON CHURCHILL 206333 Falconry safaris in 039395 www.lasarotta.co.uk
Box 36, Tavistock, Devon. STALKING Tel: 01466 720225 Zimbabwe. Also big game Wild boar in northern Serbia.
01622 891940, 07774 839319, www.mortlachsporting.co.uk
Tel: 01822 832990 Tel: 01369 705319 www. hunts & bird shooting. Pheasant, fox, rabbit, mouflon
07876 542579
[email protected] EDWARD WATSON winstonchurchillvenison.com MORMONDBRAE SPORTING ARGENTINA WINGS NATIONAL PIGEON & PEST
SHOOTING SERVICES CKD GALBRAITH Aberdeenshire www.argentinawings.com Dove CONTROL
KENT DEER SERVICES Tel: 07917 854368
Tel: 01884 254056 or 07767 Tel: 01738 451600 www. & duck shooting in Argentina Contact John Shooter,
Contact Andrew [email protected]
Tel: 07754 272214 338801 sportinglets.co.uk ARTEMIS HUNTING Tel: 08707 572246 or 07702
www.shootingservices.co.uk Walked up, driven shooting and 012700 Pigeon shooting,
or 01892 680327 DALNAGLAR CASTLE ESTATE duck flights
Contact Tomo Svetic,
www.kentdeerservices.co.uk WESTWARD SPORTING Perthshire Tel: 01250 882232 Tel: 07795 084055 www. rooks, crows, rabbits.
GUN CLUB www.dalnaglar-castle.co.uk NORTH UIST ESTATE artemis-hunting.com Driven ROXTONS
KENT WILDFOWLING & CA Tel: 01876 500329
Devon. Contact: Don Williams boar, bear, mouflon, deer & Pheasant & partridge shooting
Tel: 07836 771715 DES COCHRANE Geese, stags & snipe
Tel: 01752 564478 Rough, bird shooting in Croatia. in the UK. Spanish partridge
www.kentwildfowlers.co.uk Fife and Perthshire BASC
game, etc. registered goose guide PIGEONALLDAYLONG BEAR CREEK SHOOTING shooting. Dove shooting in
LANGSTONE & DISTRICT Argentina & bird shooting in
TAMAR VALLEY ASS. www.GoShootingUk.com Contact Geoff Robson, PRESERVE
WWCA Tel: 01592 621539 or Africa Tel: 01488 683222
for Shooting & Conservation Tel: 07725054046 Contact Lord Roy Thornton
Langstone Harbour, SE Hants. 07747 050302 www.roxtons.com
Devon & Cornwall, Rough & www.bearcreekhunts.com
www.ladwaca.com COUNTRYSPORTS www.pigeonalldaylong.co.uk
Wildfowling Tel: 01752 703676 STALKING
lordroy @aol.com Georgia, RIGBY SAFARIS LONDON
SHAVESGREEN SHOOTING [email protected] RJH SPORTS USA. Deer, hog, quail, vermin. Tel: 020 7622 1131 Wild boar/
07706 395979. Contact Michael Roberts, Isle of Lewis
CHASSE DE LA BANCALIE big game worldwide
www.shavesgreen.com WALES Tel 01786 447400 www. Contact Russell Hird, Tel:
[email protected] countrysports.co.uk 01851 820610 or 07751
Contact: Jean-Luc, Tel: +33 SERIOUS SHOOTING LTD
ANGLESEY SHOOTING COWANS LAW 839579 www.rjhsports.co.uk
563 55 65 00 or Gary 07860 Contact: Robert Cuthbert,
DRIVEN & WALKED-UP & Fishing 904211 Driven wild boar in Tel: 01747 851128
DAYS Ayrshire Contact Jay Steel, GEOFF ROBSON
Tel: 01407 740652 S France. www.seriousshooting.co.uk
Trevor Robinson Tel: 01560 700666 Fife/Tayside wildfowling guide.
www.presaddfed.co.uk rose- www.cowanslaw.com CHASSE DE LA LOIRE Shooting at some of Britain’s
Tel: 01273 600683 or [email protected] Tel: 01592 621539 top sporting estates.
Massif du Graffard
077499 35864 Pigeon. COWANS SPORTING SAFARI IN SCOTLAND
CASTELL GORFOD SYNDICATE Dumfries & Galloway
France. Contact Michelle SLAV SPORTING
WEST SUSSEX SPORTING M4 Carmarthen Contact Andrew Richardson Hackworthy, Tel: 0033 2 41 82 Contact Edward Donald,
Tel: 01293 851808. Contact Craig Denman, Tel: 07866 395975 www.
Contact Richard Llewelyn 32 45 www.chasseloire.com Tel: 01628 851292
www.westsussexgunco.com Tel: 07775 760651 safariinscotland.com hunter-
Tel: 01437 891433 Wild boar in Loire Valley www.slavsporting.com
Pheasant & partridge. or 01387 760284 [email protected]
DRIVEN HIGH BIRD DAYS www.cowanssporting.co.uk DELTA HUNTING Driven boar in Cz, chamois
SOUTH WEST Dyfi & District WA SCOTSPORT Contact: Miola Giacomo, stalking in Slovenia.
DUNMHOR SPORTING Tel: 01339 889290
www.dyfiwildfowlers.org.uk Highlands. Contact Graham,
Tel: 0040 212 424372, Mob: SPORTING UK
ARUNDELL ARMS DEVON www.scotsportuk.com 07979 360619, giacomo_mi- Tel: 01536 202779
Tel: 01566 784666 www. NANNAU SELECT SPORT Tel: 07778 874026
SHOOTFISHINSCOTLAND [email protected] stalking, www.sportinguk.co.uk
arundellarms.com N Wales. Contact Andrew, or 01540 661809
Contact Paul, Tel: 07974 240738 boar, pigeons in Romania. Sport in the UK & overseas
Tel: 01341 423427 or DV SPORTING
CORNWALL WILDFOWLERS Jenny, Tel: 01341 423708 www.shootfishinscotland.com DOMAIN DE LA VALLEE DE UK CUSTOM SHOP LTD
ASSOC. Scottish Borders. 07866
Driven let days, high bird shoot SOLWAY SPORTING L’ORTOLO Contact Andrew Banner,
Tel: 01872 864021. Mike 901019 www.dvsporting.co.uk
BREAKS Tel: 0033 495 7169 24. Open Tel: 01527 832549 or 07885
Holmes. Weekly shoots SCOTLAND ESTATE MANAGEMENT Tel: 01461 700333 www. country boar battue in Corsica 944469 www. wildcatrifles.
COTSWOLD SHOOTING Tayside, Contact John Tytler co.uk for deer stalking England
ALLADALE ESTATES solwaysportingbreaks.co.uk DV SPORTING
COMPANY Thomson, Tel: 01356 625436 & Scotland
Andy Harding Tel: 01863 SPORTING ADVENTURES www.dvsporting.co.uk
Tel: 01285 657527 www.sporting-scotland.co.uk
755338 www.alladale.com IN THE HIGHLANDS Driven wild boar in Poland. NDUNA HUNTING SAFARIS
www.go-country.co.uk FPD SAVILLS African game shooting. Contact David Tel: +44
AVOCHIE ESTATE HUNTLY Tel: 07843 493230
DEVONPORT GUN CLUB Contact: Roddy Willis, (0)7866-571180 info@
Aberdeenshire. Tel: 01466 711282 www.sportingadventures.co.uk GBW SAFARIS
Rough shooting in Devon and Tel: 01356 628600 kingstonedeer. com, www.
www.avochie-fishings.com STRAHANNA STALKING Contact Tony Williams
Cornwall Tel: 01752 787824 [email protected] kingstonedeer.com Plains
AVON & AIRLIE SPORTING Dumfries & Galloway Tel: 01483 205090 or 07900
devonportgunclub@ gmail.com THE GEARACH ISLE OF ISLAY 670660 www.gbwsafaris.net game hunting in South Africa.
PADDY Tel: 01644 460660

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 113
CLAY GROUNDS
Find your local ground for practice, competition or instruction

LONDON & S.E. month. Felt/fibre wads only Tel:

BEDFORDSHIRE
SPORTING TARGETS
nr Riseley. 10 shooting ranges,
01582 849382
LEA VALLEY SHOOTING ASSN
nr Hertford. Tuition, practice, have
a go days. Tel: 08707 605057. www.
RBSS sponsors Reading Uni Shooting Club
three high towers, tuition, gun lvsa.org.uk Royal Berkshire Shooting School (RBSS) has many of whom had never held a gun before.
shop. Tel: (01234) 708893 www. NUTHAMPSTEAD SG
sportingtargets.co.uk Sporting DTL, OTr, tuition, shop. Tel: announced its sponsorship of Reading Sam Gosling, Chair of RUCPSC,
(01763) 848172 www.nuthamp- University Clay Pigeon Shooting Club commented: “Thanks to RBSS’s generous
BERKSHIRE steadshootingground.co.uk
FOUR COUNTIES CTC PARK STREET & DISTRICT GC (RUCPSC) to enable members to benefit from sponsorship our members can now experience
nr Newbury. Sporting, DTL, Fitasc, Tel: (01923) 677 294
tuition. Tel: (01635) 201657 www. regular professional tuition and hone their the very best in tuition at its superb facilities.”
fourcountiesctc.co.uk ISLE OF WIGHT competitive edge. For more information, visit www.rbss.co.uk
ROYAL BERKSHIRE ISLE OF WIGHT GUN CLUB
SHOOTING SCHOOL near Godshill. Sporting, Skeet, DTL, RBSS has allocated two of its eight full-time
Pangbourne Tel: (07000) 410410 ABT. Tel: (01983) 567330 instructors, Steve Turner and Peter Wilkins, to
www.rbss.co.uk KENT
RUCPSC and will provide use of shotguns and
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE ABBEY SHOOTING DETLING SG
EJ CHURCHILL SHOOTING GRND Skeet, Sporting. Tel: 01580 860783 tuition in English Sporting clay shooting each week.
/ 07710 463896
(West Wycombe SS), High Wycombe. After agreeing the sponsorship, RBSS ran an
Sporting, high tower, Skeet, DTL, tui- GREENFIELDS SHOOTING GROUND
tion, gunshop. (01494) 883227 www. nr Canterbury. Practice, tuition, open day at its grounds near Pangbourne in
ejchurchill.com www.wwsg.org.uk have-a-go days. Tel: (01227)
713222 www.greenfields shooting.
Berkshire and welcomed over 50 Reading
HORNET SHOOTING GROUND
nr Long Crendon. Sporting, Fitasc. co.uk University students keen to try clay pigeon shooting,
Tel: (01494) 883715 www.adven- DARTFORD CLAY SHOOTING CLUB
ture001.com/hornet Sporting, Skeet, OTr, Compact. Tel:
07769 701842. www.gatwickclay- nr Billericay. Sporting. Tel. (01277) Alasger Nr Crewe, 1/2 mile from (01566) 785550
OXFORD GUN CO GUN CLUB (01322) 311001 www.dartfordcsc.
co.uk
shootingschool.org.uk 220974 junction 16 M6, Cheshire, North West TRAX AND TRAILS ACTIVITY CNTR
nr Oakley. Sporting, Skeet, have-a- HORNE CLAY PIGEON CLUB CLACTON GUN CLUB ENGLISH SPORTING SHOOT Tamar Valley. Tuition. Tel: (01579)
go days, tuition, corporate. (01844) HIGH BROOMS GUN CLUB
Sporting shoots, tuition, corporate Little Clacton. Esp, Skeet, DTL. Tel: tuition, refreshments, Tel: 384714 www.traxandtrails.co.uk
238308 Meet fortnightly. Sunday morning
at Gatton Bottom, Markedge Lane, (01255) 673146 07768570132 Catton Hall Shooting Devon
VALLEY VIEW INTERNATIONAL 60-bird shoot. Pembury and Lam-
berhurst grounds. Visitors welcome
nr Reigate and Court Farm, Chal- COLCHESTER GARRISON Ground nr Frodsham. Practice, tui- ASHCOMBE SHOOTING GROUND
Shooting Ground nr Amersham. don, nr Caterham on the Hill. Tel: Clay Pigeon Club Sporting. Tel: tion, corporate. (01928) 788295 nr Dawlish. Sporting, Skeet, DTL, high
Sporting, Skeet, tuition, corporate. at cost of £12. Tel: 01892 539103;
email: [email protected]
(01342) 842986 or 07711 332097 01206 576 756 (Chairman), 01206 CLOUDSIDE SHOOTING GROUND tower, tuition. Tel: (01626) 866766
Tel: 07860 575055 www.clayandcountry.f2s.com 392 357 (Secretary) nr Congleton. Skeet, DTL, Compak, www.ashcombeadventure.co.uk
INVICTA ZZ
HAMPSHIRE NATIONAL CLAY SHOOTING CNTR ESSEX SHOOTING GROUND Sportrap, ABT, OT. Tel: 01260 AXMINSTER GUN CLUB DTL
Off A21 btwn Tonbridge/ Tunbridge
CAVENDISH SPORTING Bisley. Four OTr layouts, Skeet, OS, nr Harlow. Tel: 01245 283534, www. 226392. www.cloudside.co.uk tuition. Tel: (01404) 881588
Wells. Helice (ZZ) only. Full Eng
nr Bentley Tuition. Tel: (01420) breakfast until cook goes to shoot.
ABT, Double Trap. T: 01483 797666 essexshooting ground.com MIDDLE FARM CLAY SHOOT Bradford Shooting Ground, Skeet,
588275 Durley Hall Farm Clay Shoot www.nsc-clays.co.uk FENNES SHOOTING SCHOOL Bredbury. Tel: 0161 4302492 North Sporting, DTL, ABT. Tel: (01409)
Reg shoots only. Tel: (01580)
Fareham. (01489) 860292. 892542 THE STAR GUN CLUB Braintree CM7 5PL Tel: 01376 Wales Shooting School nr Chester. 281341
FAREHAM CLAY TARGET CLUB KENT GUN CLUB CHESSINGTON 324599 www.fennesclays.co.uk Sporting, Skeet, OS, Fitasc, tuition, CULM VALE GUN CLUB
Skeet, Sporting, ABT, tuition. (01329) Sporting. Tel: (020) 8898 3129 FOWES CLAY CLUB practice. Tel: (01244) 812219 www. nr Cullompton. Sporting. Tel:
near Dartford. Trap, DTL, ADT,
315185 www.farehamctc.org.uk Belchamp Otten. 01787 312930 shootingschool.net (01460) 234245
ZZ. Free tuition to beginners. Tel: SUSSEX
FROBURY FARM SPORTING CLUB (01883) 340248 www.fowesclayclub.org.uk CUMBRIA CWA SHOOTING GROUND
BLACKDOWN SHOOT
nr Newbury. Sporting, Skeet, tuition, KINGSFERRY GUN CLUB Midhurst: 50 Sporting 4th Sunday MAYLAND & DISTRICT GUN CLUB PENRITH & DISTRICT GUN CLUB Winnards Perch, Wadebridge,
gun shop. (01635) 297122 www. Kingsferry Bridge. Skeet, Sportrap. ESK, DTL, compact. (01268) 470 323 DTL, Sporting, ABT. 01697 342062 Cornwall. Skeet and Sporting clays,
of month. Fibre wads only. Also at
frobury.co.uk ORION GUN CLUB contact Mike Holmes 01872 864021
Non-lead shot only. Tel: (01795) School House Farm, Northchapel: 50 KENDAL & DISTRICT TARGET CLUB
LAINS SHOOTING SCHOOL 877037 Sporting every 2nd and 5th Sunday. nr Brentwood Sporting, Skeet, DTL. Kendal, Cumbria. DTL esc b trap Tel FOUR SEASONS GUN CLUB
nr Andover. Skeet, practice, tuition. MARTIN GORSE WOOD CPC Tel: (01428) 707584 Mob: 07770 07000 486258 www.gunclub.co.uk Colin Phillips 01539 560298 East Hill Strips, nr Ottery St Mary.
Tel: (01246) 889467 or 07768 632567 nr Dover in Kent Tel: 01233 713341 777679. PARKFORD SHOOTING CENTRE Skeet, Sporting, Compact. Tel:
www.lainsshooting school.co.uk Skeet, Sporting, DTL. Tel: (01255) ISLE OF MAN (01395) 278862
web: www.martingorse.co.uk NORTHALL CLAY PIGEON CLUB
ROMSEY CLAY PIGEON CLUB 820230 AYRE CLAY PIGEON CLUB NEWNHAM PARK SG
WEST KENT SHOOTING SCHOOL Sporting, Compact, ABT, D/T, Skeet,
Skeet, DTL, ABT, Double-Trap, UT,
Sporting. Tel: (023) 80694623 Paddock Wood. Sporting, Skeet and tuition, corporate. Tel: (01825) SOUTHEND GUN CLUB nr Plymouth. Sporting, Skeet, ABT,
Spitfire Shoot Stockbridge. Open nr Rochford Tel: (01702) 219395 OT and Sporting. Tel: 01624 880744 DTL, Sportrap, tuition. Tel: (01752)
100ft tower Tel: (01892) 834306 791783
www.bluepointshooting.co.uk 343456 www.newnham.co.uk
for practice Mon-Sat. One-to-one www.wkss.demon.co.uk OAKESFIELD SPORTING GUN CLUB THREE ACRES SPORTING CLAYS
tuition, groups, corporate, stag/hen Compak, Sporting, tuition and cor- Leaden Roding. Sporting, pool. Tel: LANCASHIRE NORTH DEVON SG
parties, in-field game instruction LONDON nr Ilfracombe. Sporting, practice &
porate Rudgwick, West Sussex Tel: 07768 742117 A6 CLAY TARGET CENTRE
Tel: 01264 810312 Email: info@ A1 SHOOTING GROUND tuition. Tel: 01271 863959 or 01271
01306 740537/ 01737 222998 WALTHAM ABBEY SHOOTING GRND Westhoughton, nr Bolton. ABT, DTL,
spitfireshoot.co.uk www.spitfire- near Rowley Green. OTr, DTL, Sport- 850393 [email protected]
SOUTHDOWN SPORTING GUN CLUB Sporting, tuition. Tel: 07768 742117 Skeet, Sportrap, tuition, restaurant.
shoot.co.uk ing, tuition. (020) 8441 9986 www. Tel: 01942 843578 www.a6ctc.co.uk SHALDEN SHOOTING SCHOOL
nr Worthing. Sporting, Skeet, www.claypigeonshoot.co.uk
TEST VALLEY CLAY PIGEON CLUB a1sg.freeserve.co.uk nr Shillingford. Sporting. Tel:
Fitasc, Sportrap, DTL, ABT, SPELLBROOK CSC SPORTING BLACKPOOL GUN CLUB
Cocksford Firs, Popham, Hants WEST LONDON SHOOTING SCHOOL tuition. Tel: (01903) 877555 nr Kirkham Preston. Sporting. Tel: (01398) 331021 www.shalden-
Tuition. Tel: (01279) 419427 www.
Sporting and Skeet. Every other Northolt. 100 traps, 8 towers, www.southdownsgc.co.uk 07730 409415 shootingschool.co.uk
spellbrookclays.co.uk
Sunday. £35 a year membership. tuition, restaurant, corporate. Tel: SOUTH WEST SHOOTING SCHOOL
NORFOLK KELBROOK SHOOTING SCHOOL
Tel: 01256 771055 (020) 8845 1377 www.shooting- EAST nr Foulridge. (01282) 861632 Lynton Cross. Sporting, Compact.
THREE COUNTIES NR HOOK. school.co.uk MID NORFOLK SHOOTING SCHOOL Tel: 01271 862545
RUNNING HILL CLAY PIGEON CLUB
Sporting. Tuition. Contact Paul OXFORDSHIRE CAMBRIDGESHIRE Taverham, nr Norwich. Tuition, TAMAR SHOOTING GROUND
Sporting clays, Saddleworth www.
Beecher on 07739 556790; www. GREENFIELD ENTERTAINMENT COUNTRY PURSUITS corporate. (01603) 860436 www.
running-hill-cpc.co.uk Bradworthy. Tel (01409) 241839
beechershooting.co.uk Chittering/Stretham. Sporting, midnorfolkshootingschool.com www.waterland-days.co.uk
Islip, nr Oxford. 50 Sporting, WITHETS SHOOTING GROUND
WALLERS ASH GUN CLUB tuition. Tel: (01869) 325218 www. Sportrap. Tel: (01353) 669300 SUFFOLK Nr. Carnforth Lancashire M6 J35 DEVON
Alresford Drove, Win- greenfieldentertainment.co.uk FENLAND GC BADWELL ASH GC
chesterTel: 07710872875 Washbrooke Farm, Benwick Road,
Sporting; ABT; DTL; Skeet; Practice; NORTH DEVON FIELD SPORTS
SURREY nr Bury St Edmunds. Sporting, Tuition by appointment Tel 07967 Southdown Adventure Centre Nr
email:travellingclays@btinternet. Doddington. Tel: 01354 655583 Skeet, DTL, ABT. Tel: 01359 259547
BISLEY GUN CLUB 194120 www.withetsclayshoot.co.uk Barnstaple. DTL, Sporting, Sports
com Practice, tuition, sporting, GRANSDEN AIRFIELD SG BARROW HEATH GUN CLUB MANCHESTER CLAY SHOOTING CLUB
all abilities catered for www. Near Brookwood.DTL. CPSA competi- Trap, Practice and tuition Tel:
Tel: (01767) 627663 www. nr New- market. Sporting. Tel: Sporting, Skeet, tuition, club
wallersash.co.uk tions held 1st & 3rd Saturday of 01271 858791 www.devonfield-
gransdenshootingground.co.uk (01322) 405226 house. Tel: 0161 653 4438 www.
month. Tel: (01737) 242332 www. sports.co.uk
HERTFORDSHIRE HADDON LODGE SHOOTING HIGH LODGE SHOOTING SCHOOL manchesterclayshooting.com
bisleygunclub.org.uk Ground nr Peterborough. Sporting DORSET
BROOMHILLS SHOOTING GROUND BISLEY SHOOTING GROUND nr Saxmundham. Skeet, SkD, DTL,
Markyate. Tuition, gunshop. Tel: nr Brookwood, Woking. Sporting
incl tower, tuition.Tel: (01733) Sporting. Tel: (01986) 784347 www. SOUTH WEST PURBECK SHOOTING SCHOOL
(01582) 842280 www.broomhills.co.uk 240119 www.haddon-lodge.co.uk highlodge.co.uk nr Poole. Sporting, Skeet, OS, Fitasc,
(inc towers) tuition & practice. HIGH HARTHAY SG CORNWALL Sportrap. Tel: (01929) 405101 www.
CODICOTE BOTTOM CLAY Open 7 days. Booking essential. Tel: LAKENHEATH CLAY TARGET CLUB
Tel: 07956 293390, www.hhsg.co.uk CART RIDGE SHOOTING CLUB shooting.uk.com
TARGET CLUB (01483) 797017 www.bisleyshoot- Between Mildenhall and Brandon.
MOVING TARGETS Skeet, DTL, Sportrap, gun room, 1⁄2m east of A38 btwn Landrake SOUTHERN COUNTIES
Codicote Bottom Farm, Kimpton ing.co.uk
road, Codicote, Herts SG4 8SR. Gt Eversden 50 ESP practice 2nd tuition. Food. Tel: (01638) 533353 & Tideford. Sporting, tuition. Tel: SHOOTING GROUND
CATERHAM CLAYS & 4th Sundays. Contact: Tel. 01752 851262 Sporting, Skeet, OS, Fitasc,
Sporting, DTL. Alternate Sundays off Caterham bypass. Sporting. Tel: www.lctc.co.uk
10-1. Tel: 07768 714774 or 01438 07811815499 or www.mobileclay- COUNTY GUN CLUB Sportrap, DTL, ABT, tower. Tel:
814749 www.codicote-bottom.org
(01883) 622656
GATWICK CLAY SHOOTING
shooting.co.uk NORTH WEST Tel: 01579 363301Imerys Gun Club (01935) 83625
01726 823895
CUPID GREEN SKEET & ABT CLUB SCHOOL ESSEX GLOUCESTERSHIRE
CHESHIRE NORTH CORNWALL GUN CLUB
Hemel Hempstead, Skeet & ABT BUSH HILL CLAY CLUB CHATCOMBE ESTATE S SCHOOL
Skeet, SKD, DTL, Sporting Tel: SOUTH CHESHIRE CLAY CLUB nr North Petherwin. DTL, tuition. Tel:
Every Weds & 1st & 3rd Sat of

114 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 GROUND OWNERS: Send any updates to Clay Ground Guide, Sporting Shooter,
Evolution House, 2-6 Easthampstead Road, Wokingham, Berks RG40 2EG

DARLEY DALE CPSC SINCLAIRS SHOOTING GROUND RUGBY & DISTRICT TRAP CLUB
nr Cheltenham. Sporting, Fitasc, OT,
gunshop. Tel: (01242) 870391 nr Brassington. Sporting. Tel: Whaplode Drove, nr Holbeach. Skeet, ABT. Tel: (01788) 573257
N. IRELAND
COTSWOLD CLAY PIGEON CLUB (01629) 733161 Sporting, Compact, ABT & DTL. Open WEDGNOCK SHOOTING GROUND FOYMORE LODGE Tel: (01369) 704362
Fosse Way, nr Stow. Sporting, pool. DOVERIDGE CLAY SHOOTING CLUB Weds-Sun, all year. Tel: (01406) 540362. Sporting, Skeet, DTL, Sportrap. Tel: 01926 off the A4 in Co Armagh (signed DUNS & DISTRICT GUN CLUB
Tel: (01451) 821431 nr Doveridge. Skeet, DTL, Sporting. SPA VALE SHOOTING GROUND 491948 www.adventuresport.co.uk from Portadown & M1 j12). Sport- nr Cockburnspath, off the A1. Sport-
GLOUCESTER CLAY SHOOTING Tel:(01889)565986 Coventry Road (Near to Magna Park) ing, instruction, club house. www. ing usually last Sunday of month.
CLUB LOWES LANE SHOOTING GROUND Lutterworth, Tel No. 0116 2478917 YORKSHIRE & N.E. foymorelodge.com Tel: (01361) 883500
www.spa-vale.co.uk FALKIRK & DISTRICT SPORTING CC
on the A38 between Tewkesbury & nr Swadlincote. Sporting, Skeet,
DTL, high tower, flush, tuition. Tel:
CO DURHAM WALES Tel: (01236) 726159
Gloucester. Skeet, OS. Tel: (01452) NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SPENNYMOOR & DISTRICT
739472 or 07785 508238. (01332) 866800 CRYNANT SHOOTING GROUND FORREST ESTATE SHOOTING GRND
A614 SHOOTING GROUND Clay Pigeon Club Sporting, Skeet, St John’s Town of Dalry, Dumfries
IAN COLEY SHOOTING SCHOOL OCKBROOK SPORTING CLAYS Near Nottingham, tuition. Tel:
Port Talbot, South Wales. Sporting,
ABT, DTL. Tel: (0191) 3772412 Skeet, OS, DTL, ABT, tuition, and Galloway. Sporting / Sportrap /
Nr. Cheltenham ESP & DTL Practice nr Derby. Tel: (01773) 714731 (0115) 9656144 www.keithbutterwick.com/ corporate. Tel: (01639) 881185 Practice / Tuition / Corporate
– Pay & Play. Tuition by Appt. Tel: YEAVELEY ESTATE COCKETT FARM SHOOTING GRND spennymoor
01242 870391 www.iancoley.co.uk nr Ashbourne. Sporting, Tuition. Tel: eurotrap.co.uk Tel: (01644) 430469 or 07747 691447
nr Mansfield. Sporting, Skeet, STr,
LONGRIDGE SHOOTING GROUND (01335) 330247 EAST YORKSHIRE DOVEY VALLEY SHOOTING GRND www.forrestestateexperiences.com
White Gold, tuition. Tel: (01623)
Bromsberrow Heath, Ledbury Tel: EAST YORKSHIRE GUN CLUB Llanwrin, Machynlleth, Powys. GARNOCK VALLEY SPORTING GC
HEREFORD & WORCESTER 882244 www.cockettfarm.com
Sporting, Skeet, DTL, sim game, Shoots every Sunday, mainly sporting
(07971) 447138 nr Beverley. Skeet, OS, SKd, DTL, ABT,
LONGRIDGE SHOOTING GROUND NOTTINGHAM & DISTRICT GC practice, tuition, corporate. (01650) birds to simulate game. Based Ayr-
MORK CLAY CLUB UTR, Sporting. Tel: (01964) 551134
M50 (Jn 2) Tel: 07971 447138 DTL, Skeet, OS. Tel: (0115) 9273492 511252. www.doveyvalley.co.uk shire.Tel: John Noble, 01560 482162
nr St Briavels. Sporting. Tel: HUMBERSIDE SHOOTING GROUND
SOUTH WORCESTER SG ORSTON SHOOTING GROUND GRIFFIN-LLOYD SHOOTING GRND garnockvalleygunclub.webs.com
(01594) 530102 nr Beverley. Skeet, DTL, ABT,
nr Upton-upon-Severn. DTL, Sport- Sporting, Skeet, Sportrap, DTL, ABT, Mid-Wales, Welsh Marches. GLENDARUEL GUN CLUB
PRESCOTT SHOOTING SCHOOL Compact, White Gold. Tel: (01964)
ing, Practice, tuition. Tel: (01684) D/Rise, Trench, practice, tuition, Sporting, ABT, OT, tuition. Tel: Tel: (01369) 820217
nr Cheltenham, Practice, Tuition, 544357. www.pthorn.co.uk/
310605 www.swsg.co.uk corporate and shop. Tel: (01949) (01547) 550634 Nwww.griffinlloyd.
Corporate Simulated game days. shootingground HARRIS GUN CLUB
WORCESTERSHIRE GUN CLUB 851181 or 07831 221110 www. co.uk
High Tower, ESP Sportrap. Tel: orston.com MONCKTON SG nr Urgha. Tel: 07919037588
IIIey, W Midlands. ABT, Sporting. Tel: N. Newbald, Tel: 01430 827229. FAUXDEGLA SHOOTING GROUND HIGHLAND DEEPHAVEN CPC
(01242) 673542 or 07921 951477 OXTON SHOOTING SCHOOL
07836 225580 www.w-g-c.co.uk www. moncktonshoot.co.uk North Wales. DTL, ABT, Skeet. Tel: nr Evanton. Tel: (01349) 864315
www.prescottshooting.com Sporting, Skeet, Compact, Sportrap,
WYRE FOREST GUNS NORTH WOLDS GUN CLUB 01978 790198 Isle of Jura nr Craighouse. Tel:
STROUD & DISTRICT CLAY ABT, DTL, Fitasc, tuition, shop. Tel:
nr Button Oak. Sporting. Tel: Sporting, DTL, tuition. Tel: (01759) MID WALES SC (01496) 820396
SHOOTING CLUB (01299) 403730 (01623) 882523
368314 nr Llanidloes. DTL, ABT. KINGSCLIFF SHOOTING LODGE
nr Bisley. Skeet, OS, DTL. Tel: STILEHOLLOW SHOOTING SCHOOL Tel: (01686) 430654
(01453) 764443 LEICESTERSHIRE nr Mansfield. Sporting, Skeet, DTL, PARK LODGE SHOOTING SCHOOL Aberdeenshire. Sporting, Skeet, DTL,
BAGWORTH MINERS CPC East Yorkshire DTL, ESK, ESP, ADT. NORTH WALES SS SEALAND ABT, Fitasc. Tel: (01651) 806375
WESTFIELD SHOOTING GROUND ABT, tower, tuition. (01623) 823930
nr Coalville. DTL, Sporting, ABT. Practice and lessons available. Tel: nr Chester. DTL, OT. Tel: (01244) KIPPEN GUN CLUB
Sporting, tuition, groups, corporate www.stilehollow.com
(01530) 260816 07919 694587 812219 nr Stirling. Tel: (01786) 465125
& simulated game. Tel: 0870
GRANGE FARM SC NORTHAMPTON SOUTH WALES 2000 KIRKCUBRIGHT GUN CLUB
6091751 www.the clayshooting- NORTH YORKSHIRE
company.com nr Desford. Sporting, Skeet, OS, DTL, NORTHAMPTON SHOOTING GRND nr Newbridge. Sporting, Skeet, OT, nr Gibbhill. Tel: (01557) 330447
Skeet, DTL, ABT, tuition. (01604) CONISTON SHOOTING GROUND ABT, DTL, tuition, clubhouse.Tel:
ABT. Tel: (01455) 822208 KNAPDALE GUN CLUB
SOMERSET 642252 northamptonshooting- nr Skipton. Tel: 07831 399860 (01495) 201182 southwales2000.com
HOTON CLAY CLUB Achnamara. Tel: (01546) 606989
BROOK BANK SHOOTING GROUND ground.co.uk KNARESBOROUGH & DISTRICT GC TREETOPS SG
Sporting. Tel: 0116 230 2311 www.
Sporting, Skeet, DTL, ABT. Tel: LINDERTIS WOODS SG
nr Cheddar. Sporting, Skeet, UT, nr Newport, 5 min from M4 j28.
hoton-clay-club.co.uk SHROPSHIRE (01423) 561174. 3 miles west of Kirriemuir on
DTL, ABT, tutition & corporate. Tel: Sporting, tuition. (01633) 681197
KEGWORTH SHOOTING GROUND BRIDGNORTH & DISTRICT GUN CLUB A926. Sporting, Fitasc, tuition. Tel:
01749 871055. www.brookbank- NORTH OF ENGLAND CTC WOODLAND PARK SHOOTING
(YS) Sporting Tel: 07973 111 650 nr Wolverhampton. DTL. Tel: (01575) 572501
shooting.co.uk nr Rufforth. Sporting, Skeet, OS,
Long Lane, 1 1/2 miles due north (01562) 883092 GRND LOCH NESS GUN CLUB
IVYTHORN SPORTING of Kegworth Village, at its junction
DTL, ABT. Tel: (01904) 738120.
Brecon. Sporting, tuition, corporate. Tel:
nr Street. Compact Sporting under WEST MIDLANDS SG NORTH YORKSHIRE SHOOTING
DTL, Skeet. Tel: (01320) 351295
with Ratcliffe lane. Nearest Sat Sporting,Skeet, ABT, Compact, 078111 89413 www.wpshoot.co.uk Lorn Gun Club Tel:(01631) 564431
cover. Tuition & corporate. Tel: nav: one mile south of the ground School nr Thirsk. 07966 387273
Millport Clay Pigeon Association.
(01458) 447120 or 07970 151321 DE74 2GA.
Fitasc, ABT, gun room. Tel: (01939)
200644 www.wmsg.co.uk
northyorkshireshootingschool.com SCOTLAND Tel: (01475) 530367
www.ivythornsporting.co.uk
KIBWORTH SHOOTING GROUND THIMBLEBY SHOOTING GROUND
AUCHTERHOUSE COUNTRY SPORTS MONKLANDS & DISTRICT GC
MENDIP SHOOTING GROUND Off A6 Kibworth-Market Harborough STAFFORDSHIRE nr Osmotherley. Sporting, Sportrap,
nr Dundee. Sporting, Fitasc, Skeet, nr Carmichael. Tel: (01555) 840562
nr Wells. Sporting, Skeet, DTL, ABT, Rd. Sporting Skeet, DTL, Tower, CROSS GUN CLUB tuition, corporate. Tel: (01642)
clubhouse, gunshop. Tel: (01749) 351725 Mob: 07776 223609
DTL. Tel: (01382) 320476 www. MORTON CLAY TARGETS
Fitasc, Sportrap, flush. Tuition. Tel: nr Kinver. Sporting year-round, ABT treemac.co.uk Midcalder, nr Edinburgh. Tel: 01506
673471 01162 796001 rose@kibworth- in summer. Tel: (01384) 873017 or WARREN GILL SHOOTING GROUND
ARRAN GUN CLUB ISLE OF ARRAN 884500 www.mortonclaytargets.co.uk
PODIMORE SHOOTING GROUND shootingground.co.uk 07973 875449 nr Ripon Tel: (01765) 689232 www.
nr Altnaharra. Tel:(01549) 411245 NORTH AYRSHIRE SHOOTING GRND
Ilchester. Sporting, Fitasc, MARKET HARBOROUGH & GARLANDS SHOOTING GROUND warrengill.co.uk
Sportrap. Tel: (01935) 862510 www. BRAIDWOOD SG nr Dalry. Sporting, DTL, Skeet,
DISTRICT SC Tamworth. Sporting, OT, DTL, Skeet. NORTHUMBERLAND
podimore-shooting.co.uk nr Selkirk. Tel: (01835) 870280 tuition. Tel: (01294) 833297
Tel: (01827) 383300
Sporting, Skeet, OS, DTL. Tel: BYWELL SHOOTING GROUND www.braidwoodsc.co.uk ORKNEY CLAY PIGEON CLUB
SHIPHAM SPORTING CLAYS (01858) 463698 KINGSLEY MOOR SG
nr Clevedon. Sporting, tuition,
nr Felton. Skeet, DTL, ABT, tower, BURNTKETTLE SG AULDGARTH St Ola. Tel: (01856) 874853
NORMANTON SHOOTING GROUND nr Alton Towers. Sporting. Tel: shop. Tel: (01670) 787827 www.
practice. Tel: (01275) 877851 (01782) 550371
nr Dumfries. DTL, Skeet, Sporting. PITGRUDY SHOOTING GROUND
nr Thurlaston. Sporting, ABT, DT Tel: bywellshootingground.com Tel: 01848 331131. Sutherland. Compact, sporting,
VALLEY SHOOTING GROUND LEEK & DGC
(01455) 888210 STEVE SMITH SG BUTE CLAY TARGET CLUB skeet Tel: (01862) 810291
[email protected] Sporting. Tel: (01538) 386127
SPA VALE SHOOTING GROUND nr Dinnington. Sporting, DTL, Skeet, Kingarth. Tel: (01700) 500274 ROTHIEMURCHUS SG
WOODSPRING CLAY SHOOT nr Lutterworth. Tel: 0116 247 8917 QUARNFORD SHOOTING GROUND ABT. Tel: (01661) 822444. www. Cairndow Clay Target Club Argyll. apx 3 miles East of Aviemore. Sport-
Wick St Lawrence, nr Weston super www.spa-vale.co.uk nr Leek. Sporting. Tel: (01298) 22204 stevesmiths.co.uk DTL. Tel:(01499) 600201 ing, DTL, tuition. Tel: (01479) 811272
Mare. Sporting/ 50-bird practice/ RANTON CLAY TARGET CLUB
private parties. Tel: 07503 766373 LINCOLNSHIRE SOUTH YORKSHIRE CARLISLE & DISTRICT GUN CLUB SCOTTISH CLAY SHOOTING CNTR
DTL, ABT, Sporting. (01782) 611775. nr Wigton. Tel: (01697) 331452
ANCHOLME VALLEY CLAY FOX HOUSE CLAY SPORTS nr Leuchars, Fife. Tel: (01592) 742835
WILTSHIRE RODBASTON GUN CLUB CENTRAL SCOTLAND
TARGET CLUB Sporting, tuition, corporate. Tel: SEALS COVE SHOOTING GROUND
BARBURY SHOOTING SCHOOL Sporting & tuition, Weds eves. www.
(0114) 2663822 or 07976 5211369 SHOOTING SCHOOL Earnsheugh Bay, Findon, Aberdeen.
Kirton Lindsey Airfield. ESK, SKD, shotgun.me.uk
nr Swindon. Tuition, corporate,
DTL, ABT, Sporting. Tel: (01777) SYCAMORE SHOOTING GROUNDS nr Falkirk. OSK, DTL, ABT. Tel: (01224) 781742. Shop: 01224 580179.
Sporting, FITASC, Compact, MILLRIDE COUNTRY SPORTS
818362 ancholme-valley-ctc.org.uk Sporting, DTL, D/R, tuition, corpo- (01324) 851672 SHANDON COUNTRY PURSUITS LTD
Skeet. Tel: 07872 666154 www. Sporting, Skeet. Off junction 1 of
GRIMSTHORPE ESTATE SG rate. Tel:(0114) 272 4602 CLAY TARGET SHOOTING SCHOOL nr Helensburgh. Sporting, tuition.
barburyshoot.com the M54. WV11 2AZ. 01902 725 165
nr Eden-ham. Sporting. Tel: (01778) Houston, Renfrewshire. Sporting. Tel: (01436) 820838
BASSETT BREAKERS GUN CLUB www.millride-country-sports.co.uk WEST YORKSHIRE
591128 Tel: (01505) 873547 www.claytar- SHETLAND CLAY PIGEON CLUB
Flaxlands Shooting Ground, nr OAKEDGE SHOOTING GROUND BATLEY & DISTRICT GUN CLUB getshootingschool.co.uk
Swindon. Sporting. Tel: (01793) HAVEN CLAY SHOOTING CLUB Sporting, Fitasc Sporting, High nr Morley. Sporting Tel: (01484)711874
nr Lerwick. ABT, DTL, Skeet. Tel:
Haven Bank, New York, LN4 4XR. CLUNY CLAYS (01950) 477381 Shootfish@
750801 Skeet, DTL. (01889) 881391 EMLEY CLAYSHOOT Fife. Sporting, Skeet, DTL, Compact, Bogbain Farm nr Inverness - 3
Enquiries to Graham Fordham
CADLEY CLAY SHOOTING GROUND WERGS GUN CLUB Sporting every 2nd Sunday. Tuition flush, tuition, restaurant. Tel:(01592) miles south on A9. Sporting. Tel:
07854227175. 30-bird Sporting, DTL,
nr Marlborough. Sporting, practice, nr Essington. Sporting, Skeet. available. Mob: 07917 632781 720374 www.clunyclays.com (01463) 772800
family days, friendly club. Visit ha-
tutition, corporate.Tel: (01672)
vencpc.webs.com for shooting dates.
(01922) 476508 GREYSTONE WOOD SHOOTING GRND COWANS LAW MOSCOW STRATHYRE GUN CLUB
512052 www.cadleyclays.co.uk nr Otley. Sporting. Mob: 07960
LINCS CLAY CLUB WARWICKSHIRE Ayrshire. Sporting, DTL. Tel: (01560) nr Comrie. DTL, tuition. Tel:(01764)
URCHFONT CLAY PIGEON CLUB 352123
Church Lane, South Clifton, Nr BARBY SPORTING CLUB 700666 cowanslaw.com 670013
nr Devizes. DTL, Sporting. Tel:
Lincoln, Lincolnshire NG23 7AW, nr Rugby. Sporting, Skeet, DTL, HOLMFIRTH SHOOTING SCHOOL CORTACHY GUN CLUB SUNART & MOIDART CTC
(01380) 721218 nr Huddersfield. Skeet, DTL, ABT,
www.lincsclayclub.co.uk Compact. Tel: (01788) 891873 nr Egnomoss. DTL, practice. Tel: nr Salen. Tel: (01967) 431602
WOOD FARM CLAY SHOOTING CLUB Tel: (01484) 685464
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOOTING GROUND www.barbysporting.com (01307) 860239 TARBERT GUN CLUB
nr Warminster. Skeet, DTL, Sporting.
Sutton Bridge. Sporting, Skeet, ABT, EDGEHILL SHOOTING GROUND YORKGATE GUNCLUB DALVENNAN COUNTRY SPORTS DTL, Dtl, Sporting, tuition. Tel:
Tel: (01747)860471 (Behind The Royalty Inn, Yorkgate,
Sportrap, tower, tuition, restaurant, nr Banbury. Sporting, Skeet, OS, nr Kirkmichael. DTL, ABT, Sporting, 01880) 820482
Otley Chevin, LS21 3DG). English
MIDLANDS corporate.Tel: (01406) 359300/ (01945)
700622 www.shooting4you.co.uk
DTL, ABT, Compact. Tuition &
corporate. (01295) 670100 Sporting and DTL. Sun morn all
Skeet, gun shop, tuition. (01292)
531134
THORNHILL GUN CLUB
Dumfriesshire. Sporting, DTL. Tel:
year, Tues eves summer, Sat after-
DERBYSHIRE PINEWOOD SHOOTING GROUND HONESBERIE SHOOTING GROUND DRUMMOND SHOOTING GROUND (01556) 504124
noons winter. Tel Bob Agar: 01943
BAKEWELL & WIRKSWORTH CPC nr Gainsborough. Sporting, Skeet, Sporting, tuition, corporate.Tel:
467558. Mobile: 07831 170697
at Drummond Castle Estate. Tel: WEST OF EDINBURGH SHOOTING CLUB
nr Brassington. Sporting. Tel: DTL, OT, D/T, Compact. Tel: (01427) (01327) 260302 www.honesberie- (01764) 681262 Tel: 07749 503934 www.wesc.
yorkgategunclub.co.uk
(01629) 814395 628900. www. pinewood-sg.fsnet.co.uk shooting.co.uk DUNOON & DISTRICT GUN CLUB agurney.com

www.sportingshooter.co.uk 115
 CLAY SHOOTING CLUBS AROUND THE UK

1 2 3
Southdown Gun Club Auchterhouse Country Sports Spitfire Shoot
Shoot all year round at the UK’s No: 1 premier Scotland’s Favourite Shooting Ground 2015. Our English Sporting layout is open Wednesday
ground. Competitions plus tuition & practice Skeet, Olympic skeet, DTL, ABT, Sporting, High through to Saturday from 9am, for practice,
of ESP, STR, FSP, Compak, DTL, ABT, skeet. tower. Open Tuesday - Saturday Online Shop & tuition, groups, stag & hen do’s.
Restaurant.
Tel: 01903 877555 Tel: 01264 810 312
www.southdowngunclub.co.uk Tel: 01382 320 476 www.spitfireshoot.co.uk
www.auchterhousecountrysports.co.uk

7 8 9
Yorkgate Gun Club South Wales 2000 Lady’s Wood Shooting School
Est over 40 years, provides fully automatic A Premier Plus shooting ground providing all One of the UK’s premier shooting schools
traps open Sunday mornings and Tuesday the clay target disciplines and offering great just North of Bristol, offering practice, tuition,
evenings also available for events, parties and facilities for all different levels of shooters. corporate events, shopping and gun sales.
challenge days.
Tel: 01535 274 878 Tel: 01495 201 182 Tel: 01454 294 546
www.yorkgategunclub.co.uk www.clayshooting2000.co.uk www.ladyswood.co.uk

13 14
Chalky Hill Shooting Ground & Polowood Shooting
Three Counties Shooting Ground 30 Auto traps throwing sporting targets, tower,
We have two shooting grounds, shooting grouse butt and woodland targets. Novice up to
alternate Sundays through the year. Dates and AAA. Tuesday Eve open shoot. Call to book.
prices can be found online. Or call Duncan.
Tel: 07909 786272 www.chalkyhill.co.uk Tel: 07818 203 871
www.claypigeonshootingbrighton.co.uk
www.threecounties.co.uk

17 18
Sporting Targets Ltd A1 Shooting Ground
One of the top clay shooting grounds in the UK, Wed to Sat - 10am to 6pm. Sun - 10am to 1pm.
open 7 days a week for complete novices to Practice on English Sporting (14 stands), Olympic
experienced shooters. Over 36 acres, 140 traps, Trap, and Helice (Check website). Lessons
clubhouse and well stocked shop. available for Individuals, Groups or Corporate.
Tel: 01234 708893 Tel: 0208 441 9986
www.sportingtargets.co.uk www.a1sg.co.uk

21 22 23
Thimbleby Shooting Ground Riverside Shooting Ground Kibworth Shooting Ground & Gun Shop
10 Sporting stands and a popular Sportrap. An ideal clay pigeon shooting ground - come Leicestershires Premier Shooting Facility. Visitors
Open Tuesday - Sunday. Solo facility available. along and have some fun. A very friendly club Welcome for Practice or Qualified Tuition.
Friendly ground set in beautiful surroundings. and anyone can come along (minors with Open Tues – Sun (Late night Thurs). Cafe, ESP,
supervision). Full facilities for the disabled. Skeet, Fitasc.
Tel: 07789 012450 Tel: 0797 3414 230 Tel: 0116 2796 001
www.thimblebyshoot.com www.riversideshooting.co.uk www.kibworthshootingground.co.uk
 To have your ground featured here, Find a ground near you
contact Ryan on 01189 742525 or online by visiting
e-mail: [email protected] www.sportingshooter.co.uk

4 5 6
Ian Coley JJ’s Clay Shooting Club High Lodge
Open Monday – Saturday for Tuition and Opening times: Wednesday, Friday and Open 6 days a week all year round & some
Practice. ESP & DTL Pay & Play, Tuition by Saturday 10:30am till 3:30pm l/e Sunday Sundays, fully automatic clay traps, Instruction,
Appointment. CPSA Premier Plus Ground. competition day 10am till 2:00 l/e Dartford in Practice clays, All welcome.
Kent (near blue water shopping centre).
Tel: 01242 870 391 Tel: 07771 507 851 Tel: +44 (0)1986 784 347
www.iancoley.co.uk www.jjscsc.co.uk www.highlodge.co.uk

10 11 12
West Kent Shooting Orston Shooting Ground Beverley Clay Target Centre
Open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm. Based in rural Nottinghamshire, Orston We are a CPSA Premier Shooting Ground
English Sporting, Skeet and 100ft 8 trap High Shooting Ground is home to some of the finest offering world class shooting facilities in a
Tower. Lessons and Corporate Events. clay pigeon shooting in the country. Visitors beautiful location with a relaxed atmosphere
can shoot seven clay target disciplines. for both practice and competition.
Tel: 01892 834 306
www.westkentshooting.co.uk Tel: 01949 851 181 Tel: 01964 551 134
www.orston.com www.beverleyctc.co.uk

15 16
Four Counties Clay Target Club National Clay Shooting Centre
21 Open 1st 3rd and 4th Sundays of the month,
primarily for sporting, we are a friendly club set
Come and enjoy Skeet and Trap shooting
at the 2012 Commonwealth Games facility
in woodlands. situated just 30 miles from London.
19 12 Tel: 07909 864027 Tel: 01483 797 666
7 www.fourcountiesctc.co.uk www.nsc-clays.co.uk

25 11
24
20 23 19 20
Blackpool Sporting Clays West Midlands Shooting Ground
Fully sporting clay pigeon shooting ground. Shooting school, extensive gun room,
Individual and group tuition. Corporate, stag
22 17 and hen entertainment with day shoot and
premier plus ground with finest corporate
6 cartridges included. CPSA registered
entertainment. Open Mon-Sat by appointment
9-5. Open practice - Tue 5-9pm.
competitions held here.
Tel: 07730 409 415 Tel: 01939 200 644
www.blackpoolsportingclays.co.uk www.wmsg.co.uk
4 15 18
8
16
9 10 5
3 13 The Cross Shooting Ground
1 14 24 25
The Cross Shooting Ground Cold Springs Shooting Ground
We are proud to be considered the best of the Cold Springs Buxton is a friendly, professional
shooting grounds in the West Midlands. Sporting shooting ground run by two friends with over 40
clay shooting for beginners to advanced. years shooting experience. First and last Sunday
TJ Hale clay shooting course designer & coach. of the month.
Tel: 07973 875 449 Tel: 07720 681 513
www.corporateclayshooting.com www.coldsprings.co.uk
 CLASSIFIED TO ADVERTISE ON THESE PAGES CONTACT: Ryan 0118 974 2525 [email protected]

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118 www.sportingshooter.co.uk
 [email protected] TO ADVERTISE ON THESE PAGES CONTACT: Ryan 0118 974 2525 CLASSIFIED
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SHOOTING GROUNDS GUNS

GUNS FOR SALE

BERETTA DT11 SPORTER
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wooden recoil pad (will happily remove and fit rubber if required)
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