Shooting Scotland Magazine (June - July 2018)

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Country Sports Education & Training The Scottish Game Fair Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group Scotland’s Top Ten Fishing Destinations Interview With Clay & Game Shooter, Bob Purvis In Focus Trustach Shooting Supplies Cooking with Game Glazed Partridge on Barley Risotto Mind Our Business Simba Rods £2.00

july 2018

Scotland’s national country sports & rural living magazine

Articles Are there too many deer?

BASC Scotland Fishing with Paul Young Competition With Hoggs of Fife & Fife Country Country Woman Featuring Julie Rutherford Plus

Galloway Country Fair s Fox Control Classic Gun s Femmes Fatales Deer Management s The Falconer s Gun Dogs Scottish Country Life s The Ghillie Habitat & Species Protection s The Deerstalker and much more

contents july 2018

editor's bit Onwards and upwards A warm welcome to you all to our first issue of this years 2018 season.

With The Scottish Game Fair coming up, we are delighted to say that we will have copies of our magazine available on a few stands this year.

Our main location will be on the Scottish Association for Country Sports stand, so please do pop in and say hello.

The Scottish Game Fair (weather permitting) is always a fantastic weekend showcasing the very best of Scotland’s rural industries and lifestyle.

Myself and my family always spend too much money, but that’s half the fun!

On the business side of things, it is a great chance for me to meet and say hello to the voices down the phone!...and to say thanks for the support and encouragement for our new magazine venture.

I am on a huge learning curve – but getting there!

This year we will expand our bespoke Scottish network through country sports hotels, retail outlets, suppliers and of course, shooting centres and clubs.

There is a lot of work being done in the background to build Shooting Scotland Magazine into the successful national title that we know it will become.

So, if anyone reading this thinks they can help?...please do feel free to call me personally on 01738 639747.

Onwards and upwards indeed!

Slàinte, Athole.

EDITOR & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Athole Murray Fleming Tel. 01738 639747 E-mail: mail@farmingscotlandmagazine.com

MAIN FEATURES 7 Country Sports Education & Training 12 The Scottish Game Fair 26 Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group 56 Scotland’s Top Ten Fishing Destinations ARTICLES 32 Too many deer?

40 BASC Scotland 49 Galloway Country Fair 61 Fishing with Paul Young NEWS AREAS 4 News 62 Outdoor Look 65 What’s New THE INTERVIEW 11 With Clay & Game Shooter Bob Purvis IN FOCUS 21 Trustach Shooting Supplies COOKING WITH GAME 38 Wendy Barrie’s ‘Glazed Partridge on Barley Risotto’ MIND OUR BUSINESS 44 Simba Rods ARTWORKS 50 Aberdeenshire artist Mel Shand COUNTRY WOMAN 52 Featuring Julie Rutherford COMPETITION 54 In partnership with Hoggs of Fife and Fife Country WHISKY 55 Our very rare & exclusive limited edition REGULARS 14 Fox Control 16 Rural Training 19 Classic Gun 20 Ladies Shooting - Femmes Fatales 22 Deer Management 29 The Falconer 30 Gun Dogs 36 Habitat & Species Protection 47 Scottish Country Life 57 The Ghillie 64 Favourite Reads COLUMNS 9 Viewpoint 15 Scottish Gamekeepers Association 18 Air Guns 25 Breaking Barriers 35 Scottish Association for Country Sports 39 Gamekeepers Welfare Trust 41 The Deerstalker 48 Scottish Countryside Alliance 49 The World Pheasant Association FRONT COVER IMAGE: About

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PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Christina Fleming Email: christina@atholedesign.com

ADVERTISING MANAGER Barry Tweed Tel. 01738 550157 Email: barry@farmingscotlandmagazine.com

to take flight

ADVERTISING MANAGER Trevor Knights Tel. 01738 447378 Email: trevor.knights@farmingscotlandmagazine.com

COPYRIGHT This publication has been produced and published by ATHOLE DESIGN & PUBLISHING LTD who are the copyright owners. No reproduction, copying, image scanning, storing or recording of any part of this publication without the permission of ATHOLE DESIGN & PUBLISHING LTD. Contents disclaimer: SHOOTING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE is not responsible for any factual inaccuracies within press information supplied to us. Any concerns regarding such matters should be directed to the supplier of the materials.

SHOOTING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE is designed, produced and published by Athole Design & Publishing Ltd., Tolastadh, 18 Corsie Drive, Kinnoull, Perth, Scotland PH2 7BU. Tel. 01738 639747

ISSN: 2399–2220

©ATHOLE DESIGN 2018

news Scottish Natural Heritage to transfer land to South Uist community this proposal for some time, and we are delighted approval is now in place to proceed with the transfer. As well as creating an opportunity for a new Nature Reserve in South Uist, this transfer is making a significant contribution to meeting the Scottish Government’s target of having 1 million acres of land in community ownership by 2020.”

Angus MacMillan, Stòras Uibhist Chairman said: “This is

A proposal from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) for a South Uist community group to establish a new Nature Reserve within an active crofting estate was approved by the Scottish Government recently. With 1,100 ha of land at Loch Druidibeg, South Uist brought back into community ownership, local group Stòras Uibhist, in

partnership with RSPB Scotland, plan for the site to include visitor facilities; habitat, goose and deer management; enhanced drainage and water quality and improved access to the loch.

David Maclennan, Area Manager for Outer Hebrides and Argyll said: “We have been working closely with Stòras Uibhist and RSPB Scotland on

an extremely exciting opportunity for Stòras Uibhist to work closely with SNH and RSPB to deliver meaningful environmental and habitat management in this area of South Uist. The East coast of the Uists is often not appreciated for the diversity of wildlife. It is hoped that many people will visit the reserve, in addition to enhancing the economic opportunities that arise from nature tourism.”

Perthshire black grouse recovery delights visitors

Gamekeepers back raven research licence to save curlew The Scottish Gamekeepers Association has backed the granting of a research license

by SNH in Perthshire to control abundant raven populations in an urgent bid to save crashing wading bird numbers.

The licensing authority has granted a 5 year research license to the Strathbraan Community Collaboration for Waders in a bid to save birds such as the Curlew, now described as the UK’s most pressing conservation concern.

Curlew numbers have crashed by 62 percent in only two decades and fears have been raised that the distinctive and evocative call of the bird could soon be lost forever.

The local community, representing farmers, gamekeepers and private interests, contacted 4

SNH after participating in Scottish Government’s multiparty ‘Understanding Predation’ project which brought all rural stakeholders together and concluded that urgent and bold action was now necessary if waders were to be saved.

After over a year of bird counts and other discussions, a research license has been drafted which will initially permit the cull of up to 69 ravens in a geographically defined control area to relieve predation pressure on waders such as Curlew, Lapwing and Plover at breeding time.

The license, and any proposed raven management numbers, will be adapted each year depending on regular ground counts of both ravens and wading birds.

Local politicians and school pupils have been given a rare insight into the recovery of one of Scotland’s most loved and rarest birds - the black grouse.

They joined landowners, SNH and government officials and Ardvreck School pupils for a tour around Strathbraan in Perthshire, which houses important numbers of black grouse. The black grouse is a red-listed species, with Scotland holding most of the UK population and, at this time of year, males fight to display at the best ‘lek’ sites in a bid to attract females.

Attendees at the first ever Open Day hosted by Tayside and Central Scotland Moorland Group, learned how careful land stewardship had seen populations

rebound in the area. They were also driven through the local glen to see populations of endangered wading birds, with Strathbraan defined as ‘nationally important’ for red-listed species such as the curlew: Britain’s most urgent conservation priority.

Local gamekeepers described how habitat management and the legal control of abundant predators had helped to increase the survival of rarer species such as black game and waders. On one of the visited estates, a 20year programme of woodland planting, grazing reduction, rotational heather burning, predator and bracken control had seen black grouse rise from very low numbers to around 50 male black grouse.

news Europe’s largest salmon tracking study aims to halt species’ decline An international scale project which aims to track scores of wild Atlantic salmon over the next two years has been launched in the Highlands of Scotland as part of the largest effort in Europe to-date to halt the decline of the species.

Anglers gathered at the River Garry to herald the beginning of the Missing Salmon Project, which hopes to discover why this iconic fish is in such sharp decline, essential if effective measures are to be found to reverse their fortunes.

The organisation behind the project, the Atlantic Salmon Trust (AST), announced it is aiming to raise £1million via crowdfunding to support the tracking project. The marine survival of the wild salmon

population has declined by 70% in just 25 years. Executive director of the AST, Sarah Bayley Slater, said: “Salmon have been around for more than 60million years, but their future looks very bleak indeed.

If the decline we’ve seen across the Atlantic and in Scotland continues, the wild Atlantic salmon could be an endangered species in our lifetime.

“In launching the Missing Salmon Project, we are making our stand now and giving our generation a chance to save the species before it’s too late.” The Missing Salmon Project will supplement the work the AST is carrying out with international partners in preparing a Suspects Framework, which identifies and aims to quantify the causes

for salmon mortality on their journey from river to sea and back again.

Working with partners across the Moray Firth, scientists are to tag scores of fish in order to determine which of these suspects are likely responsible, with The Missing

Salmon Project looking to raise £1million to pay for the tags and the acoustic receivers that track the salmon’s journey.

To find out more about The Missing Salmon Project, and to donate to the cause, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ themissingsalmonproject

Scottish Moorland Group statement on hen harriers The Scottish Moorland Group has issued the following statement regarding the appeal for information on satellite tagged hen harriers. Tim Baynes, Director of the Scottish Moorland Group, said: “When the satellite tag on any protected bird ceases to work it is a cause for concern and we support any appeal for information on these two hen harriers. Anyone with information should call the police on 101.

“It is disappointing that it has taken so long – more than three months in one case – for a call for information to be issued. It is perplexing for their disappearance to be linked to “driven” grouse moors as there are no driven grouse moors near Moffat, and the grouse moor 6

community in Angus has made a wide commitment to Harrier conservation through the PAWS/ SNH ‘Heads Up For Harriers’ project. We believe that Police Scotland are not pursuing a formal investigation into either disappearance. “What this matter does highlight is the need to establish independence in how satellite tag data is processed. It is not unknown for tags to stop transmitting for a variety of reasons and confidence needs to be provided to all organisations with an interest in this area.

This can only be achieved by an independent body being responsible for data from satellite tags rather than being processed by organisations actively seeking restrictions on grouse shooting.”

Country sports education and training Over the centuries countryside jobs have changed, many have been amalgamated and other rural occupations no longer exist. The traditional gamekeeping job is a good example of a role that’s gone through several transformations.

Look at today’s keeper, in medieval times he would have protected deer in royal hunting forests from poachers, and by the early 19th century he adapted his skills in line with the rise in popularity of driven shooting. Laws and legislation are continually changing, and today’s countryside roles are more diverse than ever and require more skills. There is a wide selection of gamekeeping courses and

countryside study available across Scotland.

Last year, I was visited the North Highlands College, the University of the Highlands and Islands, Thurso, to meet Gamekeeping Lecturer Stewart Blair and to spend a few days with the gamekeeping students and see the facilities. The college (comprises 13 colleges and research institutions) is recognised as being one of the leaders in developing training programmes for land-based subjects. The gamekeeping department were awarded top prize in the education category at the 2017 Scottish Rural Awards.

Photographs courtesy of Linda Mellor

By Linda Mellor

Ex student Sophie Clark now fulltime river and hill ghillie

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COUNTRY SPORTS EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Kemnay Academy pupils learning about the effects of gamekeeping on biodiversity from young keepers from Candacraig and Edinglassie estates

All the gamekeeping students are on permanent placement on estates and attend the college in weekly blocks from the end of the stag season until June. Their ages ranged from 18 – 25, and students came from a mixture of backgrounds, some with previous

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experience and others with none.

Cameron Waite from Northern Ireland, left school at 18 with his A’ levels and wanted to join the Royal Marines but he was injured when he over-trained. He started working on a local shoot and discovered he enjoyed being outside and

wanted to develop his interest.

Cameron has a ghillie placement with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and is the first person in his family to have an outdoor job and said that most people back home did not know about Gamekeeping roles and their responsibilities. He was keen to develop his new career and expand on his knowledge and experience.

I joined the students at Rural Studies Centre, Dale Farm, Halkirk for some classroom time with Equine Lecturer Kerry Paul, where they discussed pony health and care, followed by a demonstration in handling and saddling up a Highland deer pony in the stable block. Some of the students had previous experience working with ponies, so Kerry gave them the opportunity to show others how to fit the tradition deer saddle onto a Highland.

The Gamekeeping department held their annual presentation evening which took place in the main college building, attended by all the students, lecturers, countryside organisations (SGA, BASC, the GWT), and parents.

College Principal Donald MacBeath opened the event with a speech and thanked everyone for their support and was followed by the presentations.

The top student prize went to Luke Smith, who was at Strathconon Estate, and now has a full-time position at Glen Etive. It was encouraging to see students being recognised and rewarded from

their hard work and commitment to their roles.

Julie Rutherford, the only female student, said, “It would be great to see more girls on the course but doesn’t bother me being the only one, I love being outside and stalking the deer.”

The opportunities exist, and there are certainly no barriers to girls becoming keepers. I also met Sophie Clark, she is an ex-student of North Highlands University, and is now in full-time employment on the seven thousand-acre Gualin estate as a river and hill ghillie.

She is a fine example of a young woman who studied and found a job she loves. She is professional and enthusiastic about her work.

There was a profound sense of accomplishment when she described her first time ghilling for a lady angler, and how she netted the 24lb salmon.

Lecturer Stewart Blair said, “Our student demographic is widening, and we are keen to hear from anyone interested in entering this line of work. 30 years ago, our classes would have been predominantly made up of keepers’ sons, now they are the minority and we have students of all ages and backgrounds. This has only been a positive and I would urge anyone interested in Gamekeeping/ wildlife management to get in touch with us.”

Countryside experiences can start at an early age and create a lifelong passion or career path. I’m sure I am not alone in being able to recall early childhood memories rich in countryside details and experiences. My most vivid memories are of being outdoors and around animals, woodland walks with my family, and the sense of wonderment in seeing unusual fungus, colourful flowers, and glimpses of wildlife. The countryside is a place of learning for all.

An early introduction to the countryside and its workings can stimulate young minds. Taking part in field trips to local estates can engage and inspire youngsters, and that’s the approach of the Hopetoun Estate Gamekeeper Paul Mottram. He runs a countryside classroom for local schoolchildren to explore the outdoors and gain an

COUNTRY SPORTS EDUCATION AND TRAINING

View Point

By Niall Rowantree Lady shot and instructor Tracy Meston

understanding about wildlife and the environment.

Countryside Learning Scotland (CLS) is a Blairgowrie based independent charity formed in 2003. It is focused on providing a variety of educational opportunities for young people within Scotland’s countryside. Their objective is to incorporate all areas of the land from recreation to traditional land uses, helping to sustain Scotland’s wild places through educating the next generation. The CLS aim to do this by improving people’s awareness, knowledge of, and access to, the outdoors, and to promote an informed understanding of the value of the countryside for lifelong health, quality of life and social wellbeing for all. They work with nursery, primary and secondary schools, higher education, colleges, youth, and community groups.

Ian Robertson, Executive Director of CLS, said, “I am fortunate to have been given the opportunity to engage with the next generation and provide them with a real understanding of the workings of our countryside.” Ian is a game shot, professional stalker, angler, and comes from a family of gamekeepers and farmers. He has also held wildlife management and development roles. “Our largely urban population are generally unaware of the workings of the rural environment on their doorstep. Education of our urban population is key, not only to improving their lives but also for the sustainability of our natural environment. It is also crucial for keeping the balance of nature within the managed environment

that is the Scottish countryside.

Understandably, to the untrained eyes of the urban dweller, the countryside is a wild environment, but even a wilderness is not as wild as many think it is. Every inch of our country has been managed by man for recreation or industry. To sustain our rural industries, we need to protect our managed habitats, provide jobs, and therefore sustain rural communities and create opportunities for all to recreate and participate responsibly in the countryside. We must educate the next generation to the ways of rural Scotland and train our educators to understand and deliver these principals. We all must play our part in educating our people.”

CLS relies on volunteers to enable them to help people to learn about the countryside. Volunteers come from a variety of countryside backgrounds and possess a wide range of specialist knowledge.

They require more volunteers to deliver classroom talks in primary and secondary schools across Scotland. Please contact CLS if you can help.

Tracy Meston is the senior coach at the Roxburghe Shooting School of Excellence, she runs professional clay & game shooting tuition and corporate events.

“Education within our shooting sports, whether clays, live game, target rifle or deerstalking is vital to the very existence of the sport.

When introducing people to the sport in a safe and competent manner education is crucial.”

“Teaching people to respect quarry, from the source to the kill and to the table is a passion of mine and one that I continue to build

Wet Winter Blues Having a wet autumn along with a wet winter has had a toll on wild red deer, in fact on all livestock in the Highlands.

By the time you’re reading this, hopefully summer will have fully taken hold and the beleaguered farming and crofting communities along the west coast will once again have a spring in their step.

The question remains though; is the type of autumn/ winter we have endured, the shape of things to come and how do we factor this into our deer management practices?

In North America, deer biologists use the Winter Severity Index (WSI) to monitor if the country is rapidly tipping toward a severe Winter.

Freezing temperatures and hazardous driving conditions are one thing. Constant waves of heavy snow and sub-zero cold mean that deer losses can be considerable. I feel there is scope for something similar in Scotland and especially in the Highlands.

The more attuned deer and stock managers were certainly aware by the autumn that things were not going well weather wise. After months without respite, the extended winter conditions have been nothing short of brutal with considerable mortality amongst deer and other out wintered stock.

Snow depth and daily temperature is what American biologists use to compute the Winter Severity Index (WSI). Basically, the WSI tracks snowfall and temperature from December 1 through April 30 and provides a way of assessing the winter’s impact on wildlife. Any day in which the temperature drops to zero or under is scored as a 1. Additionally, any day in which there is 18 inches of snow on the ground also gets scored as a 1. So, if 12 days in January had 18 inches of snow cover and temperatures on 6 of those days dropped to zero or below, the score for January would be 18. A seasonal score of 50 or under = mild winter, 51-80 moderate, 81100 severe, and over 100 very severe. Severe and very severe winters generally mean reduced deer numbers due to mortality. I feel that a similar system adapted to include rainfall wind speed and exposure could be developed in Scotland and Deer groups could use this to improve the management matrix and demonstrate trends in deer populations.

It’s worth remembering, though, that the key to winter severity in terms of survivability of wildlife is duration. Deer can take almost anything for short periods 9

COUNTRY SPORTS EDUCATION AND TRAINING on. Over the years being involved in shooting sports, graduating to driven game shooting, I was fortunate enough to be invited to stand with a gun on my first driven day. I didn’t shoot I just observed and learned. It took me a while to put my gun to something live because I wanted to ensure that my shot was true out of respect for the quarry. I wanted to do it right, learn how and why, and I did.”

“Years later, I run a shooting school and game shoot with deer stalking, and I am asked each season to “mind” or instruct from the peg on game days. The people we ‘mind’ are usually complete novices to shooting let alone driven game shooting, which is quite a big ask. We usually meet our client five minutes before the first drive and have no time to prepare them prior to this.”

“It’s a daunting prospect going on your first game day. How to dress, how to respond to an invitation, what’s the etiquette on tipping, what type of cartridges,

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North Highlands College with Equine Lecturer Kerry Paul

what type of day, this list goes on and that’s before you pull the trigger! You may shoot clays, but they fly in a range of different directions and it’s ok to shoot them as they fall or drop towards cover. Similarly, it’s also fine to close your gun out into the range without the trigger lock engaged as you have an exclusion zone. Not so

on a game day. In the heat of the moment, a badly placed shot is the difference between life and death or injury and a negligent discharge results in the same.”

Tracy was keen to develop a comprehensive educational system to assist novice or clay shooters to game shooting, she said, “I wrote a training course based on these experiences. My clay2game course is designed to take either a complete novice shooter or a clay shooter and educate and instruct them on safety and shooting techniques, the history, ethics, quarry, and etiquette of game shooting in the UK. It also explores behind the scenes of a typical driven shoot, with explanation diagrams and photographs of gun lines, beating line, stops, picker-ups and the mechanics of presenting driven game throughout the day. Once they understand there could be people and dogs obscured from view, they begin to build the correct safety picture.”

“Out on the range we teach peg stance and gun mount techniques and most of all safety, arcs of fire, where the muzzles can and cannot point and why. The entire process is explained and demonstrated on simulated driven clay targets acting as the quarry. Instructors stand with the guns on the pegs throughout the entire exercise and educate them throughout about low and dangerous shots, and what safe shooting looks like.”

After a day of learning, Tracy and her team of instructors accompany the guns on day two, their first live driven day, she said,

“it is a fantastic two days, we have had lots of success and many lovely testimonials. Individuals have gone on to shoot at other game days as safe shots understanding more than they ever thought they would do.”

The Deer Stalking Certificates, DSC1 and DSC2, are nationally recognised awards administered by Deer Management Qualifications (DMQ) and exist to promote high standards in the humane management of wild deer. The DSC1 provides a comprehensive guide to deer stalking techniques and management and is the foundation of deer skills development. More than 24,000 people have successfully completed their DSC1. The DSC2 is a practical based qualification requiring candidates to demonstrate deer stalking techniques, skills and knowledge that have been acquired in the field after completing the DSC1 course.

There are country sports training courses and educational arms within most of the big shooting organisations and societies. Education equips us with knowledge of the world around us, and continuous education and training gives us growth, and an expandable skill set. www.roxburgheshootingschool. co.uk www.dmq.org.uk www.countrysidelearningscotland. org.uk www.northhighland.uhi.ac.uk www.hopetoun.co.uk

THE INTERVIEW up close & personal Bob Purvis

Clay and Game shooter from Fife, and the current Scottish FITASC home international Champion How old were you when you started shooting?

“I grew up on a farm, and think I was about seven when introduced to shooting, and I got my own gun at 16 years old.”

cartridges, they are great cartridges and reasonably priced.”

Why do you like coaching?

“You can get a lot further if you have coaching. I have done lots of shotgun coaching for all age groups, and for clay and game shooting. I have a vast knowledge of shooting, and that is all earned from shooting around Scotland, UK, and the world. It’s great to see new people, especially youngsters coming into the sport.”.

Is shooting important to you?

“I’m 61 now, and shooting is still a huge part of my life, and if I could, I would shoot every day. I love being outdoors, and I still get a buzz from going shooting.”

How did you improve your shooting?

“I’m self-taught and grew up shooting pigeons and rabbits on the farm so you had to work it out for yourself. Someone suggested I try shooting clays. I gave it a go, and if I missed a target I’d work it out, and then shoot it. I was hooked and started taking part in competitions.

Back then there were not many shooting coaches about What was your first win, and how did you feel?

“I was 17 or 18 when I won the East Fife Championship shooting

DTL. It felt great and made me want to shoot more competitions and the game fairs. I have more than 50 caps for Scotland, and have represented Scotland in DTL, Skeet, Sporting and FITASC.” How often do you shoot?

“I currently shoot three times a week.”

Your preferred shooting grounds?

I like to shoot at Cluny (Fife),

Morton (Livingston) and Auchterhouse (by Dundee).”

What shotgun and cartridges do you use and why?

“I have had my Miroku shotgun for 18 years, it has been excellent value for money, and I’m sure it will last me a lifetime because I always take good care of it. I’ve probably shot something in the region of 700,000 cartridges through it. At one time, I used to shoot 40,000 cartridges each year. I currently use Victory

What good advice would you like to share?

“Find yourself a good coach who will make sure your gun fits you correctly. In the long run, the money you spend on coaching is an investment as will not only improve your shooting, but it will save a lot of time and frustration.”

What is in your shooting diary for 2018?

“It’s a busy one! I’m coaching and shooting clays over the next few days.”

How can people contact you?

On 07977 912760 or visit www.bobpurvisshotguncoaching.co.uk for clay and game coaching. www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

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Scottish Game Fair 2018 A packed-programme is announced to celebrate the 30th anniversary Friday 29 June, Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1 July Scone Palace Parklands, Perthshire www.scottishfair.com #SGF2018 The GWCT Scotland is proud to be celebrating its 30th year organising the Scottish Game Fair. Over the past three decades, the Fair has welcomed audiences from across the world who share a passion for the countryside and conservation. The Fair is a major fund-raiser for the GWCT and helps continue and expand the invaluable research and development work undertaken each year.

The Scottish Game Fair is delighted to announce that this year’s event is in association with NFU Mutual. This is a new partnership for the Scottish Game Fair, and a great fit for this flagship event.

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Celebrating the milestone anniversary in style, the 2018 fair will be hosting lots of firm favourites, as well as exciting new elements including a standalone Cookery Theatre, The Junior MacNab, The Hull Flush Challenge, Bushcraft and countryside skills, and a 30th party on Saturday night!

A jam-packed programme of competitions, main ring events, ‘have-a-go’ activities, and many other attractions for country sport enthusiasts makes the Fair a must-visit.

This year the Main Ring is brought to you in association with Brewin Dolphin. Highlights will include the Birds of Prey, Terrier

Racing, The Fred Taylor Memorial Trophy for Working Hill Ponies, sponsored by Rigby & Co. and the Clwyd Axemen, as well as some spectacular displays to mark the 30th anniversary.

The ever-popular shooting area will be hosting an array of fantastic competitions over the three days of the Fair. Qualified experts are on hand to provide coaching and safety. Gunmakers Row is the place for new equipment, clothing and kit with brands including: Cluny Country Guns & Optics, Night Master, Plugzz Custom Hearing Protection; John Dickson & Son and Nomad UK.

The main shooting competitions include: • 40 Target Sporting • CLASSES: Open, Ladies, Juniors (under 18) • Club Class 40 • Pool Shoot • Have-a-go • The Rabbit Flush • The Hull Grouse Challenge • Young Shots sponsored

by Strathallen School • Junior MacNab in association with The Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group

SCOTTISH GAME FAIR 2018

40 Target Sporting multiple entry available (Individual competition for experienced shooters that have their own gun) CLASSES: Open, Ladies, Juniors (under 18) Holts have sponsored the OPEN class with a £100 prize for the ‘High Gun’ each day.

SATURDAY is Ladies Day with a top score prize of a bespoke tweed jacket kindly donated once again by Blues and Browns. Plus many other prizes.

Club Class 40 multiple entry available (Separate prize fund / articles) This competition is for shooters that have never had a classification, or have never been classified above B class in any discipline.

Pool Shoot Break all the targets to get a “life” for the shoot off to win a share of the ‘pool’ at the end of the day.

SUPER FINAL The 3 overall highest scores from the Sporting Competition (irrespective of class) from each of the 3 days will go into a Super Final on Sunday afternoon with the chance of winning the ‘Top Gun’ prize (A Promatic Clay Trap) for this competition.

You can only qualify for this shoot off on one day, if your score is one of the top 3 on another day your name will be

dropped allowing a final place to go to someone else.

Participants are reminded that cartridges must be fibre wad and the shot size no heavier than 28gram. Cartridges will be available in the main control tent where you will get your Sporting entry and any other information you may require.

Have-a-go Those who are new to shooting are welcome to have-ago on the Clays. The stands are set up for novices to come and try the Clay Shooting experience.

There is no age restriction. There will be qualified and friendly instructors to kit everyone out with a suitable gun, clays, cartridges and safety protection are provided.

Also new for 2018 are the following exciting events: The Rabbit Flush Located on the riverside field The Rabbit two person Flush is for both experienced shots, and those wishing to Have-a-Go: HAVE A GO - Instructors will be on hand, participants will be provided with personal protection.

Guns and cartridges COMPETITION -Experienced shooters must supply their own gun and cartridges

The Hull Grouse Challenge Located on the riverside field 20 targets For shooters with own guns HULL Cartridges will be provided Daily High gun prizeDonated by HULL- £75 & 250 cartridges Young Shots sponsored by Strathallen School A competition for juniors under 18.

The high gun from each daily sporting competition, will go on to shoot in a final on Sunday afternoon with the opportunity to win a Gun (approx value £450 / £500 ) the winner can choose 12g / 20g/ 28g/ 410.

All entries at the main shooting control in the shooting arena Entries open 10am there will be an information board, each day, to say what time competition cards have to be handed in.

Junior MacNab in association with The Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group The Junior MacNab is a new multi-disciplinary event to celebrate the Scottish Government’s Year of Young People. The Fair has created this new event for youngsters with The Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group. The challenge is for those aged 8-21 years inviting competitors to ‘shoot a

virtual rabbit and a pigeon and catch a trout’ using the show’s rifle range, clays and casting area.

Elsewhere around the Fair, there’s a lot to see and do on the scenic banks of the Tay at the fishing area; including fly-casting and fly-tying competitions, expert demos and tuition and the chance to chill out with a glass of something cool and watch all the action from the Ghillies Bar. The bustling ‘Fly Fishing Mall’ and Fisherman’s Row are the goto places for new kit.

The inaugural Four Nations International Gundog competition was a resounding success in 2017, with England winning the challenge. Making a welcome return in 2018, teams from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales have signed up for the competition with international competitors invited for the first time.

A treat for all Land Rover lovers; the Classic Land Rover Display will make a welcome return to the Fair as part of the 30th celebrations.

Visitors will be able to appreciate fine examples of a variety of models and makes from throughout the years, and find out more about this iconic brand and how it has influenced and benefitted rural life and work. Don’t miss their grand tour of the show on Sunday afternoon.

For advance tickets, go to www.scottishfair.com for more information and 10% discount on gate prices until 25 June 13

fox control

Times of change

By Graeme Kelly

Over the last few years things in the shooting world have moved on quite considerably. With technology moving fast, it has

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changed the whole way we go about hunting. We have had to adapt our styles with which we are used to, and also the way we

apply our ‘field craft’ knowledge, which is the foundation of effective hunting.

Night vision and thermal imaging equipment demands a complete change in style to what many of us are used to when moving on from the conventional rifle and gun-mounted (or roofmounted) lamps. This also raises the debate about whether using such equipment is ‘sporting’. As always, the subject of killing/ controlling species is very controversial and there will always be two sides to this argument, with very few opinions sitting on the fence. As far as I can see, certain things in life seem harsh and as the

old saying goes, “you’ve got to be cruel to be kind”.

Some are of the opinion when it comes to mother nature that, “what will be will be”. However, it seems that these people have not considered that fact that some animals do not have natural predators and so the injured, weak or dying tend to suffer. In this respect, we have to give nature a helping hand, and control such species. Control also helps to eliminate such things as cross breeding, infection and suffering.

With such responsibility involved in tracking and humanely killing particular species, it surely makes sense to ensure the job is done

fox control as efficiently and respectfully as possible. If such control were deemed unnecessary, surely the government would not hand out licences for this type of controlled killing.

When hunting foxes with a rifle, staying out of sight and not alerting the fox in any way can increase your success rate. So rather than flashing a lamp around and warning everything in the area of your presence, you need to become invisible, or ‘covert’.

The latest night vision and thermal imaging equipment lets you do just that. Using new equipment demands a new approach. From years of experience with using night vision, I now know that driving around fields with a loud motor and opening/ closing gates s not the way to go about getting foxes. It’s far more effective to choose a vantage point and scan a large area with a thermal imaging spotter – this will show you everything that is out there, as it detects body heat. In some cases you will be lucky, depending on the wind, and a fox may present itself close enough for you to shoot. In other cases, where a shot cannot be taken, you can log their time and location and get setup in a favourable position during the next night, as foxes are generally creatures of habit and routine.

Recently, I have been having a lot of success with the above technique and having the latest piece of night vision equipment attached to my scope. This is the world famous PVS-14 Gen3, which is supplied by Night Master.

It is also available in Gen2+. The word ‘Gen’ stands for ‘Generation’ and refers to how advanced the image intensifier tube is inside the military spec device. Gen1 was the first generation, and then

there were better tubes made after that (Gen2, Gen2+, Gen3), which offer better clarity and longer range visibility.

Image intensifier tubed equipment has been used for many years in the military. However, advancements on the technology have been made and are continuing even today. This particular unit (PVS-14) was designed to be used as a night vision spotter; with no need for infrared (IR) illumination as the image intensifier tube gathers starlight and ambient light to create an enhanced image through the device. However, I use IR with the device for foxing because it reflects their eyes brilliantly and gives me a clearer target to shoot at.

Even though the PVS-14 is principally used as a night vision spotter by the military, a clamp has been adapted to allow the device to be mounted to the rear of a day scope in order to covert it to a night vision scope – using the scope’s magnification to see my further.

I then have my Night Master IR illuminator mounted to the top of my scope. These devices, along with my Pulsar thermal imaging spotter, make the perfect night hunting setup. With the PVS-14 being a rear scope add-on there are no zero issues which means it can be moved from rifle to rifle with no problems, such as shift in point-of-impact. In fact, it is the most consistently reliable night vision device that I have ever used and one that I recommend to all of my gamekeeper pals, because it makes the job a lot easier and more efficient.

Please join my Facebook page to learn more about the new equipment and to see how I’m getting on with it: @ NightMasterScotland. For advice, please call me on 07990 954973.

Speaking up for you

By Alex Hogg, Chariman As our industry continues to face persistent attack, often from agenda groups with no experience of any form of land management, it has been encouraging to see more estates taking time to educate the public.

Recently, an Open Day was held in Perthshire where local gamekeepers (SGA members) and estate managers introduced groups of school kids to legal predator control traps and the array of moorland species.

Youngsters saw a grouse nest, blackcock leks and enjoyed meeting estate staff and riding in the off road vehicles laid on for the purpose of transporting the class to the hill.

It is these types of initiatives that are going to help our cause in the future, especially as the population becomes more urbanised and children lose the connection with the countryside that a lot of us took for granted.

This is a long term challenge for us, in itself, but it is heartening to see more

effort being put into redressing the balance, whether it be through the medium of social media- using technology to explain good deer or fisheries management- or face- toface visits to hill and low ground.

Nothing beats handson experience, in my view, and I believe everyone has the capacity to deal with the public and put over the many good stories about our industry.

At the time of writing, the SGA had just written to Emma Harper MSP and farming industry representatives to pledge our support for a members’ bill on keeping dogs on leads around livestock and wildlife.

I personally sat through many of the Access meetings when Land Reform was going through Parliament first time and we warned then that the voice of the practical land manager should not be ignored.

Hopefully that message will get across this time and a greater regard for wildlife and stock becomes a key part of more progressive Access.

www.scottishgamekeepers.co.uk Scottish Gamekeepers Association, Niall Rowantree is Headstalker andCentre.

Sporting Manager of Inveralmond Business West Highland HuntingPerth, PH1 3FX. 6 Auld Bond Road, South Inveralmond, www.westhighland-hunting.co.uk Tel: 01738 587515

Rural Training

By Stuart Blair It’s been a busy time for the North Highland College Gamekeeping department, since the last edition of Shooting Scotland. Not only have students and staff been busy with course work and assessments, we have also integrated two new student trips into our curriculum.

In April, the National Certificate class visited the island of Rum for a week, an island owned and managed as a National Nature Reserve by SNH. This trip enabled students to see, not only the way that SNH manage the island as a “Deer Forest”, but also get involved in

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both deer and goat surveys and visit Kilmory, where Cambridge University have run their deer research project since the 1950s.

SNH also maintain their herd of “Rum” ponies that are used throughout the stalking season for retrieving deer from the hill.

This was a fantastic learning environment for the assessment of our students on their Pony Work module.

A few weeks later, we were off again! This time to Norway, where we were hosted

by Hedmark University at the Forestry and Hunting campus at Evanstad. The group was

made up of students from our MA, NC and HNC classes. It was a thoroughly enjoyable trip and for some of the party, a first time on a plane and even out of the Highlands [although they have extensive helicopter deer counting experience!!].

In the past, NHC have hosted trips where students and staff from Evanstad have visited and looked at management of the uplands in Scotland, therefore it was great to keep the exchange going and allow our students to see how things are done there.

The Norway week was a mixture of indoor lectures and

If interested, call us now on: 01847 889000, or look at our website: www.northhighland.uhi.ac.uk

David MacKenzie SNH with NC student tacking pony for hill

NC student group on Rum

outdoor trips; the indoor lectures given by University staff and all of the outdoor excursions organised and hosted by the Hunting students themselves. The lectures were extremely interesting and answered a lot of questions that we have been pondering in Scotland.

Hypothetical discussions that normally take place in the classroom, such as; living with wolves, lynx and bears were discussed at length in the field. The effects that such predators have on both domestic and game species as well as the human interaction were also hotly debated.

There will no doubt be further discussion on protected predators and reintroductions in future articles but 2 topics that grabbed everyone’s interest

were; an indoor lecture on the effects of Pine Martens on Capercaillie and an outdoor to see a moose carcass, recently killed by wolves and then scavenged by a brown bear. Pine Martens are a very hot topic in Scotland right now and the proven effects of Marten nest predation. The close proximity of the wolf kill - 120 metres from a farmhouse - was also a good discussion point. Needless to say, we departed Norway, with more questions than answers!

With hope, these two new trips will become annual events and thanks is extended to both David MacKenzie and Leslie Watt from SNH for hosting us on Rum and to the staff and students at Evanstad Campus for their incredible hospitality.

Air Rifles And Pest Control

By Davie ‘Barndoor’ Scott Air rifles are becoming ever more popular as tools of the trade for pest controllers and in the right hands can be very effective.

Many farmers and landowners who don’t allow more powerful firearms on their properties now see the benefits of air rifles for controlling rabbits, corvids and even rats.

Firearms rated airguns are devastatingly effective tool for when a landowner wants rid of pests as they are very quiet and deadly accurate but most airgunners agree that when the landowner wants pests to be controlled to a slightly lesser extent then sub 12 ft/lbs rifles are by far the most fun to use because of the fieldcraft involved in getting close enough to take a perfect shot.

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These air rifles are very effective out to around forty yards and this means greater care must be taken in approaching the quarry and good fieldcraft is essential. Here are some quick fieldcraft tips for the newer airgunner.

Approaching your quarry head on is better than moving sideways. Rabbits and corvids will only see you getting bigger rather than moving and less likely to be spooked. Rabbits when they spot you will often run ten or so yards then stop. This is a natural reaction for them so be ready for it. It very often gives you a second chance.

Most of all though is being aware of wind direction. Most people know to stay downwind

of their quarry but there is more to it than that. If the wind is blowing over the rabbits and towards a hedgeline the rabbits will be very skittish as their

scent is being taken towards the hiding place of predators. As for which calibre air rifle to use?

Well that’s a topic for another day.

CLASSIC GUN PAIR OF JAMES WOODWARD BEST SIDELOCK EJECTOR SPORTING GUNS

By Ross Haygarth

These guns were built in 1897 for the well-known glass magnate & landowner Thomas ‘’Tom’’ Pilkington of Sandside Estate, Reay, Caithness.

They have 29” steel barrels with 2 ½” chambers and are open bored for Grouse shooting.

They are fully engraved with Woodward’s traditional best fine scrollwork, the levers, forend tips and ribs are numbered 1 & 2 in gold & the strikers are gold washed. They feature Woodwards classic arcaded

fences, protruding tumbler pivots & T shaped safe buttons.

Amazingly all the internal springs are original.

The guns are totally original and unrestored. They have led hard lives, its often said that Tom never worked a day in his life, he only shot, fished, hunted and went to the races!

The stock of the number 2 gun had been broken through the hand and repaired at some time in the past and the stock of the number 1 gun is well worn too.

They are in their original best oak & leather case with its trademark bright red baize cloth lining & large paper label.

The lid of the case is embossed TOM PILKINGTON SANDSIDE. It is unusual after all this time that the case contains its original snap caps, silver topped glass oil bottle & spare striker bottles, complete with spare gold washed strikers engraved left & right!

The author purchased the guns from a family friend in 2013 that had owned them since the late 50’s.

The plan is to restore the guns back to there former glory & restock them, a well matching pair of figured Turkish Circassian blanks have already been sourced, and give the case a light restoration too.

After this is completed they will be ready for another 121 years of service on the moors of Caithness!

Ross Haygarth is the owner of CH Haygarth & Sons, Gun & Rifle Makers, in Dunnet, Caithness. They are Scotlands oldest family owned Gunmakers. Ross is the son of Colin Haygarth the famous Gunmaker, Trap shooter, sportsman & conservationist.

Ross is considered to be one of Scotland’s leading experts on British Guns & Rifles.

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The Femmes Fatales …ladies who like to shoot!

Females in fieldsports are becoming more abundant in recent years, with more women openly choosing to bear arms than did previously. So, who should we look to for motivation?

Leading the charge is ladies clay shooting club, Femmes Fatales (FF), winners of the first BASC ‘Star of Shooting’ Award.

If the name sounds familiar, you may have watched the team on BBC 1’s ‘Countryfile’ where they successfully inducted presenter Anita Rani to the activity at the now superseded CLA Game Fair.

Anita later joined FF at an event at Harewood House in West Yorkshire where she was expertly coached by none other than topshot Mark Winser.

Femmes Fatales co-founder Lydia described Anita as a ‘’total natural with the shotgun…, she mastered the selection of ‘beginners’ targets and absolutely smashed it in the shoot-off...’’.

Continually challenging the common misconception that

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shooting is ‘a man’s game’ the club aims to encourage existing and new participants to the sport through clay shooting days hosted by volunteer female clay shooting enthusiasts around the country.

Before you say it, this isn’t about feminism. Although as I and many other women know, females in fieldsports often receive derogatory comments simply due to the fact that, they are, well, female. Femmes Fatales is about female inclusion, nurturing the

growing generations, reassuring newcomers and making lasting friendships along the way. It’s tough to take up and pursue a new hobby on your own, which is why I feel that groups like this are paramount for the future of female participation within the sport.

And so, it’s particularly energising to note that Femmes Fatales Scotland has officially launched. The inaugural event took place at the newly renovated National Shooting Centre on the

21st of April 2018, where hosts Kathryn and Cat welcomed nearly 40 women to the sold-out event.

The aim of the day – and Femmes Fatales Scotland as a whole - is to provide a welcoming, friendly and all-encompassing members club that offers, most importantly, a safe environment to learn and improve shooting techniques; whilst boosting confidence and supporting shooting development.

What’s not to love?

Host Kathryn said ‘’Our focus is less on competition and more on encouraging women to pick up a gun and give it a go.

We will be trying a number of different approaches over the next few months; in order to make our events enjoyable and appealing for all. So, watch this space!’’

If you’d like to join Femmes Fatales on one of their ladies only clay shooting days visit their website: www.femmes-fatales. co.uk or check out their Facebook page where they post all of their available events @shewolfshoot.

IN

Trustach Shooting Supplies From a boat in the mid Atlantic to not quite a proper job!

By Julian McHardy It was somewhere mid Atlantic that I made my mind up that I wanted to leave Wiltshire, where I had lived for 9 years, and return to Scotland. I was taking part in a trans Atlantic rowing race so in the 30 odd days to get half way across (I took 63 in total) I had had a lot of thinking time!

Whilst looking for work near Aberdeen, I was approached by someone who asked me if I would like to come and work for the Caledonian Cartridge Company which was well established in Angus, but the owners wanted some fresh ideas and to organise the move of the manufacturing site. I have always been keen on shooting so thought it would be an interesting challenge whilst I looked for a ‘proper’ job – probably something in the oil business in Aberdeen I imagined.

16 years later I am still with the company! I moved the company from Brechin to Banchory in 2005 after HSE said our premises in Angus was unsuitable – a huge understatement!! We then did

a deal with Eley Hawk in 2005 to take over the manufacturing of Caledonian cartridges and with that necessitated a change of name to Cairngorm Sporting Supplies.

In 2016 I had the opportunity to buy the company which I did and changed the name to its current Trustach Shooting Supplies. We remain

the sole UK distributor of the Caledonian cartridge brand and we are also main agents for Swarovski optics, Croots leather goods, Lejeune mascots and AYA guns.

We have always supplied cartridges direct to the customer and for the past 4 years have had websites where customers can order and pay

for cartridges online. This is unique and accessible via www. trustachshootingsupplies.com Amongst many shooting estates we supply throughout the UK, we are fortunate to include Balmoral Estate and in April 2017 we were granted a Royal Warrant by HM The Queen for supplying shooting accessories and ammunition.

We have supplied binoculars, telescopes, spotting scopes and of course cartridges – mainly our lovely varnished red paper case Caledonian Classics, naturally bespoke printed.

Being granted a Royal Warrant is a huge honour and demonstrates a level of quality of product and service of which I am very proud to be part of.

So I never got that ‘proper’ job but I am very lucky to be working in an industry I really enjoy, in a part of the world I love and with customers who are genuinely a pleasure to deal with – well most of them! I consider myself to be extremely fortunate and have just about forgotten about those blisters and sores!

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deer management

Scottish venison in the spotlight

By Dick Playfair, Scottish Venison Partnership

Gloves help reduce the risk of contamination

There is a lot to write about the Scottish venison sector right now, most of it positive. Foremost, the Scottish Government has reinforced its interest in venison and its potential. This was evidenced by Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing calling and hosting a venison ‘summit’ in Perthshire in March attended by some 25 key players, representing wild and farmed venison, public and private sector, and right across the spectrum from stalkers/ producers to venison cooks and major customers and suppliers.

Those attending the summit heard about the opportunities within the UK market, how 22

supply is currently falling short of demand, and a reduction in imported venison from New Zealand. The Cabinet Secretary led discussion about how this shortfall can be met, potentially by continued expansion of the farmed deer sector and assessing and delivering better routes to market for, for example, roe venison where the raw resource is increasing but the infrastructure to capitalise on it has yet to develop.

An important outcome of the Summit will be the production of a strategic plan for the Scottish venison sector to fit with Scotland Food and Drink’s national food strategy Ambition 2030. That

venison plan is currently in development with the aim to have it ready for launch, even if in draft form, on Scottish Venison Day, Tuesday 4 September 2018. Watch this space!

In addition, the application for PGI status for Scottish Wild Venison is well underway and out for consultation in the UK until 25 May. The purpose is to explore and achieve PGI (Protected Geographical Indicator) status for Scottish Wild Venison. Whilst an European award, it will still be relevant after Brexit, recognising the special qualities of the product both in terms of its production (ie stalking) and its provenance, in

addition to the product coming from a completely wild resource.

There is some way to go yet. The UK consultation may result in the application requiring more work before it goes for further consultation in Europe as the next stage of the process, but if all works to plan then PGI could be granted before end 2019. The application, which is extremely complex, has been more than five years in developing and it is hoped that this work will eventually see a successful outcome.

It was coincidental that the consultation for PGI was launched on the same day as the Scottish Venison Summit.

deer management

Tagged for the game dealer means traceable

Roe stalking, removing the carcase in a roe sack

Scottish Quality Wild Venison, the voluntary assurance scheme, is in good health, with producer and processor members increasing.

This scheme is absolutely crucial in ensuring that the process of getting material from hill/kill to processor and then onward to the consumer is subject to inspection

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and certification with around 75 per cent of venison from the wild currently produced through SQWV assured premises. SQWV has been offering free larder assessments for non-members last year in order to bring more producers who are currently outside the scheme up to speed. In addition, SQWV is

currently exploring how it can extend its producer scheme, or introduce a new category, whereby lowland stalkers producing small quantities can also join and for their process to benefit from the additional confidence and safeguards that SQWV scheme membership delivers.

On the food safety front venison is also going through a

process of evolution on a number of levels. On the one hand a major study is in progress to better understand the prevalence of E Coli O157 in deer and also the risks for contamination in the early stages of the food chain from hill and gralloch through to the processor.

This study is being undertaken by the Moredun Research Institute in conjunction with Edinburgh

University and an interim report is expected later in the summer with its findings based on c 1200 samples (a far higher sample bank than used for previous similar studies for cattle or sheep).

E Coli O157 whether in deer or in the process is an issue in which Food Standards Scotland is currently taking a strong interest and the sector is being tested to demonstrate that it can minimise risk across the board.

To this end the Scottish Venison Partnership has produced with SQWV and SNH three short films under the Best Practice Guidance banner as a reminder of the risks of contamination, how they can be reduced, and that everyone who pulls the trigger and intends that carcase to go for human consumption is effectively in the food business. Currently a lot of thought is being given to how the EU small quantities/trained hunter derogation can be made to work better in conjunction with the venison dealer licensing system to provide a short, traceable supply chain and allow for locally shot venison to be sourced and sold, whether through butchers, restaurants, or ‘at the farm gate’ safely and legally.

This requires more work by Local Authority EHOs to inspect premises and issue licences but the system is in place already to do this although in some cases the resource at local government level may be in short supply.

Likewise, Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has stepped up its activity in relation to inspections of Approved Game Handling Establishments (AGHEs) across Scotland, and its vets being on site to reject and condemn carcasses that have been uplifted from producer larders but which are deemed to be unfit to go into the food chain.

All this activity will result in improving our Scottish wild venison. Already outstanding, it should go forward from this as better and safer - and a product in which everyone who is involved from hill or woodland, through processing and onward to the consumer, can rightly take pride.

Breaking Barriers

A GREAT DAY OUT OUT

By David Reilly I was delighted recently to have the opportunity to experience a shoot on the beautiful Brunt Estate in East Lothian. Joining the team of pickers and their dogs for the day, I was able to spend time on the estate and see the different aspects of a shoot. It really had me thinking about how disabled people could participate and be part of the shooting industry.

Regular readers of my work may know that I have tried over many years to become involved in Country Sports. Since growing up in rural East Lothian, Country Pursuits has always been close to my heart. In recent years I have managed to find a few opportunities to go shooting although I have not always found them easily. I have done a bit of clay shooting using a 12 bore, and used an airgun on a farm. Keen to pursue my passion for Country Sport I applied to college to retrain as a Gamekeeper. I thought the best way to enter the industry was retraining. Unfortunately I came up against attitudinal barriers towards my disability that I really thought were a thing of the past.

My visit to the Brunt Estate made me realise that there are two distinct strands of disability participation. On the one hand, there is the idea of disabled people taking part in the shoot themselves as a paying guest. This is quite different to a disabled person like myself, wanting to work or contribute to the industry. I started to ask myself whether it might be possible to work in shooting, after my own experience of trying to break into the industry which had been very mixed.

As an accessible shoot for disabled people, I can’t imagine a more perfect situation than the Brunt Estate.

There is a very well cared for Glen running right through the

Brunt Estate making access to the shoot very easy. A guest may be taken by Landrover and delivered right to their peg. The ground is very well cared for, flat and requires minimal walking. With more than a dozen different drives available, it makes for a really accessible and interesting shoot. Above all else, The Brunt Estate is just a wonderful spot.

There is no doubt that certain aspects of the industry are very physical indeed and there doesn’t seem to be a way around many of them. I did learn on the day that I will never a beater for example. It is a very physical job walking through some very tough terrain.

Doing pick up as I did, in this particular shoot, I found

it more manageable. There was no difficulty walking and I really enjoyed working with the dogs. I’m not sure it would be as straight forward on a different estate over more difficult ground.

My experience at the Brunt Estate was a very positive one indeed. Above all else, I just thoroughly enjoyed it and it made me even more determined to find a niche where I can participate in country sport. I would like to gain knowledge of different shoots and aspects of shooting and go on to share my experiences.

I hope I can, even in a small way, help to create more opportunity for disabled people to take part in this scene in whatever way they can.

An Introduction to

The Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group (SCSTG)

By Andrew Grainger, Project Co-ordinator

A mix of public/private partners have worked well for the Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group (SCSTG) over the last 14 years. The private sector partners, the Association of Deer Management Groups (ADMG), British Association of Shooting and Conservation (BASC), Scottish Land and Estates and Fisheries Management Scotland (FMS) joined forces with the public sector, Scottish Enterprise (SE), VisitScotland, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Highland and Island Enterprise (HIE) and together the group has taken an in depth look at the industry as it is presented to sporting enthusiasts from across the world. The group started by gathering data on the industry and assessing how to develop its role as a major player in Scotland’s tourism offer. The story unfolds below.

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SCOTTISH COUNTRY SPORTS TOURISM GROUP Research was commissioned in 2003 and a more recent survey (2015) was undertaken by Public and Corporate Economic Consultants (PACEC) http:// www.countrysportscotland. com/about-us/pacec-executivesummary-2/ It throws light on the international market that this sport commands and how many of the participants also enjoy much else that Scotland has to offer such as its historic buildings and castles, golf, whisky and shopping, but top of the list is Scotland’s magnificent scenery and wild life, so well supported by the conservation work done on sporting estates.

The SCSTG website: www.countrysportsscotland. com promotes many different sports throughout the year, hind shooting in the winter months, loch fishing from spring to autumn or a day’s walked up shooting are all

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SCOTTISH COUNTRY SPORTS TOURISM GROUP sports that do not command a huge financial investment.

What they do require is easy booking access, sympathetic and geographically convenient accommodation and well informed managers who can help you access exactly the sport that suits you. Guides who can instruct and encourage visitors new to country sports or show the seasoned enthusiast far flung or challenging sporting venues. This is where the SCSTG steps in, running courses for managers and those who make the days sport possible on the ground, providing a website that acts as a portal for booking a full range of sport and we work with VisitScotland to promote the Field Sports Welcome and Anglers Welcome schemes for accommodation providers.

It also informs the visitor on

a variety of other frequently asked questions, such as what should I wear, gun laws, the various seasons for different quarry and so on.

In 2017 with the help of funding from VisitScotland’s Growth Fund SCSTG were able to promote Scottish country sports to a wider audience through attendance at a Scandinavian Game Fair, hosting a press familiarisation trip and commissioning a series of short sporting films for use on social media and web site.

Looking to the future SCSTG in conjunction with GWCT, supported by a financial donation from the charity Scottish Youth and the Countryside Education Trust (SYCET) will be introducing young people aged 8 to 21 to 3 aspects of country sports at the Scottish Game Fair at

Scone Palace by running a free to enter ‘Junior Macnab Challenge’, where entrants will be coached to shoot a ‘pigeon’ on the BASC Clay Line, shoot a ‘rabbit’ on the National Target Sports Association (NTSA) air rifle range and catch a

‘trout’ under the guidance of Game Angling Instructors Association (GAIA) coaches.

All those who successfully complete all three ‘challenges’ will be entered into a daily draw to win some amazing prizes.

Website www.countrysportscotland.com Telephone 01350 723226 Email info@cstsgscotland.com

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The Falconer

One season ends, another begins

By Stewart Robertson, Centre Director Well, here we are, another hunting season over, and the new tourist season already begun. The hunting season has been a bit of a nonevent, not getting as much time out as I had hoped with so much work to be done at the centre. Painting, new mesh going in the aviaries, sealing foundations, insulating rooflights, etc etc. The new mesh has made a huge difference, it eliminates damage to feathers, feet and beaks, increases visibility, and removes the illusion of the aviary being a “cage”.

The hunting season did end on a high. The last field meet of the season saw over a dozen hawks gathered each day over the weekend. Harris’ Hawks are the hawk of choice when hunting in a group with inexperienced guests.

They are sociable and tolerant, also very forgiving of the inexperienced.

And less likely to kill other hawks on the meet if socialised properly.

On the Saturday, our group with five hawks went on a hike up the hill. There were a few rabbits about, but not that many. The ferrets were working well, flushing what they could. Inca, my female Harris’ Hawk had the first stoop, coming down from height to the flushed rabbit, however, two of the more experienced hawks got to the rabbit a fraction before her and she bailed out. Thereafter, she had a few half-hearted chases. Having been worked all week on hawk walks, she wasn’t quite switched on, and slightly above hunting weight.

The Sunday was completely different. Jon and I, with Inca and Xena, went to a new piece of land.

A small woodland high on the hill.

It was obvious with the number of active burrows that it could be a

good day. With Tony working the ferrets, we set off. I was working Inca from the glove, while Jon let Xena hunt from the trees.

The first flushed rabbit bolted uphill, always the best strategy for the rabbit, both hawks set off in pursuit, Inca slightly in front.

The rabbit dodged around a few trees before heading for a burrow under a fallen tree. Inca raked off and landed in the tree. Xena carried on, crashing through a few branches under the fallen tree and was unlucky not to catch the rabbit before it disappeared down the burrow. After that, I let Inca use the trees to her advantage. Both hawks would stand together on the branch waiting for the flush. A few more chases of thirty to forty yards before the rabbits made it to safety.

Then, a rabbit was bolted. Xena took off. Inca stood in the tree and watched for a few seconds, then followed. Xena must have had a

twenty yard start. The rabbit was heading straight for the dyke at the bottom of the wood a hundred yards away. As the hawks closed, it started dodging around the trees, hawks braking, rising, and then stooping to follow. The rabbit got through a hole in the dyke and into the small field. By this time I was on my toes after them, passing Jon on the way. Believe it or not, I cleared the dyke in one and carried on running. The hawks were diving and spinning as the rabbit evaded them. The field is about a hundred yards wide with another dyke at the bottom. I saw the rabbit jump through a hole with Inca going over the wall and break hard right. When I got over the second dyke I could see the hawks on the ground about twenty yards away, right above a burrow. Missed.

As I looked back up the hill to where I had come from, that is when I realised I’m getting too old

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Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre Loch Lomond Shores, Ben Lomond Way, Balloch www.lochlomondbirdofpreycentre.com Tel: 01389 729239

for this, ha ha. It was a long climb back to the wood.

The next flush saw another long chase. Again, Xena set off first. This time, Inca overtook her.

As the rabbit dodged around trees, Inca was working her tail off to follow it. Then, rabbit and both hawks disappeared around the back of a large fir tree. When I got there, there was one hawk on the rabbit, talon through the eye, and the other hawk standing a yard away. First thought was that Xena had nailed it. Then, when I looked at the hawk standing off, I realised it wasn’t Inca. Inca had grabbed the rabbit and killed it with one strike.

She was traded and the rabbit put in the game bag.

Fifteen minutes later, almost an exact repeat of the previous flight. One game rabbit and two keen hawks. And, again, a kill behind a tree for Inca. She was given a feed on the liver as a reward before bagging the rabbit.

We had a good session. Most of the flights were long, and the hawks had to be on their game to be successful. I was delighted when Jon came up and said, “That hawk of yours is on fire today”. For only her second hunting season, she has improved immensely from the first few days out. That is down to her learning. Harris’ Hawks as classed as an “easy” hawk to hunt with. That may be the impression, but it depends where you set the bar. They improve with age and experience. Mugging rabbits from ten yards may suit some, but long hard chases against fit and agile quarry gives you that “rush” that rewards the hard work. Next season she will be even better, and we will find some more challenges for her.

29

WINNING WITH GUNDOGS GUNDOGS Winning with a gundog is one of the major aspirations for a large number of gundog owners.

Across the country gundog trainers will be assessing and implementing training regimes from an early age, whether it be play type training where the name of the game is to teach your young dog something new without the dog actually realising that the future building blocks for more serious training later are slowly being laid.

Training at all levels is an ongoing continual process, every day is different, either physically, or mentally, and training should be structured and introduced at a pace that suits the dog’s ability.

Competitions and gundogs usually starts with puppy tests organised by a local club or society. Dogs can generally be entered for these up to 18 months of age. After that dogs will then enter the novice group, and from there winners of a novice test then become open test dogs.

Field trials start with novice level first and winners progress to open level from there on.

A fully trained competition standard gundog will require hundreds of hours worth of dedicated, skilled training, a vast amount of travelling, a considerable amount of expense, and a large slice of luck will be required. It’s not for everyone, and it also requires a certain type of personality to cope with the opinions of others, whether it’s judges or fellow competitors, it can be hard to accept some decisions based partly on the opinions of others.

Success in gundogs can range from winning your 1st puppy test, to selection for a national team, 30

all the way through to winning a British breed championship.

Either way it will be challenging, possibly disappointing at times, accelerating to others, and even life changing for some, and make no mistake, years of effort will go into every dog, the

By Stuart Dunn Caledonian Retriever Club

elite dog is a huge challenge to produce, but will also leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

So why not give it a go, clubs like the Caledonian Retriever Club and others around Scotland can be a great starting place, with

like minded people, advice, and training classes at various levels.

So why not contact one soon and see where the journey takes you!! www.caledonianretreiverclub. org.uk.

Too many deer! ...really?

By Alex Stoddart Director SACS

As darkness merged with dawn, the three men climbed steadily up the long and steep ridge of hill. Leather boots brushed gently against rock and heather stems, commando soles finding grip amongst the sparse covering of ice and crusted snow.

Breath coming easy to hillfit lungs; olive green smocks, shouldered rifles, coiled drag ropes and the muted clink of loose cartridges and rifle magazines stood these men apart from the walkers who frequent these hills in the warmer months. Open-spaced, like soldiers on patrol, the three headed towards the shadow of a large boulder under the skyline.

Without a word spoken, the men loaded their rifles and moved off in different directions, each one towards their assigned firing point and each one knowing their role in the work ahead. Unseen on the far side of the hill, two other men walked up a new deer fence, purposefully talking openly and loudly as they plodded their way across the face.

My elevated firing point gave me a clear view of the hillside and my colleagues below. Although I should spot the red deer hinds earliest, the strategy was for the others to engage first, with me cutting off a retreat up the hill, 32

which would be the hinds’ natural direction of travel towards safety.

Stones slipping from a track three hundred yards away indicated deer were moving towards us across a burn in a deep gully. We knew they would have no option but to converge on that narrow track. Looking through my binocular at my colleagues, I raised a sideways thumb. Both nodded in turn.

The standard plan is to drop the lead hinds first, usually the more senior in the group, as removing the leaders can create enough confusion to let the deer cullers complete their work. This morning was no different.

Several shots in quick succession, the volley rolled across the hills. Hinds dropped to precisely placed bullets, where only a second before they had stood on ground they had walked their whole lives; ground trodden by deer for thousands of years.

One group of four bolted up the hill past me, near enough for me to hear their laboured breathing as they passed. All four fell, the last looking back just before the skyline.

A call from below, “they’ve broken through” and I realised that hinds were getting past my colleagues, one struggling with a

faulty cartridge extractor. Sprinting to a knoll, a long shot into a rock well ahead stopped them for long enough to drop another two hinds.

And then they were away over the ridge.

Thinking quickly, I knew that if I could run the 400 yards or so up to the summit, I should get a chance at an ambush on the hinds as they crossed below on the other side.

High tensile younger legs bolted up the sharp incline towards a narrow escarpment of rock between me and the summit. Taking care not to break the rifle or a leg, in that priority, I leapt over the rocks and made for a big lump of moss on the other side. But I had been too fast; the deer had just come into view when I summited and were hesitant to come forward, peering ahead at the hasty movement they had seen.

Sitting with elbows jammed into knees I sent a shot shattering into a stone behind them and on they came. Two deep breaths to settle the firing position again, the trigger squeezed as soon as the crosshair settled on a hind.

Bolt up and back, fresh round chambered, crosshair settled on a vital part – head, neck or withers and fire again and again. Six more in the bag. And then silence – that shocking, appalling silence that

breaks the profanity of sustained rifle fire in lonely wild places.

We made 18 hinds that day.

It wasn’t a record for us, but we could not have done any better; we had shot them all. Every single one. A job we did time and time again.

Now, over 20 years later, I find myself sitting on one of the firing points from that day and thinking back to rash youthful enthusiasm and feeling crushing guilt for the volume of killing. But May sunshine reflects warmly on the gurgling water of a nearby burn; it is a peaceful hill and the wild birds are busy with their urgent affairs. It is easy to forget, perhaps it wasn’t that bad, until I find a weathered .270 cartridge case.

The ancient deer track above the deer fence where the hinds had congregated to their demise all those years ago is now overgrown.

I remember a few years after that cull, a report from an ‘expert’ asserting habitat impact damage on the hill from deer overgrazing.

I was tasked to head out to the hill and shoot any deer seen in the large regeneration block, but the only herbivore evidence was some damage from rabbits and squareshaped slots, which could only be sheep. Whilst heading further into the hill I wondered how many deer

Too many deer! ...really? had been unnecessarily culled via incorrect supposition. As expected, there were ‘long-tail’ feral sheep, but no deer. I shot the three sheep.

People do talk a lot of tosh about deer numbers and not just ‘tree extremists’. A colleague forwarded a screengrab of a social media post from one selfpromoted ‘fieldsports personality’, asserting there were too many deer in Scotland. Really? Evidence?

Please don’t cite The Guardian or The Herald. Wild deer may be locally abundant in one area with both negative and positive impacts, but many other areas, where they have wandered for thousands of years, are now bereft of native wild deer. The social media post had lots of likes, some from those who should know better.

Whilst wild deer can have a negative impact on woodland, commercial forestry, agriculture, road safety and their own welfare, red and roe deer are native to Scotland, going back at least to the last ice age.

As an established indigenous community, wild deer also have rights, but to exert your rights you need to have a voice.

I have the privilege of leading SACS, a bloody-minded and hardworking shooting and fieldsports advocacy body. SACS membership is populated with a large number of experienced stalkers, many of them vocal advocates for deer welfare. On behalf of its members, SACS has clear objectives for wild deer in Scotland; supporting deer

welfare, the value of deer to local communities, greater and cheaper access to public land for local and visiting stalkers and greater understanding of the positive cultural and socio-economic impacts of wild deer. And that’s just a start.

Leaving my regrets behind, I replaced the old cartridge case,

which appeared to be a home for a beetle, and headed back down the deerless hill. Taking a short cut by jumping the deer fence my boots landed on a peaty black path – red deer tracks and what looked like a hill roe, and inside the regen block. Buggers!

Admiring wild deer is the first stage in valuing them.

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habitat and species protection

The future fortunes of Grey Partridge in Scotland

By Dr Dave Parish, Head of Lowland Research Scotland, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust which Grey Partridge chicks are so dependent, as reliance on herbicide and insecticide use has increased. Add to that the pressure from increasing generalist predators and losses of nesting habitat and the result is that today we have just a few percent of the population of the 1960s, and many times less again than that at the turn of the 20th Century when around two million birds were sustainably

shot annually in the UK. But what of the future? Surely if this continues we will soon see the last of the Grey Partridge?

The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust has been researching the needs of the Grey Partridge for many decades, so fortunately much is already known of their ecology and importantly of practical ways in which land managers can already help them. For

example, back in the 1980s, GWCT under the auspices of the late Dick Potts, developed the ‘beetle bank’ and ‘conservation headland’ concepts. Both are relatively simple measures to increase invertebrate supplies in the landscape. Beetle banks specifically support beasties over the winter months by providing cover for them, whilst conservation headlands were a novel way of managing the edges

Courtesy GWCT

We are all familiar with the plight of the Grey Partridge.

This iconic farmland bird has declined spectacularly across Europe, most recently due to the pressures created by changing agricultural policy which have pushed farmers towards ever increasing productivity, all too often at the expense of biodiversity. In this case the prime mover has been the loss of invertebrate food supplies upon

Mr Alastair Salvesen, owner of Whitburgh Farms, discussing habitat management in one of the blocks of Partridge cover crop, alongside a Beetle Bank

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Courtesy of Peter Thompson

habitat and species protection

The graft continues

By Alex Stiddart, Director, SACS

Grey Partridge

of cereal fields, spraying them selectively to encourage a few weeds and the insects that rely on them. The implementation of the latter measure alone has been shown to increase chick survival rates to pre-pesticide levels and both of these tools are now available in Scottish (and UK) agri-environment schemes.

Of course, very often alongside such habitat measures, the work of gamekeepers in reducing predation rates that the birds face is also vital. This is always controversial but there is no question that it works. In some rare situations it is possible that it may not be necessary, but where generalist predators like foxes, crows, stoats and rats are abundant, it may be the single most important action that can be taken.

But if these practices have been around for so long, why are we not witnessing resurgent Grey Partridge populations?

We haven’t quite cracked this problem yet. We know from the results submitted by participants in the GWCT’s Partridge Count Scheme that numbers can increase locally when management effort targets Grey Partridge. There are even a handful of sites where Grey Partridge are sufficiently well managed that they can be sustainably shot, like Arundel in Sussex and, as of last year, Whitburgh Farms in Midlothian.

But all the people involved are Grey Partridge enthusiasts who go above and beyond to support this species. Elsewhere

the various agri-environment schemes don’t seem to be having a positive effect on the wider population.

There are a number of likely explanations for this: the options available within schemes are often not easy to implement (providing a vibrant cover crop, for example, of several plant species in the same plot at the same time, is not easy!) and the choice of options available might not ‘join up’ and complement each other. Also, there is the issue of scale, so one farmer who has created a haven for Grey Partridge will have little wider impact if all his neighbours are doing nothing.

A new project being led

by GWCT aims to improve agri-environment schemes across much of Europe by demonstrating what can be done.

The PARTRIDGE project, partfunded by the EU North Sea Region programme, is working on ten demonstration sites with two each in Scotland, England, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. Each is striving to convert 7% of the arable area into quality habitat: the level thought necessary to support stable or increasing populations into the future, along with the provision of feeders in winter and reducing predation pressure on nesting birds wherever possible. One of the sites in Scotland is Whitburgh and representatives of the project partners and steering group visited in early May. One of the major innovations being tried across

For SACS, 2016 and 2017 were demanding, particularly in UK-wide firearms licensing support. But 2018’s workload is much broader, with SACS contributing to even more important initiatives. SACS is a truly effective UK-wide shooting and fieldsports advocacy body, punching well above our staff size.

With growing antishooting and anti-fieldsports sentiment, firearms and wildlife law proposals, licensing difficulties, GP issues, spurious wildlife allegations and European and UK parliaments attempting to create further restrictions, SACS takes a robust stand. Our remit on behalf of members is extensive, but always highly professional and positive in attitude. We proactively build on positives, rather than ineffectually waving around half empty glasses. The SACS approach to shooting and fieldsports advocacy is different.

Our current workload includes: support for our angling clubs; Wild Fisheries advocacy and partnership work with other bodies; ensuring SNH General Licences for bird control are effective and easy to follow (the new format is based on a SACS proposal); proposed licensing of grouse shoots; support and membership of British Game Alliance, a new UK game meat marketing board; Scotland Good Food legislative bill; the ongoing challenge against Lynx reintroduction.

Plus: Moorland Forum partnership work on moorland management and best practice; active membership of the Working for Waders project to reverse the decline of breeding

wader populations; party political lobbying including hunting with dogs, firearms legislation, afforestation and wildfowling; Natural Resource Wales shooting on public land consultation – relevant and positive in regard to Scotland as well; feral pig management; beavers; Scottish Rural Parliament engagement.

And: Shooting Rates guidance and support for members (no other shooting organisation has worked as hard on this issue for its members); working with partners on a Mounted Hunt Code of Practice for Scotland and continuing the fight against further restrictions on the use of dogs for mammal control; corvid and mammal trapping matters; wild deer matters, incl. membership of deer panels/groups and positive meetings with Forestry Commission on greater local and visitor access to affordable stalking; land reform, incl. engagement with Scottish Land Commission.

Not forgetting the huge range of firearms matters we cover from licensing, GP issues incl. non-compliance and fees, proposed changes to laws, improving police service and opposing airgun licensing in E&W. As well as working with our partners on the British Shooting Sports Council, SACS also effectively represents its members on national and regional firearms licensing working groups.

Proactive, positiveminded and competent, our member representation is truly UK-wide. A big thank you to members for their fantastic support. Without you, none of this important work happens.

Best wishes from Alex, Jules, Pip, Fraser, Karen, Neil, Clive and Tex the Terrier.

habitat and species protection all PARTRIDGE demonstration sites is a new cover crop consisting of many different plant species, designed to provide year-round resources – insects for young birds, cover from predators and winter food.

Importantly, it is also relatively simple to grow and manage as it forms a long-term cover which only requires partial cutting each year, with resowing of patches if needed to replace some components. This mix varies slightly from country-to-country to suit local conditions, and each country faces its own challenges in producing successful plots. As mentioned previously, producing some of these conservation habitats is not always easy.

For example, in Scotland there seems to be a much heavier weed burden that needs to be dealt with so the crop is not choked out.

Many of the continental visitors to Whitburgh – who do not seem to have the same problems – were surprised that the farm

Grey Partridge in their natural background

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habitat and species protection manager relies on glyphosate (a general-purpose herbicide, unpopular on the continent) to help prepare the ground and control weeds, notably docks and thistles, without which the crop would not thrive.

Mr Alastair Salvesen, the owner at Whitburgh, commented: “It seems surprising to us that several of our visitors were so against glyphosate, a product that we find so important when farming in this northern clime, whether it is to kill the crop and make it ripen just before harvest, or just to control significant and persistent weeds of many types.�

Early results from the demo sites are promising and hopefully upcoming agri-environment schemes will be more effective.

Perhaps this will help more sites across Scotland to reach the point where Grey Partridge can be shot sustainably into the future, with the multiple associated knockon benefits for other farmland wildlife.

Strolling for food!

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cooking with game

Glazed Partridge on Barley Risotto

By Wendy Barrie 3 partridge 100g pearl barley Summer Harvest Rapeseed Oil Isle of Skye Sea Salt & freshly milled pepper 150g mushrooms, cleaned & quartered 75g butter 1 leek, washed & sliced 2tbsps redcurrant jelly For glaze: 1tbsp Galloway Chilli original 1 tbsp Orkney Craft Vinegar 1 dessertspoon brown sugar 1 ladle game stock

Photos Š Wendy Barrie

Generous pinch of oregano & rosemary for stock

Method: s 0ORTION GAME BIRDS IN READINESS FOR SERVING BREASTS AND WING LEG SO PIECES FROM EACH BIRD AND PLACE OTHER PARTS IN A PAN for stock. Cover bones with boiling water, season with salt, pepper and herbs. Simmer for at least half an hour before ladling out any liquid. s 3AUTĂ? PARTRIDGE PORTIONS IN BUTTER WITH A DRIZZLE OF RAPESEED OIL UNTIL GOLDEN ADDING MUSHROOMS AND SEASON 2EMOVE FROM pan. Set aside mushrooms and place partridge in an ovenware dish with glaze ingredients. Place in pre heated oven at 190 C, covered with foil, and braise whilst barley cooking on hob. Remove foil towards end of cooking time to reduce sauce. s -EANWHILE ADD BARLEY TO THE FRYING PAN WITH ALL THE LOVELY mAVOURS AND SAUTĂ? WITH SLICED LEEKS 'RADUALLY ADD LADLES OF STOCK

deglazing the pan and simmering the barley. It will take approx. 45mins to soften. s 4OWARDS END OF COOKING ADD MUSHROOMS TO BARLEY ADJUST SEASONING TO TASTE AND BLEND IN REDCURRANT JELLY s 3ERVE IN BOWLS WITH PARTRIDGE SET ON TOP OF BARLEY Serves 2 generous portions

Partridges kindly supplied by Craigadam. Craigadam Country House Hotel & Country Larder is on the outskirts of Castle Douglas where Richard and Celia Pickup have been entertaining guests for over 40 years. Their accommodation is beautiful and it is a very popular venue for weddings. Their country house style dining is rightly famed across Scotland as I can testify having just dined with a group of Les Dames d’Escoffier International who adored both their hosts and their dinner. Richard is a highly entertaining raconteur, sharing tales from the estate with the gathered guests. www.craigadam.com

Scotland’s foodie, Wendy Barrie www.wendybarrie.co.uk is a highly respected campaigner for local sustainable food, popular cookery show presenter and food writer. Founder & Director of award-winning www.scottishfoodguide.scot & www. scottishcheesetrail.com . Wendy is Leader in Scotland for Slow Food Ark of Taste & Slow Food Chef Alliance Member.

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“Taste Gone Wind” Fantastic new seasonings and rubs for venison, game, meats and fish

We are here to help and support each other Venator’s Scandinavian Scottish heritage influenced the creation of ‘Taste Gone Wild’, a delicious new range of seasoning mixes for homemade burgers and sausages, and rubs to use with venison, game, meat, and fish.

‘I wanted to inspire more people to make food at home,’ said Venator’s Norwegian MD Kenneth Larsen. ‘Our ‘Taste Gone Wild’ range is easy to use and great value for money, and the end result is very tasty!’

Kenneth’s passion for food stems from an early career as a chef, combined with more than 20 years in the spice trade and his passion for deer stalking. ‘The Taste Gone Wild range started as an idea about two years ago when I was out deer stalking. Creating a range of seasoning mixes and rubs means people can try out Scandinavian taste combinations in their own kitchen. The range is flavoursome and very versatile and can be used with game, a wide range of meat, fish, and vegetables. There’s no limit, only your imagination.’

The ‘Taste Gone Wild’ range is available from Perth based Venator Pro www.venatorpro. com Phone: 01738 479714 Email: info@venatorpro.com Venator also sell deer stalking, Hillman outdoor clothing and footwear, and larder accessories via their web shop.

For all of us looking after our mental health is vital.

We will all know someone in our families or friends who suffer from mental ill health, and they can usually be managed through support from professionals along with self coping strategies and/ or medication with support from family and friends.

If you have a broken leg you seek medical help and then you will know to rest or wear a support bandage when you are undertaking prolonged physical activity or the weather will affect you. Why should this be any different? It isn’t. What about situations which can make you feel like a steam roller is coming your way and you are totally overwhelmed?

First of all talk to someone.

We all have these times, whether it is a broken down relationship, financial issues, job related difficulties or a health related problem. We all react differently but the important thing to remember is that there is support available and it takes strength and courage to ask for help it is not a weakness.

What is the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust doing ?

We produced a card last year which outlines a few self help tips and telephone numbers to call when you

need to, but most importantly talk to someone.

We re-launched the helpline last year as a result of support from a family who had lost their Gamekeeper nephew. He tragically took his own life when there seemed to be no future. There is always a future; with help and

support and we hope that this message can be reinforced throughout the Gamekeeping community. With a generous donation this helpline is open 24/7 and is confidential and none judgmental.

We are all part of a wonderful community in Gamekeeping

39

Setting the standard The world of shooting, to new entrants and experienced guns alike, can be a minefield. Although a recreational pursuit for many and a career for some there are strict rules and regulations that govern each and every part. From the certificates that allow you to hold firearms to the wildlife legislation that governs what and when you can and cannot shoot. In this environment you need someone who has got your back. For over 150,000 people in the UK and 11,000 in Scotland that someone is BASC. The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (formerly WAGBI) was founded in 1908 as an association for wildfowlers. Since then the organisation has grown exponentially and encompasses all forms of shooting.

Predominantly renowned for the quality of shooting insurance, BASC is a national body that sets

40

the standards for shooting while providing advice, guidance and support for its membership.

Best practice is an important part of the work of the association. Want to know the law for young people and airguns? Or the close seasons for hares?

Or carriage of firearms on a ferry? All of this information and more

is available publicly on our website. Referred to regularly

by Police, the gun trade, civil servants and the general public, BASC’s expertise in all specialist areas relating to shooting is simply unmatched.

BASC runs a large number of training courses ensuring people have the skills and knowledge needed to operate

safely. From Safe Shot through to DMQ Levels one and two.

Ensuring the future of the sport is imperative and a large part of our work concerns providing opportunities for new entrants, particularly through our ladies days and our Young Shots programme. We actively encourage and support these areas and provide affordable

The Deerstalker

BASC Scotland

By Kenneth Larsen, Venator Pro deerstalker and MD

beginners days through to a mentored driven days with pheasant or partridge.

Once someone has decided to take up shooting BASC is there to guide members through the complex certificate application process, provide support if there are issues with the police and assist with finding opportunities for shooting. BASC maintains close relationships with Police Scotland and chair the Firearms Licensing Practitioners’ Group.

This ensures that there is good liaison between the police, Scottish government and all shooting interests.

We are always available to support members in any ongoing discussions with Police Scotland and membership also includes Legal Expenses Cover.

If the worst comes to the worst and a certificate is revoked or refused BASC members may be covered for the cost of an appeal. Scotland is often referred to as a testing ground for legislation for the rest of the UK. Over the past few years shooting and shoot management has been subject to a raft of legislative change. Vicarious liability, sporting rates, snaring accreditation etc. have all been introduced in recent years.

There have been successes to with the amendment of the law relating to working gun dogs prophylactic tail docking which has been welcomed by many.

Engaging with politicians from all parties to ensure that there is understanding of the unique issues that affect the countryside

and preventing any damaging regulation is an important part of the wide ranging work that we do.

BASC attends meetings with civil servants and politicians ensuring that shooters’ voices are being represented Scotland’s Moorland Forum, the National Access Forum, the National Goose Management Review Group, the Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime and many more.

Staying true to its wildfowling roots BASC sits on the management committees of all of the coastal National Nature Reserves and Local Nature Reserves with byelawmanaged ‘fowling. We work closely with other organisations and and our local clubs ensuring that sustainable wildfowling is properly represented.

Scotland has a number of bodies representing those with interests in country sports and land management. Rather than working at cross purposes or even in competition, BASC actively engages with and works alongside “sister organisations” to cultivate more proactive and collective strategy decisions.

Cooperation between all the organisations with an interest in gundogs was the only way that we got tail-docking reinstated.

If the above has not convinced you of the benefits of being part of the BASC family there are other significant opportunities available to those who sign up. Last year alone BASC members saved over

It’s been a long hard winter, and spring was not much of an event. The temperatures were close to average, but the weather was rather unsettled with very few consecutive dry days which made for difficult stalking conditions. The bitter east winds and snowfall certainly challenged the wildlife. We found a couple of dead roe on our ground and noticed some of the youngsters were looking in poor condition.

In March, we headed to Kelso in the borders for a weekend at the Deer Stalking Fair. The deer focussed event was Venator’s first, we had a good position in the main hall and welcomed a steady flow of new and existing customers to the stand. I was invited to take part in a mock stalk set up by UK Deer Track and Recovery.

The exercise was designed to illustrate the importance of observations and using a dog to track injured deer.

There were a number of talks

and indoor demonstrations running throughout the weekend, the cookery demo hosted by the chefs from the Buccleuch Arms started with a roe deer being skinned and butchered. It was prepared and cooked and the dishes were passed around the hungry audience. Cooking with game is important to Venator, we are about to launch a tasty new range of seasoning mixes and rubs, called ‘Taste Gone Wild’.

They were created to work with all game, meat, and fish, use as a marinade, dry rub or flavour stews and casseroles.

We are well into the roe buck season and have been very busy with dawn and dusk stalks. Enquiries are up, and our client base has expanded with more European, American, and Australian customers looking for stalking in Perthshire. Our delighted clients have taken a number of medal bucks on the Abercairny estate.

41 23

BASC Scotland one million pounds through a motor vehicle scheme where significant discounts are available at dealerships on the production of a BASC membership card.

This is only a brief insight into the work of the UKs largest shooting organisation and we look forward to working with Shooting Scotland magazine in the future. There will be regular updates on our work in our feature column. In the meantime if you have any queries please contact us at the office.

BASC will be attending events all over Scotland throughout the summer including the Royal Highland Show, the GWCT Scottish Game Fair, the Highland Field Sports Fair and teh Galloway Country Fair. We would be delighted to welcome you on to our stand and provide any advice, support or information you require.

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mind our business

Simba Rods

Custom built Scottish fly rods

By Simon Barnes Hello - my name is Simon Barnes - owner of the custom fly rod business Simba Rods. I didn’t start out making fly rods so here is my story on how that came to be: As a boy, my Grandmother lived in a cottage in Northumberland in a village with a burn at the bottom of the hill. It was full of eager little brown trout. I used to see a man go fishing there and come back with a basket of lovely trout to eat. I so wanted to have a go at that. My father bought me a fishing rod, complete with reel, from Woolworths. All I had to do was help him dig in the garden and collect some worms. Granny said she would take me fishing but imagine my disappointment when she told me my rod and worms were not needed. We went guddling. We caught some trout and native crayfish - delicious. I wasn’t so keen when I picked up a water vole!

By the time I was twelve I was shown how to cast a fly by the most fantastically named Commander Charles Winton Kitkat RN. Along with retired geography teacher John Miller (who showed me how to tie flies) I was well on my way to a lifelong passion for fly fishing for wild trout.

I was given an old fibre glass rod that needed new rings - I couldn’t afford one of those lovely rods advertised in Sportsmail in the old copies of Tout and Salmon I was given, I had to replace the worn out rings and so that was my first taste of rod building. I made my first fly rod with the help of Malcolm Grey of Alnwick. I didn’t follow up on Malcolms offer of a job but studied Agriculture then Aquaculture and started my career in trout 44

farming. I travelled around the world with this and finally landed in Comrie, Perthshire in 1981. It was immense fun but hard work farming fish. I slowly developed the trout farm into a tourist destination and a trout fishery. I particularly wanted to get novices (of all ages) into fishing and eventually built two beginners ponds, three intermediates and a two acre fly only lochan. We offered rod hire, free tuition, a gutting service and arranged with local hotels and restaurants for you to have

your catch cooked. You received a certificate and a badge if you caught your first ever trout.

It was a delight to me when we were awarded four stars as a visitor attraction and won “Perthshire’s most enjoyable visitor attraction” in 1999.

At its peak the fishery attracted over 40,000 visitors some of whom caught over 25 tonnes of trout each year. After I retired from the trout farm it very quickly ran into trouble and is now closed. A real pity as people still ask me where they can go as

there seems to be nowhere for youngsters to go where they can learn to fish - and catch a fish - so readily.

After leaving the fishery business I was soon running another business looking after properties locally and building kitchens etc. I took off three years to build my own house.

Great fun. I first built a shed with an inner workshop - the most important thing....

On a trip down south I had a very poor customer experience at the factory/shop of a well known

mind our business tackle maker and stated when chatting to friends that should I ever make rods I would hope to offer great customer service. One of the group said if I decided to make rods commercially, could he be my first customer? So - a business plan and a customer in one sentence so off I started!

I was disillusioned with the commercial rod makers (and their customer service) and decided I wanted to make rods for people directly with their full input as to what they wanted. How satisfying I found this to be. Chatting to someone about their rod - length, line weight, rings and thread colours with a personal inscription is all part of the service. Rods are often bought as a gift for someone and I absolutely love being part of that. The surprise and joy people get is infectious and I personally get enormous pleasure making a rod knowing that someone will also get

enormous pleasure using their Simba rod for years to come.

Why Simba Rods? Well I started with “The Strathearn Rod Company” but a friend of mine came to see me and complained it was too long and not personal enough - he was 100 at the time and still driving! He came up with the name “Simba Rods” Not bad to be alive at 100, still driving and have the mental capacity to think of that. Len lived until he was 102...

I now have a wide range of trout and salmon rod blanks with which to make rods. My most popular rod is “The Wee Loch Rod”. This is a nine foot trout rod but in seven sections. The idea for this rod was born in the highlands of Sutherland (at the Scourie Hotel to be precise) to allow the travelling angler to easily carry a rod in the rucksack or even hand luggage on a plane.

The Wee Loch Rod can now be found all over the world, even as far as Tasmania!

Angus Country Sports 256 High Street, Arbroath, Angus, DD11 1JE Tel: 01241 439988 Mob: 07958000669 Email: anguscountrysports@yahoo.co.uk

We stock Gamebore, Hull & Proper Cartridges, Hornady rifle ammunition with alternative brands available.

We supply most popular brands of fishing tackle & accessories, frozen bait, clothing, footwear, rods, shotguns, rifles, air weapons, ammunition, clays, home loading components, darts, gift vouchers & much more. We carry an extensive stock of pre-owned shotguns and rifles; new shotguns and rifles can be ordered, weapon storage and gun hire is also available.

We are Scottish agents for Patternmaster Chokes. We carry a varied stock of outdoor clothing, Daiwa, Hoggs, Deerstalker, Pinewood, Harkila, Grubbs, Jack Pyke, Meindl with others available.

Contact us for a price; if you have a quote we’ll do our best to match it, if we don’t carry it in stock we’ll try our best to source it for you.

Estate accounts catered for.

www.anguscountrysports.com anguscountrysports

Vacuum gutting machine £1,485+VAT

SERVICE WORK NOW BEING UNDERTAKEN Poultry/game crates, drinkers & incubators available.

Storey Poultry Supplies tel: 01473 823598 day, evenings and weekends mob: 07879 496970 email: storeypoultrysupplies@btopenworld.com www.storeypoultrysupplies.co.uk 45

mind our business My rods are absolutely Scottish in their concept - with a Harris Tweed covered protective rod tuba and thistle shaped ferrule stoppers. Most of the components are made locally and help in a small way to support other local businesses. I now have a range of reels and Harris Tweed bags and accessories to compliment my rods.

My working day consists of first lighting the stove in the workshop, walking the dogs and returning to a cosy workshop.

With a cup of coffee and the radio on, the weather can do what it likes outside as I am happy as can be inside making a rod. Maybe I could make one for you or friend? I welcome visitors by appointment to my workshop or you can come and see me at various game fairs and fly fishing shows around the country. I will help you choose your own custom fly rod and then make it for you - this is not work - it’s a pleasure. You can find out much more on my website or follow me on Facebook and Instagram. simbarods.com

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In March, I drove down to Kelso in the springtime sunshine (yes, really!) for the 5th annual Deer Stalking Fair (DSF). Longish drives across the country when the roads are not busy are interesting because you get to appreciate the countryside and the different characteristics of each county. Turn left at the Carfraemill and drive the beech-lined country roads of the Borders as they curve around the land and enjoy the big skies proffering vast views over many miles with fields dotted with sheep and new lambs. From the car I saw more than ten roe deer, greylag geese, pheasants, buzzards (but not as many as I see in Fife) and hares.

The DSF is a friendly, deerdedicated event with exhibitors in one hall and speakers and demonstrations in the other. I spoke to Richard Evans of UK Deer Track & Recovery. They are a non-profit organisation offering a UK-wide, free service, tracking injured but mobile deer with a dog and handler. I accompanied two stalkers and watched a simulated stalk; seeing the deer (fake) and taking an imaginary shot and searching for the shot site. DSF exhibitor, deer stalker and Venator Pro MD Kenneth Larson said, “as deer stalkers, we sometimes forget the importance of examining the shot site and find the spot where a deer stood when we took the shot.

I had the pleasure of being part of simulated deer stalk and follow up with UKDTR. Even after many years deer stalking you need to be reminded how important the follow-up procedures are to find and despatch of a wounded animal.

The practical simulation and tuition was great, and it was very interesting to listen to the UKDTR sharing their vast experience in tracking wounded animals.”

Richard explained how to investigate the shot site and the importance of marking where you took the shot and the strike site when out stalking deer. it was surprising how different the site looked

by Linda Mellor

SCOTTISH COUNTRY LIFE compared to looking through a rifle scope. Visit their website for more information: http:// ukdeertrackandrecovery.co.uk/ The legendary Rudi Van Kets from the Vlaamse Zweethonden Groep, talked to audiences about breeding, training, and working deer dogs and explored the differences between the UK and the Continent.

Roxburghe Shooting School’s Tracy Meston was a busy lady, “there was a great cross section of visitors ranging from those that ‘do’ who are in the business to those that don’t but want to! It is also a great meeting place for friends to catch up and have a blather!

I had a successful couple of days making custom ear

plugs and taking bookings for the shooting School.” Tracy also runs Scottish Borders Sporting offering roe deer stalking in the Borders’www. roxburgheshootingschool. co.uk Drewslab also had an eventful weekend, the Pulsar Digisight Ultra N355 and the Pulsar F155 Forward Night Vision attachment were popular. “This was our 3rd year exhibiting at the Deerstalking Fair. We enjoy the event hugely and always look forward to coming back – it brings us face to face with exactly the right type of customer for us. We think the visitors like coming to our stand as we have the very latest in thermal and night

vision technology for them to play with. They certainly love picking Drew’s brain with technical questions about the products!” www.drewslab. co.uk The DSF offers variety and education, I enjoyed the talks and the UKDTR demonstration in the nearby woodland. The skinning, butchery and cooking demo was amazing to watch, nothing like seeing the experts work with sharp knives.

I am working with Stephen O’Rourke QC, to assist with a new undertaking by the Scottish Sentencing Council to produce sentencing guidelines for the full range of environmental and wildlife offences in Scotland. Stephen is a keen angler, has been appointed to the sub-committee and tasked with working on and preparing for guidelines. I will be accompanying him on a number of trips to engage with ghillies, deerstalkers and gamekeepers. www. scottishsentencingcouncil. co.uk 2018 continues to be busy but I like to set aside time to read as many books as I can.

Recently I re-read Memoirs of a Fox-Hunting Man by Siegfried Sassoon. It was a best-seller when it was published in 1928, it’s an elegantly written nostalgic story about a young man growing up in the idyllic English countryside with a life of horses and village cricket then goes off to fight in WW1.

You can pick up a copy for a few pounds via Google.

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The rise and rise of celebrity endorsed hate campaigns

By Jamie Stewart Director, Scottish Countryside Alliance

Like so many of my contemporaries I supported the decision of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) in the granting of a five year research licence for the control of ravens. While I did expect a backlash from bird charities and those opposed to any form of wildlife control, I never expect to hear the issue of deaths threats.

The Times newspaper broke the news that Police Scotland were investigating such a threat against SNH chair Mike Cantlay, received shortly after TV presenter and naturalist Chris Packham openly criticised him over plans for the raven control.

The death threat and the “barrage of abuse” Mr Cantlay has received is symptomatic of something very dark that has happened at the heart of online animal rights campaigning. As campaigners have sought to energise the masses via social media against policies they don’t like their language has become increasingly vitriolic; as they seek to paint their opponents not as people who disagree over issues of wildlife management, but as people who are fundamentally evil.

The threats echo that made against American hunter Rebecca Francis who was the target for comedian and animal rights campaigner Ricky Gervais.

Mrs Francis reported that Ricky Gervais had used his power and influence to specifically target women in the hunting industry and sparked thousands of people 48

to call for her death, the death of her family and many other women who hunt.

With fame comes power and influence… What about responsibility?

More than once, the Countryside Alliance has filed a formal complaint with the British Broadcasting Corporation for tolerating the Autumnwatch presenter’s activity, which we believe brings the public perception of BBC impartiality into disrepute. Every time the BBC has refused to rein in Mr Packham, his rhetoric has become more intemperate.

When he called people involved in shooting and hunting “the nasty brigade”, the BBC Trust took no action. The BBC Trust was found to be an ineffective enforcer of the BBC Editorial Guidelines, so it was replaced by Ofcom. Mr Packham escalated his language, calling game shooters “psycopaths”, and the BBC did nothing and Ofcom said they had no authority to consider presenters’ behaviour off-screen.

Mr Packham was essentially told that despite his position with our public broadcaster, that he is accountable to no one.

It could be said that Packham and Gervais are well intended. But let’s face it: If good intentions were all it took to accomplish anything, we’d have fixed the world centuries ago. A poorly thought out good idea, however well intended, can do just as much harm as a well-executed terrible one, and if

you don’t know what we mean, just look at the animal rights movement.

Sometimes, in their singleminded efforts to make the world a better place for animals, self-proclaimed animal-rights activists actually make things a whole lot worse. For example, the release of non-native mink from farms into our wider countryside, to wreak havoc on many of our native species. They feed on water voles, ground

nesting birds – adult birds, chicks and eggs – rabbits, fish and water fowl, placing many on the endangered list. Yet the League Against Cruel Sports campaigns to protect them!

Celebrities who abuse their fame to alter public opinion are damaging the integrity of science based research and potentially damaging our countryside. Like the enormous quantity of roadkill Chris Packham keeps in his freezer, his thoughts should be kept on ice.

news

A four figure prize pot is up for grabs for young shots and proficient clay shooters at Galloway Country Fair this year.

An array of prizes totalling £1,000 and a shotgun* are included in the winners’ pot for this year’s popular clay shooting competition when it comes to Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate on 18 and 19 August.

Sponsored by Roxtons field sports, the clay shooting area will have opportunities for visitors of all abilities to try their hand at clay shooting or perfect their skills. Qualified instructors will be able to answer any questions on the sport or offer advanced tips to avid shooters.

The 40-bird competition will be split into five categories – AA and A shots, B and C shots, unclassified, ladies and junior – with the competitor from each

class who successfully shoots the highest number of clays entered into a draw to win the prize.

Along with the action packed programme of activities, Galloway Country Fair boasts hundreds of stalls from specialist exhibitors. This includes a wide range of outdoor clothing and field sport accessories on offer to ensure everyone is kitted out for the season.

Tickets are available now, please contact info@ drumlanrigcastle.co.uk.

Visit www.gallowaycountryfair. co.uk for further information and keep up to date with the latest news @GallowayCountryFair on Facebook and @GCF_ Drumlanrig on Twitter. *Winner must comply with current UK gun ownership legislation. All necessary checks will be undertaken prior to prize being supplied.

By Ian Clark WPA Member & Trustee For over 100 years we have released pheasants into the countryside to improve our sport. These birds are by now semi-domesticated strains of Phaesanus Colchicus.

There are a number of subspecies, and those we release are a complicated mix of the subspecies. That’s why, in the bag at the end of a shooting day, so many different types of plumage can be seen.

We can select breeding stock to produce small, light birds which fly better (but further!) or larger, heavier birds which may fly less well but are bigger and better on the table. The choice of birds to be released might depend on the topography of the land where they are to be released – if there are steep banks or deep valleys, heavier birds can still be presented well.

Our breeding stock of pheasants has become largely mixed over the years, and the best we could now say is ‘mainly Ringneck’ or ‘mainly Blackneck’, because DNA analysis would show that even those we selectively breed for type have a complex mixture of all of the sub-species.

However, in the wild, pure populations of the various sub-species still exist, hanging on despite human expansion and habitat loss, and the World Pheasant Association (WPA) works to preserve both these birds and the habitat on which they depend.

The most westerly natural occurrence of a pure subspecies in the Nestos

Male black-necked pheasant

Delta, in Greece, where there is still a small population of pure wild Blacknecks, and WPA is currently working on a conservation and regeneration project there for these birds.

WPA members across the world have small collections of the pure sub-species in captivity, and a notable example of this is the Japanese Green pheasant, which is possibly the most distinct remaining sub-species. Pure examples can be recognised, not only by their colouration, but by their smaller size and different behaviour.

These pure birds can be used to introduce desired characteristics into captive breeding stocks, but they are only available as pure specimens thanks to this network of private WPA breeders around the world.

Help to support the ongoing research and conservation of these genetic pools of pure subspecies by becoming a member of WPA – the website can be found at www.pheasant.org, or you can contact the office at WPA, Middle, Ninebanks, Hexham, Northumberland NE47 8DL, Tel. 01434 345526.

Middle, Ninebanks, Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 8DL 49 www.pheasant.org.uk

Photo: KOMATHasant

Top cash prizes for field sport enthusiasts

ARTWORKS With Aberdeenshire based artist

collection of limited edition prints from melshand.com

Mel Shand

Mel Shand has practised as an artist for the past 25 years, and lives and works on the Finzean Estate, Aberdeenshire where she lives with her husband, gamekeeper Hedge Shand.

Painting subject matter that sometimes quite literally lands on her doorstep, Mel favours native

bird and mammals capturing them in large and small colourful oils and “dirty big drawings�.

Favourites include the brown hare and black grouse. Their bucolic Life revolves around the demands of the changing seasons.

Commissions for portraits and illustrations are available and a

Black on yellow

Hare

Blackface ram

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Milly’s Highland Bull

Email melshand.artist@gmail. com for further information.

country woman

Julie Rutherford

By Linda Mellor

Julie Rutherford, 19, was brought up on Proncy farm near Dornoch and has never stopped exploring the outdoors. Now Julie is a trainee gamekeeper on the Reay Forest Estate, Sutherland in the far north west of Scotland, and splits her time between gaining work experience on the estate and attending The North Highland College, University of the Highlands and Islands, Thurso.

Julie said, “As far back as I can remember I was always outside helping my father and showing a keen interest in getting involved with all aspects of running the farm. Growing up, I loved being outdoors, and shooting with my father and grandfather. I always knew I wanted to be working in an outdoor environment.”

Living on a farm and growing up in a shooting family gave Julie a broad insight into country sports. Her grandfather was a 52

well-known clay shooter and used to share stories with Julie about travelling all over the country to different shoots, and when her father was old enough he went with him, and also became a keen shot. On the farm, they had regular guests who came to shoot geese, rabbits, duck, and roe deer.

Julie was hands on and helped out by loading for guests, cleaning guns, looking after dogs on shoot days, feeding the ponds, keeping butts in good order by ensuring they were safe and tidy, building hides and feeding the ponds. “My grandfather and father made sure I knew about gun safety; where to stand whilst people were shooting, how to look after a gun and maintain it. I was keen to develop my interest in shooting, and my grandfather was delighted I wanted to shoot, and gave me a side by side 20-gauge Belgium Browning which had been in

our family for generations. I remember feeling really proud when he gave me the gun. It was a great feeling when the three of us went out shooting together.”

Julie was keen to work outdoors and gained a week’s work experience on the Alladale Wilderness Reserve. “I jumped at the chance, thinking this would be a great opportunity. It was an intensive week, and during that time I learned a lot about the role and responsibilities of a gamekeeper. There were other students there, all male, also competing for the position as a trainee keeper. We all went through the same experiences and at the end of it, I was offered the trainee post on the estate. I was then able to apply for the Gamekeeping and Wildlife Management course at Thurso College.

Julie spent two years at Alladale, “it was a breath of

fresh air for me to become a trainee gamekeeper. I learned about a variety of approaches from different keepers. I enjoyed meeting really unique and interesting people, the owner of the Alladale Wilderness Reserve, Paul Lister, is a good example of someone with inspiring ideas.”

The head-Keeper and underkeeper introduced Julie to traditional deer stalking, “Very quickly I was interested in deer management. It is a professional skill being able to stalk in on deer, spy deer and separate the beast for culling purposes and being able to pick out the condition of the deer; healthy or unhealthy, young, or old. I furthered my knowledge of deer, and the key is to improve the overall health of the deer by keeping a strong healthy herd and handling them with respect.

I want to succeed in the industry and strive to do the best I can be.”

country woman Julie culled her first red stag on Alladale with Reserve Manager and Professional Stalker, Innes MacNeil, “I was in training at the time, we were on the south side of estate, marching with Glen Calvie.” Julie carried her own rifle and kept close to the stalker as he set the pace for the stalk.

“The views were amazing; there were endless summits, hill lochs, and we had a bird’s eye view and able to look down on the rivers and streams and hidden corries.

Innes got us into the firing point for a reasonable shooting range of 150 yards after creeping up and around burns, peat hags and over bare, open parts of the hill. I got the rifle comfortable and had a clear view through the scope.

We studied the deer and waited as the stag we were after was out in sight in a dip. As the target reappeared broadside I go the all clear to ‘take him now’. It was a clean, safe shot. We found the deer, gralloched it and dragged it back down the hill to the vehicle.

“I know deer stalking is for me because I enjoy all aspects of it especially where we are taking clients out on the hill, sharing our knowledge, keeping them safe, and guiding them.

We make sure we give them the best experience possible.

It’s very challenging but highly rewarding.”

Julie said, “I thought I would be at a disadvantage in a career normally thought of as a man’s world, but I have always had people around me, supporting and encouraging me, which has been important.”

“I have attended the college now for nearly three years, I have a two-year qualification as a Modern Apprentice, and a one-year National Certificate, leaving me to complete another year of my HNC. I plan to finish the four years of college and hope to get a full-time position as an underkeeper on a traditional estate, doing what I love most, deer management.”

Shooting Scotland Magazine

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Scotlands’ top 10 fishing destinations

By Linda Mellor 22 novels, for fishing themed reading material take a peek at The Silver Darlings (1941) or Highland River (1937), with an exciting opening chapter about Kenn, a young boy, chasing a salmon upriver and catching it.

Stop off at Dunbeath, Gunn’s birthplace, to see the bronze statue, situated by the harbour, of the young boy and his huge salmon.

We all have our favourite places to fish; on the Tweed

with friends, a local river, or a climb up into the hills for wild brownies in a secret lochan.

It is difficult to pick one as they all have their merits and in Scotland we have endless beautiful scenery and stunning locations (as a female of the species can I flag up the joy in finding a proper loo on fishing beats, Meikleour Fishings is a great example of catering for ladies) and the ghillies with their knowledge, tales, and humour.

Last season, I spent a couple of days with friends on the river Forss, a few miles west of Thurso. It’s an idyllic spot with beautiful scenery at the Falls of Forss and the old mill, with 29 named pools and plenty of fish activity. In 1954, a local angler, aided by his 13-year-old son, caught a cock fish weighing 42lbs.

The Western Isles have more than 2,000 fishable lochs and 15 per cent of Britain’s freshwater

Photographs courtesy Linda Mellor

Scotland is a popular fishing destination with its iconic salmon rivers, lochs, and miles of coastline. The beginner, novice, and seasoned angler has a vast choice of salmon, trout, and course fishing with guides, casting instructors and river ghillies ready to assist, and accommodation to suit all budgets.

Head north up the A9 and find yourself in Neil Gunn territory, the Scottish author of

River Forss

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Is a salmon a bonus nowadays?

The Ghillie

By Bob White Ghillie on Catholes, Pitlochrie, Benchil and Luncarty River Tay

The last 2 years have seen a rapid decline to rod caught catches across Scotland with in particular the Autumn disappearing off the radar sounding alarm bells throughout the industry. Most of us are struggling to understand why this has happened and so rapidly.

Back in the early eighties the spring catch started to disappear as rapidly as the autumn has in recent times however there were still strong summer, and autumn runs to look forward to each season to keep catches up at good levels, in fact record levels on a lot of rivers and beats, time share became popular with some cashing in with no sight of any decline as everyone thought the runs were set in stone. It

is difficult to understand why there has been such a dramatic decline and there is now a concerted effort to find out why, and to come up with some answers quickly to save an iconic species which a lot of rural communities depend on generating millions of pounds.

Experience and records show us in history that there is a phenomenon called cyclical change which determines the strength of different types of salmon runs throughout the year and that has been witnessed over the last few decades which coincides with alterations in sea temperatures affecting feeding patterns due to the food source moving further north. There is plenty of evidence

to back this up with catch records made over decades. In the period of 1920 into the 1950’s the spring catches dominated with much poorer autumns. The sea temperatures were warmer near our shores moving the plankton, initial food source much further north and phasing out grilse and autumn fish. From 1960 onwards, the sea temperature started to drop, and the summer and autumn runs started to come back up enabling feeding closer to home, enabling grilse to reappear and we had great fishing all year round making it a very productive time for netting and rods. This continued until the early 80’s when the spring dropped away and summer and autumn then dominated with poorer spring runs. It should also be noted that sea mortality back in the heady 70’s was far less, maybe 25 to 30% returned but now it is below 5%. We are now 50 years on and witnessing the warming of the sea closer to our shores but alarmingly the temperature is rising much more rapidly and there seem to be much more unknowns as well.

We have seen better spring fishing suddenly 6 years ago for 4 years with the last 2 being disappointing and a sudden fall off of the autumn.

Everyone certainly hopes the spring catches come back as before but it is not a given. Hopefully the last 2 years have been a blip. It is certainly worrying times.

We now have to manage our expectations. My salmon fishing career spans some 40 years witnessing some memorable times on many rivers in Scotland

and in particular on the Tay. I have been a ghillie on the Stanley beats for 16 seasons and have seen big changes even in that relatively short time. Back in the old days being a ghillie was far easier and in fact in a lot of cases ghillies were probably no more than a servant taking the lunch baskets down to the huts as the rivers were full of fish jumping around and it was obvious where you were to fish. This is unfortunately not the case nowadays and ghillies or guides have to have many stings to their skillset. They need to know the river like the back of their hands in all heights to impart their knowledge to guests, be able to read to river, in many cases have boat skills, be able to teach and have people skills to name but a few. Anglers coming to our rivers have to be greeted enthusiastically, given an experience to enable them to have the best possible chance of catching, learn about the river, and enjoy their day to want to return on another occasion despite on many instances not catching.

The experience is not all about catching but a fish is certainly the icing on the cake. There was a time not that long ago where you could take fisherman to the river and you could guarantee the chance of a fish but unfortunately that is no longer the case. Ghillies have to up the game now to be guardians of the river with their knowledge to ensure they deliver a professional friendly experience to ensure repeat business and a salmon is a bonus.

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Top ten fishing destinations area, with large natural stocks of wild brown trout and salmon and the rocks and beaches offer ideal conditions for sea anglers.

The Isle of Lewis has a wild landscape with far reaching views and fast-moving weather.

When the Norse Vikings arrived around 8th and 9th centuries, they changed and influenced everything on the island. The Laxay river flows from loch Trealaval to loch Valtos then into the sea on the Soval estate. ‘Lax’ means Salmon in old Norse. The river is three and a half miles long with 10 named pools. The Soval estate offers fine accommodation and excellent fly-only salmon and sea trout fishing on the Laxay river.

I have asked some of my friends from my fishing network to share their favourite locations.

Finlay Thomson, a seasonal ghillie 2016 – 2017, “The Bruton Stream, Fhorsa System, Isle of Lewis was amazing. The grilse move up with the flow tide and stop at frequents points in the brackish water. When they realise they can’t run the river they slowly drop back to the bay on the ebb tide in shoals. Anglers line up along the seaweed with ghillies on the upper hill behind them with polaroid glasses shouting at their position. On

my first season, we managed to succeed on the ebb tide. We didn’t catch one fish on the flow tide. However last season we had 51 in July and most on the flow!

It’s the most exciting salmon fishing ever. You can see a grilse split from the pack and take the fly.”

Tinto trout fishery under Tinto hill near Biggar is another favourite, a quiet location with two comfortable, self-catering cottages yards from the fishing.

Loch Cleugh sits at 1020 feet, and Loch Lyoch sits at 960 feet above sea level, both are approximately 5 acres in size, and 26ft to 35ft in depth at the deepest point.

You can lose yourself there for a long weekend and test your angling skills for a wild brown trout. The lochs have a natural habitat and an abundance of natural food, the angler needs to “match the hatch” when fishing.

The clear water provides a great environment for wild brown trout (biggest weighed in at 9lbs 8oz), although they tend to range between 3lb – 5lb. Rainbow trout and blue trout have been stocked in to Loch Lyoch to enhance the fish stock, and average 2lbs. Tinto is close to the river Clyde and hold all the relevant Clyde permits and offer a Clyde introduction tour on request.

Looking from Allt Na Muilne out to Loch Valtos

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In Fife, the orange pan-tiled roofs of the fishing villages and ancient harbours stretch along the coastline, growing up in Dysart I remember the daily fish catches coming in on the boat, fresh crabs, and the anglers on the pier. I’ll give a mention to a fishing attraction in Anstruther – the fish and chip shop! It is as popular as ever with locals and tourists, and the lengthy queues outside are a testament to that.

Simon Barnes, Crieff based custom rod maker of Simba rods, is a lifelong angler, “two of my favourite trout fishing destinations are both in the north west. The Scourie Hotel has a huge amount of trout fishing available. The lochs are designated to guests via the Boardmaster. This is a long-standing tradition where a knowledgeable angler is appointed as Boardmaster and it is the guest at the top of the board who has first pick of the 36 or so beats. The beat could be beside the road or a six-mile hike up to a corrie loch. There can be as many as thirty anglers fishing at any one time but when you are on your beat you would think you were totally alone. Fabulous.

The idea for my Wee Loch Rod was born here. The rod is seven pieces and can easily fit into your

rucksack (or luggage if flying) and is perfect for hiking into the hills. The other reason I like Scourie is not only you might catch the fish of a lifetime, but the hotel is comfortable and has great beer and excellent food. No televisions either!”

“The second place is in Assynt,” said Simon. “There is more fishing that you can imagine, and all set in the most stunning of surroundings. You can fish for salmon, trout or in the sea for Pollock. The pie shop in Lochinver is a must visit (the rhubarb and strawberry pie is a favourite). If you don’t know the area it would be worth hiring a guide. Stewart Yates of Assynt Fly Fishing has fished and guided there for years and his knowledge of the lochs and geology of the area is an education in itself”.

Countryside Learning Scotland’s Executive Director Ian Robertson is an avid angler, and when asked about his favourite destination, he replied, like many, “I don’t know if I can tell you that, it’s a bit of a hidden gem.” That’s the thing about Scotland, so many wonderful places to fish, you to keep the special places to yourself. Iain said, “The North of Scotland is the place for me, hidden hill lochs and wonderful little rivers.

I have fished the Borgie, the Halladale and the Dionard but my favourite is the Polla. A small river is actually a large burn, and at low water hand lining a fly for sea trout at night is magical.

The biggest most voracious and largest population of midges you will ever find, no repellent works, only a pipe or a huge cigar can keep you on the river, but the prize is only occasional, a sparkling sea trout straight off the tide. Our party has been fishing, well mostly socialising and fishing there for the last 29 years only missing one year due to a change of ownership.

We are back this year hopefully for another 30 years. New generations of family and friends join us on the Polla pilgrimage as they come of age to cope with the midge, the lack of sleep on the night shifts, the rough old bothy, the whiskey, and

Top ten fishing destinations the communal sleeping. Why do I like it? Probably a blend of the most non-PC company, tranquillity, no WI-FI, beautiful surroundings, hand-picked shell fish, and of course the odd scrap with a silver tourist. In this world of immediate gratification and so-called clean living where everything seems to be bad for you it is refreshing to go back to basics.”

Malcolm Anderson of Caledonia Fly Company, said, “Fishing destinations would be where you catch most of your fish, but this Is not the case as the Tummel would be the obvious destination as my batting average there is good.

Location, location is also the key to having a delightful time with good company, so I would choose the river Lochy on the west coast of Scotland. Simply beautiful scenery and a river full of fantastic fly water. There are four beats on the river and in the town, they have their own angling club water which is also a good place to go to see what fish are heading up the river.

You can fish from dawn to dusk and have a very relaxing time, no pressure to be on the water at a certain time and leave, the day is yours and many an early morning cast or late dusky trip finds you some fantastic sport.

There are so many pools and runs to fish you sometimes don’t have time to fish it all. Crystal clear water is normal in low summer conditions.” Malcolm suggests, “fish some pale olive

River Polla

and whishy-washy yellow colours in your flies, these can make a good day become a very good day.”

“Wildlife abound and looking up at Ben Nevis you know you are in one of Scotland’s beautiful spots. Golden eagles, ospreys, buzzards & kites fly above you, and pine martins and foxes are seen dotting around the banks and roe deer coming down for a drink.

The Caledonian Canal passes very close to the river at certain points. The canal has a very wide

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Top ten fishing destinations smooth path running along beside it and is good for wheelchair access as well,” said Malcolm.

Marina Gibson, “the River Oykel is one that is close to my heart, I feel at home there, although I don’t get to fish it as much as I would like to. My mother has lived only a stone’s throw from the river since I was twelve and it is where I caught my first two salmon within 10 minutes of each other when I was 11 years old. Recently, I fished the River Shin, it is one of four rivers which flow into the Kyle of Sutherland. I cannot believe I have been up and down for this many years and have only fished the Upper Shin once

before when I was 11, albeit I can’t remember it too well. The Shin Falls are well known and attract a lot of tourists and there is a viewing point where they can watch the salmon jumping up the falls. The Shin has great variants and has some small rock enclosed pools with high banks and then it opens up into much wider pools at the bottom. The fish are, apparently, deep in the girth, strong and often of good size, I haven’t caught one yet, but I hope to one day!”

Andrew Grainger of the Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group, “aside from the most popular and productive rivers there are any number of others

throughout Scotland where fishing at the right time with the rivers in the right condition you can land a fish or two. Some of these smaller rivers can be fished from as little as £5 to £10 per day. Great value for a full day out in the countryside.”

“A search on the Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group (SCSTG) website will provide

links to a number of estates and providers offering angling for many species. If you are new to fishing, then it is worth checking out the ‘fishing guides’ listed on the SCSTG website. They can offer tuition, guidance and extensive specialised knowledge of the rivers and loch they fish.

Many also offer tackle hire.”

Tightlines!

www.countrysportscotland.com www.sovalestate.co.uk/fishing www.anglersholidaycottages.co.uk www.fishforss.co.uk/index.html www.marinagibsonfishing.com www.islamouth.co.uk www.caledoniaflies.co.uk www.simbarods.com www.scouriehotel.com www.uiglodge.co.uk/fishing-at-uig-lodge

Falls of Forss

Finlay Thomson with fly caught sea liced grilse from the Bruton Stream, Fhorsa system, Isle of Lewis

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Malcolm Anderson summer fishing on beat four with Ben Nevis covered in cloud

Fishing in Scotland with Paul Young

Photograph courtesy of Linda Mellor

Scotland is a fascinating country for those looking for an interesting freshwater fishing holiday, as it provides world class fishing that is surprisingly accessible no matter which discipline you follow.

Perhaps best known for its salmon fishing, it is often thought only the wealthy can afford to cast a fly on world famous rivers, but on the Tay, Tweed and Spey as well as many others there is Association water for the visiting angler and of course nowadays sites like Fishpal have information on the availability and prices of rods all over the country as well as a note of recent catches. Some famous beats are surprisingly well priced, and many have their own websites, making it simple to see which will be within your budget. The thrill of the take of a salmon is one of the greatest moments an angler can experience…even an old hand like myself gets the wobbly knees!

There are many fisheries catering for the trout fisher, from small put-and-take man made waters to large natural lochs. The introduction of rainbow, tiger and blues have changed the world of trout fishing so much over the past thirty years, so the choice is up to your own preference. If you fancy a couple of hours in the evening chasing rainbows, no problem. Wild brown trout in a highland hill loch? Get the map out; in Sutherland alone, there are said to be over 365 lochs, some with thousands of small willing trout, others with larger wily fish requiring skill to tempt.

Sometimes hailed as the “Queen of the river”, the grayling is found in many southern rivers, Tweed and Clyde holding specimen fish.

Winter is an interesting time to test your fishing ability – try nymphing with a little goldhead, or in summer a dry fly with a touch of red in it should tempt a splashy rise.

And the new kid on the block for the fly fisher is the pike with

Scotland having some of the finest fisheries in Britain. Loch Lomond, Loch Awe and Loch Rannoch all support populations of large pike…a real challenge to even the experienced angler…a twenty-pound pike on a fly is possible.

Finding details of what suits your particular interest can be helped immensely by referring to the excellent “Rivers and Lochs of Scotland” by Bruce Sandison which describes over 5,000 fishing locations with access details, flies, tactics and where

to get permits and permission to fish.

The choice is vast, it is yours to decide where and when you cast a line. I wish you “Tight Lines”!

“Rivers and Lochs of Scotland” is published by BLACK AND WHITE PUBLISHING.

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outdoor look

The look of tweed Butler Stewart is an exclusive brand selling luxury lifestyle and shooting clothing. After working in London in the high-end retail industry founder Anna Butler had a vision of creating an own-brand company using the finest British fabric to create understated British elegance. Tweed is often associated with muddy farmers and the gentry, Anna’s aim is to help change this perception by designing beautiful, timeless garments to be worn with your everyday wardrobe.

Butler Stewart’s 18th Century Heritage - Butler Stewart’s owner and designer, Anna Butler, has textiles in her family history dating back over 200 years. Anna was brought up in the Essex countryside surrounded by her ancestor’s legacy that goes back as far as the 18th century.

Hundreds of years later Anna follows in the footsteps of her successful forebears. With her passion for designing and love of beautiful fabrics she sources natural fibres that are made in the UK for her exclusive luxury garments. She also uses viscose for the distinctive colourful linings in her coats, jackets, waistcoats and skirts.

Here are a few ideas for you…

Ladies Waterproof Coat in greenfinch £350 Ladies Shirt in greenfinch £59 Ladies Caps £46

Flat cap in pear green £46 Check Shirt in Blue Olive £79 Country Tie £45 Christopher Waistcoat in pear green £195 Plus Fours in pear green £195 Man on left: Flat cap in bullfinch £46 Men’s Shoot Coat £396 Country Tie £45 Plus Fours in bullfinch £195 Man on right: Flat cap in pear green £46 Check Shirt in Blue Olive £79 Country Tie £45 Christopher Waistcoat in pear green £195 Plus Fours in pear green £195 62

Margaret Morrison Ltd Incorporating Nicoll Bros. of Bankfoot Fine Sporran Makers Since 1834

Bespoke and Regimental Sporran Makers and Tailors Specialising in Handmade Sporrans using the finest leathers and skins Designs available from our Classic Range or individual commissions Bespoke Tailors of Kilts, Jackets, Trews, Tweeds, Shooting Suits Medal Mounting and Mess Dress also undertaken

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Unit 7, Ruthvenfield Grove, Inveralmond, Perth PH1 3FN Sporrans: Tel. 01738 630103 Master Tailor: 01738 630105 Email Sporrans: sales@morrison-sporrans.co.uk Email Tailor Shop: tailoring@morrison-sporrans.co.uk

Favourite reads The Green Isle of the Great Deep

By Neil Gunn

Knowledge, wisdom, freedom and Highland adventure… and just a little magic Read this book for the sheer wonder of nature captured in brilliant prose. Read it for its powerful and still hugely relevant message of the creative individual and the small Highland community rallying against state control. Whatever the reason you come to discover this work by Neil Gunn you won’t regret it.

Neil Gunn was born the son of a fisherman in Caithness in 1891 just as the herring fishing was dying out and traditional Highland culture was in decline.

His childhood was infused by the impact of growing unemployment and he was sent in his teenage years first to stay in Galloway with a married sister and then London where he worked as a boy clerk in the Civil Service. But the Highlands ran through his veins and although written in English, the rhythms of Gaelic flow through all 21 of the novels written over the course of his life, giving a sense of the culture he depicted. He captured the old ways in his novels but also the idealogical struggles of the time that both underpinned and resulted from the human torment of the War years and the spiritual malaise felt keenly in Western Countries. The Green Isle of the

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Great Deep was published in 1944 against this backdrop.

The Green Isle of the Great Deep is drawn from Gunn’s memories of his childhood on the Moray firth and recounts the magical adventures of Young Art and Old Hector. The two unlikely friends – Art only a boy of eight years – are on a poaching trip when they fall into the strong currents of a salmon pool and come close to death. As they lose consciousness they find themselves in a green and fertile land, covered with fruit trees and an abundance of fruit.

They have been transported from the Highlands of their time to an alternative but familiar highland landscape. This is an ordered world and the population here is subdued and ruled over by an upper class.

The fruit that surrounds them is forbidden –those who live here eat only processed food – and there is no room for the creative soul.

Art does not play by the rules. He maintains his free spirit and the actions of the two friends trigger a chain of events that will change the Green Isle.

The Green Isle of the Great Deep by Neil Gunn is available from Polygon (£7.99 pbk)

what’s new New Evolution Connect shooting eyewear launched Evolution Eyewear Ltd launched a brand-new range of shooting eyewear called Evolution Connect at the IWA OutdoorClassics International Trade Fair inNuremberg in March. This was the first reveal of the new shooting eyewear, adding to the popular Evolution Chameleon, Hunter and Matrix ranges. Giving shooters even more choice, it consolidates the company’s position as leader in affordably priced shooting eyewear.

Featuring a large lens with a 10-base curve for total eye protection, Evolution Connect is the new shooting eyewear from the company behind the best-selling Chameleon, Hunter and Matrix ranges.

With Class 1 Optical Quality

lenses, it is rimless for completely unobscured vision, has adjustable nose pads and an anti-fog coating to both sides of the shatterproof polycarbonate lenses (complying with EN166) are UV400 rated for maximum protection from UVR. With a choice of seven different lens colours: Grey, Yellow, Purple, Light Brown, Orange, Rose and Clear, Evolution Connect will appeal to both clay target and game shooters, along with fieldsports and airsoft BB enthusiasts.

For more information contact Evolution Eyewear on Tel: 01256 533955 Email: info@evolutionsunglasses. com.

Individual eyewear colours will retail at just £19.95 each with a 4-Lens Interchangeable Eyewear Set at £49.95 – truly exceptional value.

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what’s new CENS ProFlex+ DX5

CENS digital are proud to announce the launch of the new ProFlex+ DX5 model. The module base has an all new gun metal finish and there are now 6 new Metalik colours to choose from. The DX5 features 5 programs to cater for all shooting disciplines.

The all new multi-switch allows for easy program and volume changes. The device now also features a dedicated on/off button that doubles as a mute function for those moments where concentration is key. As with all CENS products, the DX5 has been tested and certified to CE EN352 and is supplied with a 2 year warranty and Water-Shield as standard.

For more information please visit: www.censdigital.com/dx5 SRP: £699 censdigital.com

Browning Liberty Light B525

Browning are extremely proud to offer, from 2018, an over and under shotgun that will address the needs of young people, women and men who find that our over and under shotguns are too big for them.

Using their expertise as gunsmiths, they have reworked certain key points of the B525 so that it fits shooters of a smaller build.

This involved highly intricate work, since they had to modify certain features without impairing the performance of this hugely successful shotgun.

Recommended retail price: £2289.00 www.browning.eu

New Access Trailer Game Larder Model ACGC-32 Last year Access Trailers introduced new models for transporting shot Game and have now extended their range with a Game Larder unit based on slide out plastic trays with a carrying capacity of approximately 320 birds - larger models are available.

The trailer is based on a tandem axle chassis plated at 2,000kg with independent suspension and overrun braking system. It is fitted with full road lights and 50mm ball hitch.

Chassis and steelwork are fully galvanised and constructed with alloy sides, roof and checker plate floor. There are 4 doors each side to access the 32 slide out plastic Game trays. A general storage locker with two doors is also included.

Customers can specify rotating roof ventilators if required.

For more information visit our website www.accesstrailers.co.uk or email sales@accesstrailers.co.uk. Telephone 07854085880

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