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20

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FINALE How and where to go fowling in Orkney Does bag size matter?

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GET YOUR SKEETS ON In-depth look at this challenging sport

FITTED UP Why pitch and cast matter

SUPER SEMI Breda’s new B3.5SM rated

26

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W IN A NE W FAUSTI L X SEE PAGE 4 0

Contents

February 2020

08 16

IN THE FIELD

16 The next generation of gamekeepers 22 Stalkers are always at it 26 A good day is not all about big bags 32 This month’s quarry species: coot 35 Productive partnerships

56

INSTRUCTION

TOM SYKES, ANDREW SYDENHAM, NICK RIDLEY, PAUL QUAGLIANA

GUNDOGS

54 Fran Ardley marks your card 56 Nick & Ted – an enforced break for Ted 60 Our vet looks at eye problems

SECOND-HAND 88 Something in the air 90 Quality and value – the Breda Xanthos 92 A true original – the Steyr Scout 94 Shopfront

06 Editor’s welcome 06 Three pages of news 10 The Big Farmland Bird Count 63 Letters

74

50 36 The right range for pigeons 42 Don’t let foxes get a whiff of you 44 Up your game with skeet 48 Cast – how to measure up 50 Young Guns spend a day at Bisley

NEWS

Q&A

GEAR

74 Some ideas for your Christmas money 76 A fleece, an app and more tested 78 We trial a new jacket from Ridgeline 80 Heated boots from Alpina to keep your feet warm as the temperatures fall 82 ‘Tweed’ but not as you know it. A new field suit from Alan Paine

64

64 How to accustom your dog to water 65 Changes to shotgun licences 66 A buyer’s guide to antiques 67 Advice on decoys 69 Gloomy days 70 Do you sit or stand in a hide?

REGULARS 04 Opening shot 09 Subscription offers 12 Robin Scott 31 Recipe 72 Competitions 84 Editor’s test 98 Parting shots

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FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 3

OPENING SHOT

Rough shooting

4 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

www.shootinguk.co.uk

Rough shooting

OPENING SHOT

Hits and mists What was the bag size? It is often the first thing we are asked after a day in the field. But is that what is most important? Perhaps we should be looking at the number of shots taken rather than the final tally to decide whether we’ve had a good day’s sport?

Or maybe, says Nick Ridley, we should appreciate the opportunity to spend time with like-minded people in the great British countryside, savouring our favourite sport.

Find out more on Page 26

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FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 5

Snapshots A letter from a reader this month says that he has been shooting for seven years but has not become integrated into the sport because of cliquiness.

This saddened me because I like to think that we welcome new people and the more people who shoot and understand fieldsports the better.

Over the past 30 years guns and shooting seem to have been almost forced underground because of legislation and restrictions. I’m not saying this legislation is not necessary but it does mean that the only guns most people see are being used in Hollywood blockbusters. No wonder the public has a skewed idea about what we do. Add to that some misinformation (of which there is plenty) and you can understand why our sport is often held in disesteem.

In countries such as Denmark and Sweden, shooting is an understood part of everyday life and that’s the way I would like it to be in the UK. Nick Ridley, our gundog editor, has written about inviting non-shooting friends out on a shoot. That’s a great idea, so why not make that your New Year’s resolution. At least then more people will understand what we do.

I hope that you enjoy this issue and have a very happy New Year.

MATT CLARK, EDITOR

All the month’s news, pictures & more

The election result will have a ‘profound’ impact on rural life

Rural groups pledge to work with the new government Rural groups have pledged to work closely with the new government following the general election last month, which saw the Conservative Party returned to government.

Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, said: “The result will have a profound and lasting impact on the countryside as Britain will now leave the European Union and implement post-Brexit agricultural and environmental policy.”

Commenting on why the rural seats in England had turned Conservative blue,

along with many in Wales – Scotland being a different story with the success of the SNP – Mr Bonner cited varying reasons why the public voted the way they did but said: “The determination of the Labour Party in particular to treat rural policy as a playground for metropolitan fads and fashions clearly helped turn the countryside against it, whilst also raising questions about its priorities with other voters.”

BASC said it would work with all parties to achieve benefits for shooting.

BASC calls for licences to be extended for a year BASC has called upon Defra to extend the general licences in England for a year.

The shooting organisation made its comments in an official response to the department’s consultation on the licences, which was conducted over the autumn and ended on 5 December.

The consultation was the consequence of the furore earlier in the year surrounding the withdrawal of the licences in April by Natural England following the threat of a legal challenge by the campaign group Wild Justice. New temporary licences were issued following an outcry by those affected but these only run until the end of February.

BASC has asked Defra to extend these for

a further year as there had been insufficient time for the consultation. BASC has implored Defra to trust the information from shooters who have experience of managing wildlife.

Caroline Bedell, executive director of conservation at BASC, said: “A fit-for-purpose licensing system will see the whole process being easy to understand and light-touch.”

Elsewhere in the UK, the licences are being reviewed by Scottish Natural Heritage, which is expected to announce new ones early in 2020. Natural Resources Wales will review the licences in June, and in Northern Ireland the licences were renewed in September and will remain unchanged for a year.

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SNAPSHOTS

Trespass may become a criminal offence Fieldsports saboteurs could face more stringent legal sanctions following the general election.

The Conservative Party manifesto included a commitment to “make intentional trespass a criminal offence” and as the party was returned to government with a large majority, there is a fair chance that this will be enshrined in legislation.

Trespass is currently a civil matter, with landowners required to undertake lengthy and expensive court proceedings or risk

prosecution if they use force to remove trespassers. Also, fieldsports participants often feel intimidated by antis. Under the new proposal, police officers would be able to arrest trespassers. Saboteur groups routinely trespass in order to disrupt shooting and trail hunting. They have pledged to oppose any changes to the law.

Ed Rowlandson of the Countryside Alliance said: “Making intentional trespass a criminal offence is something law-abiding members of society will agree with.”

EVENTS 10 January Cornwall Lady Guns Novice tuition day Callington, Cornwall 18 January Young shots wildfowling introduction Blakeney Harbour Room, Blakeney, Norfolk 24 January Introduction to a best practice gameshoot Glemham Hall Shoot Woodbridge, Suffolk 28 February Gunsmiths’ Evening The Jockey Club, Newmarket, Suffolk 9 March Introduction to woodpigeon shooting West Kent Shooting School Paddock Wood, Kent

NEWS IN BRIEF

Fieldsports saboteurs could face legal action for incursions like this

Fun at the fairs

PAUL QUAGLIANA, ANDY HOOK

Bellamy inspired a generation Tributes have been paid to David Bellamy, the naturalist, who died in December.

Liam Bell, chairman of the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation, of which Bellamy, 86, was patron and an honorary life member, said: “David inspired a generation of children to look under logs, identify the trees in their garden and learn more about our fascinating natural world. He also understood the work of gamekeepers, the value of their wo and sustainable land management and w supporter of the NG decades. He was als a keen supporter of the NGO Educationa Trust and will be greatly missed by everyone at the NGO who has worked with him.”

David Bellamy, right, with gamekeeper George Thompson

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Bellamy was a fixture on the nation’s television screens in the 1970s and 1980s.

He even became a staple of Sir Lenny Henry’s comedy act through impersonation of his very particular broadcasting delivery. He also held academic positions at the universities of Durham and Nottingham over the course of his 60-year career.

As part of his support for the work of gamekeepers, Bellamy presented the NGO trophy made from a oak many thousands old, to symbolise uring nature of ’s relationship e landscape. This hy became The amy Award in 2010 is now the NGO cational Trust’s ual conservation rd. Brian Hayes of O Educational Trust was always so full asm, an enthusiasm fectious.”

A couple of events for you to put in your diaries as 2020 takes flight. The West of England Game Fair will celebrate its 25th anniversary in March at the Royal Bath and West Showground in Somerset over the weekend of Saturday 21 and Sunday 22. Bristol Clay Shooting will oversee clay shoot competitions and a team of experts from BASC will be on hand. In April, The Great Shires Game Fair takes place at the Three Counties Showground in Worcestershire over the weekend of Saturday 18 and Sunday 19.

Gunslingers head West Visitors to the West London Shooting School can now benefit from a new venture. Sportarm has taken over the gunroom at the school and has been up and running there since the autumn.

Sportarm, which has been named the UK’s best gunroom on six occasions, offers gun servicing, repairs and fitting skills. In addition, visitors will be able to benefit from Sportarm’s industry expertise and extensive collection of Sporting shotguns. The school is based 12 miles to the west of London. For more information visit: shootingschool.co.uk/ sportarm.html FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 7

SNAPSHOTS

NEWS IN BRIEF Activists campaign to ban shooting show The Great British Shooting Show has become the focus of a campaign by activists opposed to its existence.

A petition calling for the show to be cancelled has so far amassed more than 100,000 signatures on the website change.org. The show, held at the NEC in Birmingham, is the largest of its kind in the UK and is attended by thousands of visitors and associated tradespeople. This year’s show runs from Friday 14 February to Sunday 16.

Opponents have said that it promotes the killing of animals for pleasure.

Dr Conor O’Gorman, BASC’s head of policy and campaigns, called on the shooting community to rally behind the event. He said: “[The activists] have no interest in anything but their own voice and being outraged about whatever the latest issue is. This is a growing problem in society driven by social media and they will keep going until everything is banned.”

Wader numbers steady Research has shown that the numbers of waders – woodcock, snipe and golden plover – breeding in Finland and Scandinavia have remained steady over the past 12 years.

Swedish researchers looked at what had happened to wader numbers since 2006 on their boreal and Arctic breeding grounds in northern Europe.

Graham Appleton, a wader expert, said the findings indicated “no significant change overall” with regard to the presence of these birds in the UK.

Ned & Ted

8 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

Sharpshooters: Ron Chapman, 16, and Beth Norton, 13, were the winners of the Schools Challenge clay shooting competition final held at the Oxford Gun Company in December. The pair won an MG3 car each, donated by Lodge Hill Garage

Grouse-moor review decision imminent A long-awaited review of grouse-moor management has been sent to the Scottish Government. The Werritty Review has looked into what is a contentious issue in Scotland.

Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister, whose administration commissioned the review, said that a government response would be made priority and “how we will take forward its recommendations”.

The report, which was prepared by three senior academics and two estate management experts, was originally due in the spring but has been repeatedly delayed.

Options considered by the review include

a licensing system for grouse moors.

• There have been calls for more drastic culls of deer in Scotland, despite evidence in a report that the deer population is stable.

Scottish Environment LINK Deer Group said: “Much more needs to be done. Across our upland landscapes, in particular, high deer impacts and other grazing pressures are damaging peatlands and halting woodland regeneration.” However, the report, by Scottish Natural Heritage, found that the overall red deer population trend over the past 20 years showed “culling rates have been sufficient to stop population increase”.

By Keith Reynolds

www.shootinguk.co.uk

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SNAPSHOTS

Step up for the 2020

Big Farmland Bird Count

Joel Holt explains why wildlife enthusiasts should be pledging their support to this national campaign

ALAMY

L

andowners, gamekeepers and farmers are being urged to take part in the Big Farmland Bird Count (BFBC), which is back for the seventh successive year. Between 7 and 16 February 2020, people are being asked to record the species they spot on their land for this nationwide citizen science project.

As ever, the results will aim to determine which farmland birds are benefitting from conservation efforts while identifying the ones in need of most help.

Organising the count this year is Dr Roger Draycott, who is head of advisory services for the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT). He said: “Farmers and gamekeepers are vital in helping to ensure the future survival of many of our most cherished farmland bird species, like skylarks, yellowhammers, corn buntings and wild 10 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

grey partridges. They are responsible for managing the largest songbird habitat in this country on their land but frequently their efforts to reverse bird declines are largely unrecorded. We believe our Big Farmland Bird Count will help remedy this.

“We understand the crucial role that land managers play in the survival of farmland birds and we want to give them an opportunity to show what their conservation efforts deliver on the ground.

“It is also a satisfying way to discover the different range of birds that are on the farm and the results can be surprising. We hope it will spur land managers on to do even more work for their farmland birds in the future and that it will act as a catalyst for them to start building their own long-standing wildlife records.”

More than a million acres were surveyed in last year’s count

How to take part in three simple steps • Download your count sheet from the BFBC website: bfbc.org.uk • Count your birds. On a day between 7 and 16 February, spend about 30 minutes recording the species and number of birds seen on one particular area of the farm.

• Once you’ve completed your count, submit your results at bfbc.org.uk

www.shootinguk.co.uk

SNAPSHOTS

“I would encourage all farmers to take part so we can pull together a vital national snapshot”

Pick a day and keep watch for 30 minutes

A flock of starlings, a red-listed species, on a farm in West Yorkshire

Last year was another record-breaking count with 1,400 people taking part – a 40% increase on the previous year, recording 140 species over one million acres. We are delighted that many landscape-scale farmland conservation projects are now taking part in the count so we are able to feed back results at the landscape level as well as the individual farm level.

Encouragingly, a total of 30 red-listed species were recorded in 2019, with five appearing in the list of most commonly seen species. These included fieldfares, starlings,

house sparrows, yellowhammers and song thrushes, with the first four seen by more than 30% of the farms taking part.

Farmers from every county in England took part and there were also responses from Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Austria. Norfolk had by far the most returns, with 145 farmers completing the survey. This was followed by Suffolk with 92, Herefordshire with 63 and Hampshire with 60.

The most commonly seen species were blackbirds, woodpigeons, blue tits, robins and pheasants.

The BFBC was launched in 2014 to highlight the positive work done by land managers in helping to reverse the decline in farmland birds. The count offers a simple means of recording the effects of any conservation work currently being undertaken by farmers and gamekeepers on their land, such as supplementary feeding birds through winter or growing crops specifically to provide seed for birds.

The GWCT would like to extend its thanks to the NFU for sponsoring the count for the second successive year and all our partners for actively promoting the count to their members and supporters.

NFU president Minette Batters, who was

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bird-spotting on the first day of the count last year on her Wiltshire farm, said: “The NFU is extremely pleased to be once again sponsoring the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count – an event that highlights perfectly how farmers balance excellent conservation work on farms across the country alongside producing the nation’s food.

“Farmers carry out a huge amount of work to maintain and enrich habitats and wildlife and are responsible for protecting, maintaining and enhancing 71% of the nation’s iconic countryside.

“I would encourage all farmers to take part in the February count and submit your records to the GWCT, so we can pull together a vital national snapshot of the state of the nation when it comes to farmland birds.”

At the end of the count, the results will be analysed by the GWCT. All participants will receive a report on the national results once they have been collated.

Further information • For information, visit: bfbc.org.uk or gwct.org.uk and search for 2019 Big Farmland Bird Count.

The fieldfare was a common sight on farms in 2019

FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 11

SNAPSHOTS

Resolutions and resolve

A new year always sees us load up with good intentions and Robin Scott is determined, as ever, to give the 12 months ahead both barrels

A

nother year. Really? Where did the old one go? It seems only yesterday I was drawing up a list of resolutions for 2019 and here I am slipping quietly into 2020 with most of that old list still in place. Out of six wellintentioned resolutions made a year ago I’ve managed to keep only one – to stop smoking.

A single cheroot hasn’t touched my lips since the second week of January.

I can’t say I feel massively better for having kicked the habit but I suppose it must’ve done some good. The obvious (and instant) benefit has been to my finances.

You wouldn’t believe how much I’ve saved.

Breathing fresh air for a year covered the cost of three modest driven days and much of my salmon fishing in 2019. And that, I suppose, was my real incentive to stop.

Banking the saving on cigars every month helped no end in driving me on to succeed.

RICHARD FAULKS, DARREN ROGERS

Cool fug No, it wasn’t easy at the start but (touch wood) I’m now well past the craving. The only time I miss drawing on a Corona and letting its deliciously cool fug swirl about the tubes is after a shoot, pint in hand. Or lying in the bankside grass looking back on the pool I’ve just waded, wondering if a different type of line or fly might have tempted a fish.

I won’t run through all five other broken resolutions but the one I regret most not keeping was getting back to doing more clay shooting. I had every intention of travelling around the grounds again to shoot my all-time favourite form of the game – FITASC Sporting, the International Federation for Shooting with Sports Guns. Ask anyone who shoots it regularly and they will tell you this is the nearest to the ‘real thing’ you can possibly get. They’re absolutely right.

On top of that the atmosphere generated by well-run shoots, plus the people taking 12 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

Will Robin manage to shoot more FITASC during 2020?

SNAPSHOTS part, is almost as heady and addictive as tobacco smoke itself. Well, not quite, but I’m sure you get my drift.

The main, nay, only reason I didn’t fulfil the resolution was lack of time caused by family commitments and my slowly improving attempts to control vermin around the farm. Oh, and some lovely fishing trips took a chunk out of the calendar every month.

Missed opportunity I can’t remember now if family commitments or fishing conspired to make me miss one of shooting’s social highlights of 2019 – the annual ‘Blast from the Past’ party hosted this time by my pal, Sporting Gun contributor and co-author of our book Move, Mount, Shoot, John Bidwell. His shooting ground at High Lodge in Suffolk that Saturday in June drew scores of ‘Golden Oldies’ who included more World, European, British and English clay champions across all disciplines than you could have shaken a stick at. I can’t

John Bidwell hosted this year’s Blast from the Past party

of number of titles won, George Digweed.

One of his bits of silverware came while I was shooting with him in a World Cup Final in Cyprus; it was an eye-opener in more ways than one – not least for his mental application under the most stressing of

“Our sport allows Joe Averages to rub shoulders with the greats” think of a single other sport that allows Joe Averages like me to rub shoulders so easily with such greats as these.

Enter an Open competition and everyone stands as much chance of being ‘squadded’ with a current or past champion as anyone else who has paid the entry fee.

In the past I’ve been privileged to be squadded with, among others, John Bidwell, Barry Simpson, Gerry Cowler, Duane Morley, Mickey Rouse, Stuart Clarke, Pascal de la Roche, Marc Polet, A.J. Smith, Jonathan D. Smith, Philip Fussell, Brian Hebditch and (possibly) the greatest of them all in terms

family ordeals taking place almost 3,000 miles away back home. His only close support through it all was then girlfriend, later wife, Kate. She was amazing.

Highlight As an aside – and equally memorable for entirely different reasons – was shooting with gun trade legend Bjorn Waktare, head of Gunmark (now GMK). We were squadded together in a World FITASC Championship at Vilamoura GC in Portugal.

Officials stopped play late afternoon because of squads running late and fading

light. So the two of us, as you do, put our guns in the armoury and ordered a frothing litre of lager to wind down with.

Well, would you believe, we’d just about blown the top off one when a referee burst in, arms flapping, shouting our squad number and names, demanding we shot, “pronto”. The organising committee had decided there was just sufficient light left to shoot another round of 25. So, clutching our beers we retrieved the guns, placed our glasses on the roof of a low trap house and proceeded to shoot the targets, or what little we could see of them in the gathering gloom.

As soon as we signed off our abysmal scores with the referee, the pair of us grabbed our jars, raised a now flattened beer to the heavens and legged it to the bar.

Resolutions? This year it’s to shoot more FITASC, catch up with Bjorn again and, finally, wangle a ticket to the Blast from the Past party when it’s hosted by Ian Coley at his shooting school near Cheltenham. Surely to goodness I can manage not one but all three this time around? Tune in to 2021.

The 2019 line-up for the Blast from the Past in Suffolk – the writer intends to keep his resolution to attend the 2020 party Great subscription deals at www.sportinggunsubs.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 13

In the field

Peter Theobald heads to Orkney pg 20 The life of the professional stalker pg 22 A good day is not all about bag size pg 26 What makes a good dog pg 35

The generation game

Tom Sykes joins students on a shoot day to see how the keepers of tomorrow learn their trade hen I was a young man fresh f h lI d

major part of childhood. The romantic side fb i k d di of the hink do. spent ad get ad rations ely hanced

e

Ben, acting shoot captain for the day, helped to ensure it all ran smoothly

16 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

www.shootinguk.co.uk

Wildfowling

IN THE FIELD

management course at Myerscough College in Lancashire, which helped to lead me through gamekeeping to the position I am in today.

Gamekeepers require a vast knowledge of many different aspects of the countryside as well as business and communication skills, some of which can be taught in the classroom, but others require a more hands-on approach. Students typically have a shoot that they manage and run as part of their gamekeeping course. I was delighted to receive an invitation from Newton Rigg College in Penrith, Cumbria to join them and others on a shoot day as a guest Gun and see the next generation of keepers in action.

Students in charge Each shoot day the college hosts is run by second-year students with the help of the first years, who get to see how it is done while being a part of the beating and picking-up team. Every second-year student has a turn in the hot seat, either as shoot captain or head keeper.

Ben, who was acting shoot captain for the day, greeted us. He sorted the team over a coffee and ran through the day’s plan before drawing the pegs. The beating team was under the supervision of Alfie, the acting head keeper. It was heartening to see students run a day, which was being overseen by Sam, their lecturer and one of the Guns.

The shoot

plus a few pheasants, which flew well and produced some very sporting birds. This was impressive considering the students don’t have the best topography to work with. We were treated to seven drives of mixed crops and woodland, allowing everyone to get some action.

The college used a numbering system that I have encountered with European teams and is unlike conventional numbering of Guns, where you go up two at the end of the drive.

With the system the college uses, the odds go up two and even numbers go down two.

The benefit of this is that it allows you to

SYKES MEDIA

The shoot may only be small but the students seem to be making the most out of the ground available. The day’s quarry consisted of partridge predominately,

Alfie (left) was head keeper for the day

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FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 17

IN THE FIELD

Wildfowling

Guns and students after a great day at Newton Rigg College

“These young gamekeepers ran the day very professionally” stand with different Guns throughout the day as your neighbour changes with every drive. Also, if you are the sort who likes to poach the odd bird from the next door peg, you most likely won’t be near them again for a few drives and any ill-feeling would have hopefully gone by your next encounter.

In good hands Everyone involved seemed to have a great day, one of good company and plenty of shooting. It was a credit to these young gamekeepers that they ran the shoot day so professionally. It was also great to see some very enthusiastic beating as well as fantastic dog work from the pickers-up.

Everyone knew their job, which helped the day run smoothly and better than some other shoots I have attended. A nice touch was that the Guns were presented with a brace of oven-ready partridges prepared by the students from the previous shoot day.

This was a nice touch and highlighted that students understand that the end product of a shoot day is for the table.

Ben and Alfie ensured everything ran smoothly with their professionalism and I hope they and the other students have a rewarding time in their chosen careers as they move on to the next chapter in their lives. Top marks to all involved for producing such a fantastic day in the field.

Unleaded shot The shoot day gave me the opportunity to test the eco-friendly Gamebore Silver Steel Bio-Wad 3in 32g 4s steel-shot shells. These cartridges performed fantastically through a Beretta DT11, producing clean kills on both pheasants and partridges. I have used these cartridges on a driven duck day as well as on the foreshore, which has given me the confidence that the cartridge manufacturers can find a solution to the current issue over plastic wads with steel shot. These cartridges and others like them may soon be the main shells you buy for a wide range of quarry. Judging by how the cartridge performed in the field, a future without lead shot is not nearly as daunting as one might imagine.

Teams of Guns helped the college students

18 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

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IN THE FIELD

Goose shooting

Surrounded by the sound of geese and with skeins passing tantilisingly close, Peter Theobald finds a prolific quarry doesn’t necessarily mean a big bag

Orkney odyssey ust as the wild goose has an irresistible urge to migrate south when the temperature drops and the days shorten at their breeding grounds, so a dedicated band of hunters are drawn in the opposite direction to engage the clamouring skeins on their wintering feeding grounds. So it was in early November, when the ‘Essex Boys’ headed north for our annual three-day goose hunt with Steve Rogers of Orkney Shooting Holidays.

The Orkney Isles are a wildfowler’s dream, with farms and landscapes unchanged for decades, the stresses and strains of modern life having seemingly overlooked this rugged outpost. With no natural predators, ground-nesting birds such as geese and duck breed well, with any number of secluded bays, lochs and ponds where they can feed in peace.

The island’s agriculture consists mainly of grazing, with the occasional barley crop to supplement the cattle’s feed requirements and supply their bedding.

This brings the geese into direct conflict with the farmers, as they love nothing more than the tender shoots of new grass leys. This has resulted in a local bylaw that allows shot geese to be sold into the food chain, and a pre-season cull to attempt to keep numbers under control. I have to say,

The light improves reluctantly the geese appear to be winning this battle judging by the number seen moving in the sky at dawn and dusk, and the parties seen feeding on the fields during our journeys to and from the hotel.

Flying into Kirkwall on an evening arrival, we were met by Steve. We were soon quizzing him on our prospects for the coming days. A good goose guide will not want to get your hopes too high, nor appear too negative, either. All he would say is there were plenty of geese about, all that was needed was a bit of windy weather and a party of guns that could actually hit the damned things. We were reasonably confident the second requirement would be met, the first being in the lap of the gods.

Little did we know at the time that the second requirement was to prove much harder to deliver than anticipated. Once we

Peter and friends had another great shooting holiday in beautiful and remote Orkney 20 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

had settled into our rooms at the Orkney Hotel, attention turned to the weather forecast for the next three days. The following day looked most likely to offer the best opportunity, with 25mph winds all day.

Sleep is always difficult on the first night, as anticipation is high and you constantly wake up to check the alarm. Can it only be an hour since I last checked? The alarm is seldom needed, anyway, so 5 o’clock saw the four of us mustered outside the hotel to be greeted by driving rain swirling round the street lights by the fierce wind.

Mystery tour It is one of the delights of this trip to be whisked off in Steve’s truck, in the pitch dark, down a maze of roads and farm tracks to who knows where, eventually pulling up in an isolated farmyard before following him out to his chosen field. This particular field was an oat stubble with a few strips of unharvested crop that the geese had an uncanny ability to find. Hopes were high, because even in the dim light of our head torches we could see evidence of a heavy goose presence, with droppings everywhere and paddle marks in the numerous wet spots. With the decoys out, we were soon tucked into a convenient ditch, the easing rain on our backs.

As the light reluctantly improved, we could take stock of our surroundings. The field was much smaller than originally thought, and the decoys not showing up very well in the thick stubble. The distant call of greylag kept us on high alert but, to be honest, there is probably not a farm on the whole of Orkney where the call of a goose cannot be heard at any given time of day. Suddenly, a call sounded much closer, making us grip our guns tighter.

A single goose was approaching up the ditch line. Surely one of us despatching it was just a formality. Warren and I missed it unceremoniously, not the start we had hoped for, though, in our defence, we were all using unfamiliar guns.

Skeins of greylag were on the move now, battling the wind to top the brow of the www.shootinguk.co.uk

Goose shooting

IN THE FIELD

A good bag of greylags was had in Orkney

slope in front of us. Most were interested in our field but were reluctant to commit fully to the decoys, landing tantalisingly just out of range. Inevitably, some misjudged it and we started to knock a few down at extreme range. However, it was obvious we were wasting what was the flight of a lifetime.

Eventually, we decided to abandon the decoys, moving to the top of the field where

“The distant call of greylag kept us on high alert”

we knelt behind the scantiest of cover, as the geese continued to flood over us in skeins of anything from a dozen to a hundred birds.

Though the wind was keeping them low, as soon as we moved to shoot, they were catapulted backwards in an instant, making truly difficult targets.

At the end of it, we were all exhausted by the adrenaline rush and humbled by our performances. Robbie was so disappointed with the way he had shot that he went straight to the local gunshop after breakfast to hire an over-and-under more to his liking.

Space does not allow me to describe every flight, but each and every one added another memory to be cherished when I am too old to fly north to hunt the grey geese.

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Book a trip • If you would like more details, please contact Steve Rogers on 07766 604295 or email him at: info@orkneyshootingholidays.com • Shooting costs £100 per person per flight, and the hotel is around £55 per single room, bed and breakfast.

• All birds shot are expected to be taken home with you. Steve provides a processing service that will turn birds into sausages or burgers all couriered to your home address in due course. I guarantee that if you have any wildfowling blood in your veins you will not be disappointed visiting this place.

FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 21

IN THE FIELD

Deer stalking

Come rain or shine, professional stalkers have to be out there to try to control the deer, says Jon Snowdon

LES GIBBON / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO, CHRIS HOWES/WILD PLACES PHOTOGRAPHY / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

A brief encounter

S

talkers are a funny lot. We keep in touch and invariably ask questions such as: “How’s the rut going?” Or: “Have you seen much movement?” Most of these conversations between us are because the questioner is experiencing a difficult period and needs reassurance that they are not alone. One of the questions I am often asked and always makes me smile is: “Are the deer moving?”

The answer to which is: “Yes, but I am b******* if I know where.”

To date, especially on most of my ground, there are two words that can be used to sum up the present conditions: wet and windy.

Weather can either help or hinder the stalker with their job on all of the species, but with roe deer the weather is a prime player in the success or otherwise of the enterprise.

Hunters who are stalking recreationally may not be so affected by the conditions, especially if they have the choice of when they can choose to go. That said, there is no doubt that time spent on the ground is the most important factor for success.

On the other hand, the professional deer manager is out all the time and weather conditions can have a huge effect on cull results. So far, the weather up here in Northumberland has not helped at all. Wet

“Deer are always alert to the direction of where danger may appear” 22 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

and windy conditions are about the worst a deer manager can wake up to, and we can’t look out and decide it’s not worth the candle on any particular day.

The ‘show’ must go on regardless, and whatever the conditions we have to be out there trying to achieve the cull.

In such poor conditions, the deer manager needs to call upon all of their experience to decide where, given the wind directions and wet conditions, the roe deer are most likely to be.

Wind, in particular, makes roe deer very alert. Deer rely on scent, hearing and picking up sight of movement to keep safe. Windy conditions, especially in woodland, create a huge amount of noise that can mask the deer’s ability to be alerted to any unnatural sounds a stalker can make. Indeed, a certain amount of wind and subsequent noise it creates can be an invaluable aid to the hunter by www.shootinguk.co.uk

Deer stalking Deer are easily spooked and stalkers need to move with care

IN THE FIELD

Tasks in hand It will be a busy start to the year as we have a large area to survey and organise sights for a number of high seats and butts. This also has to fit in with the future woodland plan, so discussions will take place about that. Topics such as where we need clearings to allow us access and create deer hot spots to enable us to control the population, and how to monitor the control sites that have been erected. Woodland planning needs careful consideration of long-term aims.

hiding their footfall. In still conditions the deer manager needs to be so careful in his fieldcraft – every single brush ground cover or snapped twig can be a giveaway.

Dangers A recent weekend in December saw the conditions very windy but it was safe to go to the woods. In some extreme winds it is just

Woodland can be a dangerous place to venture into during a big storm

not safe to go in. Next time you experience these conditions, take a look in the woods when they have abated and you will see the forest floor covered in debris; often very large branches and even complete trees can come down. It is therefore no place to be in the thick of a gale.

My colleague Dean was up for the weekend to try to add to the cull figures and the discussion over an evening dram was where to head the following morning.

He has always mentioned an area around an old quarry that was probably last used more than 100 years ago. It is now an alluring mature mixed wooded area on the side of a gorge. It is a pleasing example of an industrial site that has been abandoned and reclaimed by nature.

The last time Dean was up he went in there to prepare a path that would enable him to quietly get to a mound on southeastern side of what was now a glade.

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He was convinced we needed a different approach into that site.

Deer soon become aware of routes that walkers and stalkers take through their domain and are always alert to the direction of where danger may appear; it is how they survive. Successful managers have to be innovative and often take a different approach, one that deer are least likely to suspect.

Dean’s chosen route joined a narrow unused path that had the rising gorge to his right, covered by deciduous woodland and thick pine to the left, descending steeply down to the burn below. Over the years he had found that in certain winds, even high ones, this area was sheltered despite the roar of the wind through the top of the trees above. He stalked along the path, full of slots (deer tracks), stopping frequently to glass the area of pines below. There would be no point observing the bank side on his right – even if a deer appeared, there would be no safe backstop for the shot.

Encounter He heard rustle of fallen leaves to his right and thought that the beggars may be moving above him where they seem to know they are safe. He slowly turned his head to look up the bank only to see a pheasant scratching around on the top.

Still that got the adrenalin flowing. Every movement in this spot has to be slow; the deer are often really close and can spot even the slightest movement.

He then came toward the end of the track and stopped again before moving into the more open area. Dean rested his binoculars on his sticks and looked down the bank to his left when he spotted the white backside of a deer way below him, moving almost parallel to his route. Worse luck, it was FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 23

IN THE FIELD

Deer stalking Jon’s new dog is a teckel

What’s it all about?

WILLIAM HARVEY / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO, PAUL QUAGLIANA

A roe buck in prime winter condition

a buck. I’ll rephrase that: it was THE buck.

This boy sauntered nonchalantly up the bank into the clearing, his body full of muscle and a shiny winter coat only 10yd from the now immobile stalker taking in every detail.

This master buck has been in this area for at least four years and I estimate he must be around seven or eight by now. He is wily, experienced and certainly nobody’s fool. His recently cast antlers had started growing. The short new growth covered in velvet, the protective layer that grows on the outside of developing antlers. He had thick pedicles (the bone of the skull from which the antlers grow), substantial coronets already forming (the crown that forms at the base of the antler) and he was in wonderful condition.

He was totally in charge and unaware of the person observing every detail of his magnificence to the point where he stopped and took obvious pleasure in gently scratching his forehead on a hanging branch, just like a dog having its ears scratched. It may not have been what Dean was hoping for but what a memory of such a close encounter with the beast.

Over the past four to five years we have 24 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

seen this buck once or twice a year. He has won this spot by pushing out a past worthy opponents and aggressively held it in the following seasons. Having the opportunity to watch this Goliath mere yards away, his dominance can be understood. It will need a capable opponent to push him out and I doubt it is going to happen next year. I wonder when we will see him again?

After Alfie’s unexpected demise it feels like I have a limb missing. Thank you to all who contacted me with their commiserations. Many have even called him a legend, and the big lad certainly deserves that accolade.

We have to move on and with that in mind we have viewed some pups and should be collecting a new member of the family to train as my deer dog to join us after Christmas. My choice, which I have to say took some serious thought, is a surprise to many, me included.

The boss wanted a border terrier, and I have seen them work well on deer. We have come to a compromise and decided on a teckel. It is from European stock and if the parents are anything to go by, the pup should be promising. Please let no one dare to call it a dachshund or worse, a sausage dog. Watch this space as I have a feeling that it will be an interesting year.

ANDREA’S RECIPE

Sweet and sour venison steaks A flavoursome winter warmer

Ingredients

Method

1lb middle-cut venison loin ● 1∕4 pt tomato ketchup ● 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce ● 2oz butter ● 2 tbsp cider vinegar ● 1 orange, sliced ● 1 onion, finely chopped ● ½ tsp quatre épices, or you can use ground ginger instead.

Preheat the oven to 220ºC Heat a dry frying pan until hot then sear the meat in the hot pan so that it is golden brown on all sides. Leave to rest on a warm plate while you make the sauce.

Put all the other ingredients in a small pan and boil them for about 10 minutes, stirring so that they don’t burn.

Put the meat into a roasting tin and pour the sauce over the top. Cook in the oven for about 10 minutes. Baste the meat regularly with the sauce. When it is cooked to your liking remove from the oven and carve into steaks.

The final result will be a lovely sticky coating to the outside of each steak.

●

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IN THE FIELD

Rough shooting

It’s not all in the bag A great day’s shooting should not be all about bag size, argues Nick Ridley — there is far more to it than that

A

NICK RIDLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

few weeks ago, my rough shooting syndicate had just finished shooting at one of our favourite estates and we got talking to the gamekeeper about shot-to-kill ratios and the difference between walked-up and driven shooting.

The keeper expressed his view that on a walked-up day he would expect a ratio of two to one. I must admit we all burst out laughing – surely he was having a joke or we were just really awful shots… which, in any event, may have been a fair comment.

Only last weekend I was shooting in an ancient Dorset woodland. The cover was pretty hard going, with low-growing bramble in sedge reeds, whose only purpose was to give cover to the pheasants and tangle and trip anyone trying to get a shot at one that a spaniel had extradited from its cosy refuge.

Couple that with the fact that a tree seemed to jump up right in front of me just as I mounted my gun and pulled the trigger, it was challenging to say the least. At the end of the day I had emptied 31 cartridges

Is the size of the bag really that important?

26 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

of number five lead for just four birds in the bag, a shot ratio of 7.75 to 1. I wasn’t in the least bit disappointed, it had probably been the best day of my season so far, the dog had worked really hard and I personally enjoy the challenge of shooting in such tricky and exciting conditions.

Time to re-evaluate On the way home I got to thinking about how we perhaps need to re-evaluate what constitutes a good day’s shooting. So often on social media we see images of large bags of birds and that seems to indicate a good day. Most shoots sell their days by a ‘so many bird day’.

However on one shoot where I go beating, the final bag is not the defining figure but the shot count.

This particular shoot works on an 800shot day, and once the Guns have reached that figure (give or take) their day is done, regardless of how many birds they have managed to connect with. Because this is an established shoot, the gamekeeper has been

hooting

IN THE FIELD

Walking-up the birds is all part of the fun able to take the figures from each drive and work out an overall average for the shoot, which in this particular case is four to one, so if the Guns are really “on it” they will be aiming for a 200-bird day.

Now here’s a thought: when catching up with our shooting buddies on a Saturday evening the first question many of us ask will

“The first thing many of us ask will be what was the bag?” be “what was the bag today” or “how many did you shoot today”? When I come home, I always count my empties and in terms of shooting that is my indication of how good or bad my day was. Of course, in my particular case the enjoyment of my day is also dictated by how many flushes and retrieves my dog gets. How many times have you heard a disgruntled Gun moan about the fact he or she only shot a nominal number of birds?

A tree leapt out in front as I tried to pull the trigger…

Pulling the trigger equals more fun FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 27

IN THE FIELD

Rough shooting

Getting shots away is more fun than simply racking up a big bag

Next time ask them how many shots they fired – I bet in some cases they won’t even know. Some simulated game days are based on the number of shots fired in conjunction with the number of clays thrown over the Guns. The emphasis is on ‘pulling the trigger – equals – more fun’.

With walked-up shooting I would suggest it is really difficult to put an average shot ratio on any day. Each time you head out into the field, game will present itself at a different location, head off in a different direction, and without any doubt make the maximum use of any cover or obstruction to

prevent you from getting a clean shot. On average I will walk around eight to 10 miles on a walked-up day over varying terrain, and trying to keep my concentration can be difficult at times. Shots have to be taken quickly and I have the attitude that I will always have a go, and on more than one occasion I have surprised myself when I have seen a bird fall to the ground.

Does it matter?

However, all that said you have got to be looking at an average ratio of around seven or eight to one on any walked-up day. I have

had days when I can’t miss anything but I have also had days when I have missed every shot I have taken. If you throw a few woodcock or snipe flushes into the equation you could be heading into double figures.

The bottom line is, does it really matter how many birds are in the bag at the end of the day? Surely the emphasis should be on spending time with like-minded folk in the great British countryside, enjoying our chosen pastime. I wonder if we will ever see shoots advertise days along the lines of “Wiggley Wonk Game Shoot offers a 600shot day – the bag will be what it will be…”

NICK RIDLEY PHOTOGRAPHYY

The emphasis should be on spending time with like-minded folk

28 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

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RECIPE

Currying flavour Another hot recipe from Stanbury’s restaurant at the West London Shooting School

PHEASANT CURRY SERVES 4

Method 1

Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil ● 1 large onion (roughly sliced) ● 3 pheasant breasts (cut into small chunks) ● 1 garlic clove (roughly chopped) ● 3 tsp mild curry powder ● 3 tsp garam masala ● 1 tsp turmeric ● 1 tsp mango chutney ● 400g tinned tomatoes ● 400g coconut milk ● Small bunch of coriander (finely chopped) ●

2

3

4

5

6

Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the onions until golden Add the pheasant breast to the pan and cook until golden. Add the garlic Add the spices and mango chutney to the pan and mix well.

Pour over the tin of tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes Pour in the coconut milk and simmer the curry until the sauce has reduced by half Sprinkle the chopped coriander over the curry and serve with basmati rice or naan bread.

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FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 31

IN THE FIELD

Quarry Guide

The bird is perhaps an unexpected entry here, but drives were once popular, says Charles Smith-Jones

Coot Fulica atra

ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

I

t may seem odd to regard the coot as a quarry species, even though it has an open season and can end up on the game cart every now and then. Their flight is slow and laboured, preceded by a long pattering run across the surface of the water before taking to the air with legs trailing, and then generally not going far before landing again. The target offered is low flying with the water surface offering an additional ricochet hazard. Coots are reluctant to fly and need a great deal of persuasion to do so; more often they will dive to escape, swimming underwater propelled by powerful, semi-webbed feet, to resurface some distance away.

Although many sportsmen leave the coot alone these days, this has not always been the case. The coot drive used to be a major public event and entire communities would take part. On Hickling Broad in Norfolk, one was famously held every St George’s Day, 23 April, this being before the imposition of a close season, and anyone with a gun could take part. Shooters were divided into land and boat parties, the boats spreading out in a line to drive the birds on the water to the waiting guns lining the banks, at which point the birds would finally find themselves trapped and attempt to fly wildly in all Only the first few eggs laid will

directions. Huge bags were recorded, the biggest one taken on a public shoot being 910 coot in 1901, although this was eclipsed by the 1,175 birds shot by just 10 guns on a private day in February 1927. Elsewhere, a staggering 1,700 coot were shot by a party of 20 guns at Slapton Ley in Devon in January 1891. One can only guess at the casualties and near misses among the guns and beaters dealing with such low-flying targets.

The expression ‘bald as a coot’ clearly comes from the obvious white frontal shield above the beak, although ‘daft as a coot’ is rather more difficult to explain. It dives readily, making a small jump before submerging to pick up food items that are brought back to the surface to be eaten.

Larger items are often shaken well before being swallowed. Although it usually gives the impression of being a poor flyer, the coot is capable of covering large distances.

It is mainly resident in Britain although our numbers are reinforced by regular winter migrants. Elsewhere, and especially among Asian populations, it is known to undertake some long migrations to warmer regions when forced to by freezing waters.

Coots are noisy birds, making a variety of calls – the sharp and repetitive nature of which is reflected in their name. They

can also be particularly aggressive towards others of their species. Both rivals and trespassers that stray too close to nest sites can be dealt with severely if they do not take heed of the initial warning posture of wings held high and neck outstretched. Then, if the intruder does not back off a violent attack is launched using both the beak and powerful legs, while the wings are used to unbalance the opponent as its breast is pecked and clawed at. The weaker bird is eventually forced onto its back or even underwater before escaping.

Coots can also be brutal parents. A chick that begs persistently for food, especially at times when the parent is finding it difficult to provide enough, can be pecked at repeatedly until it stops, often resulting in the chick starving to death or actually being killed by an excessively hard bite. They are also known to lay their eggs in the nests of other coots to improve their breeding potential. On www.shootinguk.co.uk

Quarry Guide

IN THE FIELD

COOT FACTS

The breast of an opponent is pecked and clawed at

average, only the first few eggs laid produce surviving chicks that, hatching at the daily rate at which they are laid, have a large growth advantage over siblings born a week or so later. It makes sense then for a female

coot to sneak an egg into the nest of another where it might hatch earlier than in her own.

The coot used to be a popular table bird but today has something of a reputation for strongly flavoured, muddy tasting

“The coot drive used to be a major public event and whole communities would take part”

Flight is preceded by a long pattering run

meat; most shooters, I suspect, have never considered trying it and have been put off by its appearance and cosmopolitan diet.

The coot does have its supporters, however, who recommend that it needs to be cleaned soon after shooting with special attention to removing the rather strong-smelling internal fat if the flesh is not to be tainted. But it should not be dismissed out of hand – you may possibly be in for a pleasant surprise.

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DISTRIBUTION: Widespread across Europe, Australia, Asia, New Zealand and parts of northern Africa UK DISTRIBUTION: Common on freshwater lowland habitats across the UK IUCN RED LIST STATUS: Least concern, world population increasing HABITAT: Lakes, ponds and streams or larger stretches of slow-flowing water. Outside the breeding season birds will congregate in large flocks FOOD: Omnivorous; will take a variety of small, live prey, including worms, molluscs and small amphibians, the eggs of other ground-nesting birds, seeds, fruit, algae and other vegetation, including aquatic plants BREEDING: Territories are established at the beginning of the breeding season when birds pair up with much calling and simple displays. The male often chooses the nest site NESTING: The bulky nest, constructed from grasses and reeds, is built close to the water’s edge or a suitable support on the water CLUTCH SIZE: Normally 6-10 eggs.

Two or three broods may be produced each season INCUBATION TIME: 21-26 days LENGTH (AVERAGE): 38cm WINGSPAN (AVERAGE): 75cm WEIGHT (AVERAGE): Males 900g, females 780g AVERAGE LIFESPAN: Around 7 years, although up to 18 years has been recorded FLIGHT SPEED: Around 30mph, though laboured and usually only for short distances SHOOTING SEASON England, Wales and Scotland 1 September-31 January Protected in Northern Ireland

Coots will lay eggs in the nests of other coots

FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 33

Rabbit control

Ed Cook says his job would be much more difficult and time-consuming without his lurchers, and considers when a dog is in its prime

IN THE FIELD

A good dog is more useful than 100 human helpers

I

have had the privilege to work with some pretty handy dogs over the years as part of my job. I feel lucky to have formed such ‘man’s best friend’ partnerships, which as well as being integral to me doing my work successfully, have seen me share some unforgettable adventures.

Many of these dogs have helped me adapt and streamline how I have gone about my work and, as a result, have been responsible for me being engaged for certain jobs when I might otherwise not have been.

Most of the dogs have been collie-based lurchers but there have been a few other ‘makes’ along the way. True, they haven’t all warranted legendary status but I’ve always been of the view that ‘perfect dogs’ don’t exist and are limited to fiction, fairy tales and a few too many shandies at the local inn.

ANDREW SYDENHAM

Attributes We all have different ideas as to what makes the perfect dog, depending on what we want the dog to be and the tasks that we intend it to do. I kill rabbits for a living – not a flash existence but a canine partner when attuned to my needs and trained is more useful to me than 100 human helpers.

It takes time and a considerable amount of experience and quarry-chasing hours for a dog to get to a point where it is truly reliable and efficient at the task of rabbit control.

But at what stage is a dog at its best – at its peak of efficiency and reliability? When does it have its own style and the best catch rate?

Many lurcher people are obsessed with dogs bred for speed, others for stamina and agility, which needless to say can help catch rabbits and such like. These, however, are no trade-off for experience. Regular work in the field produces some good animals, which is why I try my best to create a bond with such a long-term ‘business partner’.

I almost find it offensive when I hear of dogs being passed on at young ages for all sorts of trivial things — if people only had the patience to stick by the dogs they would more than likely blossom into very

“It takes time for a dog to get to a point where it is truly reliable” efficient helpers. However, if they are passed from pillar to post they will not realise their potential and can often end up in less than pleasant circumstances. There are people who regularly trade dogs because of their supposed faults without considering that perhaps it is they who are the problem.

Know-how To my mind, a lurcher is at its best at between the ages of six and 10. True enough, the dog won’t have the turn of speed it had at 18 months but given regular work it will

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have the knowledge to put rabbits in the bag without having to exert itself like it once did.

Riot, my collie-saturated lurcher, is about six now and I can see her blossoming.

She hasn’t got the speed to catch a rabbit fleeing across a field when ferreting, but she seldom needs to. Like her ancestor Red, she has nearly perfected the art of snatching rabbits as the leave the hole following the exertions of the ferrets. This proves to be a lot more successful than a dog that relies on speed alone. And if I’m happy with her that’s all that matters.

FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 35

Instruction

How to get a sniff of a fox page 42 Improve with skeet page 44 Act on your cast page 48

Geoff Garrod looks at how to find the right range for shooting pigeons – too

close and they won’t be fit to eat, too far away and you will miss or prick them

Judging distance ust like comedy, timing is everything when pigeon shooting. For somebody new to the sport, judging the distance and right time to make your move and mount your gun can make all the difference to the success of the shot.

Standing up too early when the pigeon is still way out from your pattern will almost certainly spook the bird and cause it to jink. A pigeon changing direction at speed and distance is just about the hardest shot in the book. More often than not, this will result in a miss, and the chances of getting a ‘left and right’ are almost non-existent.

Mounting your gun too late can see the bird

RICHARD FAULKS

J

too close for a sensible shot, and can ruin the meat and render the bird unfit for the table.

Here are a couple of tips that may help you successfully bag more birds.

Decoying Many a day’s decoying can be doomed from the first moment you arrive at your chosen field. I’m going to presume that you’ve done all your reconnaissance and have located a good spot to shoot – where the birds are feeding, you know the flight lines, and have checked the weather. You’ve built the perfect hide and are ready to put your decoys out.

Whatever pattern I use, and where I leave

a hole in the pattern for decoying birds to land, can vary depending on the wind, sun and how the birds are feeding. The one thing that won’t vary when I set up is the maximum distance of the decoys from the hide.

There sometimes seems to be a misunderstanding in my book as to what decoying is all about. For me, it’s about fooling the woodies into coming over to your pattern and committing to landing at a distance that gives me the best shot at the perfect range for a good, clean ethical kill.

It’s not about seeing how far away you can kill a pigeon. Clean, consistent kills are what I’m after. So, judging the distance of the

Geoff lines up his first target as the pigeons arrive 36 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

www.shootinguk.co.uk

Pigeon shooting

INSTRUCTION

approaching bird is essential. With my hide built, I imagine a 25-yard semi-circle in front of it. For me, any bird from 20-35yd is at a perfect range and in my ‘kill zone’ for the choke and cartridge combination I use, which is 3∕4 choke and Eley 30-32g No. 6 shot fibre wad.

Some very talented shots may be able to increase these ranges, but the vast majority will have to be honest with themselves and settle on a range that fits their talent. I’ve often had comments about how close to the hide my decoys are – “Why would you want to make life harder for yourself?” is my reply.

This game is all about consistency and not getting one show-stopping shot at 50yd and missing the other 10 you fired at. You certainly need to re-assess things if you start pricking birds. I know woodpigeons are classed as vermin, but they’re also living creatures and should be treated with respect like any other live quarry. Clean kills are what we’re after.

Early kills can be used to extend the decoy field

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FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 37

INSTRUCTION

Pigeon shooting

Poised and ready for the first birds

“This game is all about consistency, not getting one show-stopping shot” I pace out 25 yards from the front of the hide and place my first decoy. All decoys after that I place closer to the hide in whatever pattern seems to suit the day.

When you place that first decoy, take a moment to stand and look back at your hide.

I find this really useful – firstly to check how visible the hide is, but also to get a feel for the placement of the pattern and make sure you can shoot in that direction comfortably.

When I sit down in the hide, it’s easy for me now to have a visual reference from the furthest decoy to the approaching birds. If they’re very close to or over the pattern I can

Make sure your cartridges are ready for action

38 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

be absolutely confident they are killable.

If there are two or three approaching, let the first couple get well into the decoys and shoot the furthest one as it comes into range.

That way you’ll have the best chance of a ‘left and right’ – you may even get a third if you’re like me and shoot a semi-auto, but focus on your first shot. One on the ground is the priority, two or three is a bonus.

more difficult for them to change direction and they’re in your ‘killing zone’.

The only thing to watch is that you start to pick-up any birds that have been shot and landed outside your 25-yard zone to stop the pattern growing too much. Not every

Body language Over the years you’ll start to be able to read the body language of the birds as they approach. From a distance the pigeons will be using their keen eyesight to check the general area for danger. You need to stay very still and concealed at this point – the slightest movement will usually be spotted.

When they are nearer you can see their heads start to look down at the decoys and they’re scanning and looking for a place to land. If they still like the look of your decoys and you’ve stayed still, their wings will go back, their legs will drop and finally they’ll start back-pedalling to lose speed.

At this point you can be sure they’re committed to landing and they should be over the pattern – this is the perfect moment to slowly and smoothly stand up and take your first shot. Their slower speed makes it

Geoff uses a cover crop as a hide time you shoot a bird, but just keep an eye on things and tidy up when you get a lull in the action. You can either use these birds to fill out the pattern or gather them in to cool off. Set up for success from the beginning, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to have a better day and keep the farmer happy. www.shootinguk.co.uk

COMPETITION

Fausti LX

WIN a Fausti You could be the lucky winner of this stunning new gun from premium Italian maker Fausti

T

his is your chance to win the shotgun used in the December issue’s gun test. It is one of the bestlooking game guns on the market today. Fausti’s Class LX is being given away

by Stag Country Sports and has a colour

case hardened action with gold inlay quail matched with a dark walnut oiled stock. A coin finish is also available. The gun comes with multichokes, meaning you can tailor the choke to the type of shooting you want to do.

Italian shotguns are not only renowned for

their design but also for their handling and the Class LX is no exception. It is beautifully balanced, making target acquisition effortless. You would be proud to be seen in the field with the Fausti Class LX and this is your chance to get one free.

Fausti LX competition

HOW TO ENTER

All you have to do is attach tokens two and three (which will be in the January and February issues) to this form and then send it to: Sporting Gun Fausti Competition, Pinehurst 2, Pinehurst Road, Farnborough Business Park, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 7BF.

Name Address Postcode Email address Phone number By submitting your information, you agree to our Privacy Policy available at www.ti-media.com/privacy/.

Please keep me up to date with special offers and news from Sporting Gun and other brands within the TI Media Limited group by sending me the Sporting Gun newsletter messages by email , post , telephone and/or SMS . You can unsubscribe at any time.

ATTACH TOKEN 1 HERE

ATTACH TOKEN 2 HERE

Collect token from December issue

Collect token from January issue

40 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

and other

TOKEN 3 HERE is is Token 3

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worth £2620

NICK RIDLEY

COMPETITIONTERMS

This actual gun could be in your hands soon

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The promoter of this competition is Stag Country Sports/Fausti UK (‘Promoter’), which has its registered offices located at: 35 Terry Dicken Industrial Estate, Station Road, Stokesley TS9 7AE, a company registered in England and Wales under company number 5133044.

This competition is administered and fulfilled by TI Media Limited (‘TI’), which has its registered offices located at 3rd Floor, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP and is a company registered in England and Wales under company number 53626.

This competition will open on 31 October 2019 and the closing date is 8 February 2020. There will be one winner of this competition. The winner will win the following prize: one Fausti Class LX shotgun as used in the gun test in the December 2019 issue.

The winner is responsible for expenses and arrangements not specifically included in the prize, including any necessary travel documents, passports and visas.

The winner must hold a valid UK shotgun certificate, which must be presented to the Promoter upon, or prior to, collection of the prize. The winner is solely responsible for obtaining a valid gun licence and any other requirements required by law in relation to the use and ownership of firearms. By receipt of the shotgun, you hereby agree to release and hold harmless TI and the Promoter from and against any claim or cause of action, including, but not limited to, personal injury, death, or damage to property, arising out of participation in the competition or receipt, use, or misuse of the shotgun.

TI or the Promoter may from time to time be requested to provide information to government bodies (including without limitation the police) with regards to the supply of the shotgun to the winner, and you hereby consent to us doing so.

This competition is free to enter and no purchase is necessary. This competition is open to residents in the UK (excluding Northern Ireland) aged eighteen (18) or over, excluding employees and past employees of the Promoter and TI, their printers and agents and anyone materially connected to the administration of this competition. Proof of eligibility must be provided upon request.

This competition will run in the December 2019 January and February 2020 issue of Sporting Gun. To enter this competition, you must send the completed form printed in the magazine — with the coupons printed in the December, January and February issues of Sporting Gun attached — to Sporting Gun Fausti Competition, TI Media Ltd, Pinehurst 2, Pinehurst Road, Farnborough Business Park, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 7BF, by the closing date.

You can only enter this competition as described above. Entry made online using methods generated by a script, macro or the use of automated devices will be void. Entries that are incomplete, illegible, or indecipherable will be deemed void. Use of a false name or address will result in disqualification.

Only one entry per person may be submitted. All entries will become the property of TI and will not be returned. TI and Promoter accept no responsibility for entries unsuccessfully submitted. No responsibility can be accepted for entries lost, damaged or delayed in the post, or due to computer error in transit.

Entries must be made directly by the person entering this competition. By submitting an entry, you agree to be bound by these Competition Terms.

The winner will be drawn at random from all correct entries received by the closing date. The decision of TI is final and no correspondence will be entered into over this decision.

Winner will be notified by email OR telephone on or before 15 February 2020. Stag Country Sports/Fausti UK invites the winner to collect the prize from Stag Country Sports.

Reasonable efforts will be made to contact the winner. If the winner cannot be contacted within seven days, or if the winner is unable to comply with these Competition Terms, TI reserves the right to offer the prize to the next eligible entrant drawn at random, or in the event that this competition is being judged, to offer the prize to the runner(s)-up selected by the same judges.

Failure to respond and/or provide information requested, or failure to meet the eligibility requirements, may result in forfeiture of the prize.

Prizes are subject to availability and the prize supplier’s terms and conditions. The prize is as stated, is not transferable to another individual and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. The prize cannot be used in conjunction with any other special offer. TI accepts no responsibility whatsoever for elements of the prize being withdrawn. In the event of the prize being unavailable, TI and Promoter reserve the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value.

TI and Promoter reserve the right to amend or alter the terms of competitions at any time and reject entries from entrants not entering into the spirit of this competition. Competitions may be modified or withdrawn at any time.

Insofar as is permitted by law, TI and Promoter, their agents or distributors will not in any circumstances be responsible or liable to compensate the winner(s) or accept any liability for any loss, damage, personal injury or death occurring as a result of taking up the prize except where it is caused by the negligence of TI and/or Promoter, their agents or distributors or that of their employees. Your statutory rights are not affected.

If you are a winner of this competition, you agree that TI and Promoter may use your name, photograph and town or county of residence to announce the winner of this competition and for any other reasonable and related promotional purposes, and you agree to co-operate with any other reasonable requests by TI and Promoter relating to any post-winning publicity.

FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 41

INSTRUCTION

Foxing Cunning as a fox: you need to keep your wits about you

Gone with the wind The rural fox is a canny beast – you need to head in the right direction or your quarry will get a whiff of what you are up to and be off, says Patrick Hook

JEROME MURRAY - CC / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO, PATRICK HOOK

U

rban foxes are so used to mankind they almost completely ignore us but their country cousins need little more than the slightest whiff of human before they’re off over the horizon.

Getting yourself positioned correctly with regard to the wind is therefore of critical importance to anyone who wants to get close to Monsieur Le Reynard.

On some days there is little doubt as to what the breeze is doing – it’s strong and consistent, blowing from one direction all day and night. Under these circumstances, things can be relatively straightforward.

On other occasions, however, it can chop and change in moments, and always

seemingly just as you’re about to close in on your quarry.

There is a third variation on the theme, and that is when there doesn’t seem to be any wind at all. This can be one of the most frustrating situations, and you can never be quite sure where your scent trail is going without resorting to special tricks.

Check the breeze The simplest is to lick the back of your hand and then hold it up in the air – any breeze cools it, giving you a clue where it is coming from. Some people use a finger but I find this doesn’t always give you as good an indication. Another method is to find some fine debris such as dry grass or leaf

“The breeze can chop and change, and always just as you are homing in on your quarry” 42 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

Scent disperses more quickly in open areas but will flow downhill litter and throw it up in the air. Watching where it drifts then tells you what you need to know.

When it’s been raining or snowing this doesn’t work, as there’s rarely any dry material to be found. Under these circumstances it pays to have planned ahead by having your own solution in your pocket. This can either be a bag of suitable chaff, such as crushed straw or a small bottle of talcum powder. A puff of the latter www.shootinguk.co.uk

Foxing Ground scent won’t cross water but air scent will

will immediately catch on the wind. Some outlets, particularly in the US, market it as a product called the ‘Windicator’.

Visual clues Another indication of wind direction is to watch the trees, though if you’re hunting in the dark such visual clues will be of little use.

A trick for the winter months and the colder temperatures is to huff out a chestful of hot air and track where it goes by lighting it up with your night vision’s infra-red illuminator.

Something else worth taking into consideration is that the breeze will often ‘fall’ over hills towards the valley bottom, even if this is against the predominant wind direction. It will also flow around hedges, trees and buildings if they are in the way.

This can lead to a very confusing picture.

I had a recent experience when I drove to one side of a valley so that I could stop and observe the other. I stood and watched for a

few minutes, and although I could see rabbit or two, at first nothing bigger was visible.

Gradually, however, a hot shape appeared through the thermal from behind some trees.

Bingo! Time to move on.

Since there was no access through the river between us, I jumped back in the truck and drove around to an appropriate point on the other side of the valley.

Once parked, I went at a brisk pace to get in position but as I began to descend the hill towards my quarry, I realised that the wind had shifted direction and if I wasn’t careful, I’d spook it before I got anywhere close.

Knowing that the field in question has several large dips, I quickly changed course and worked my way below where I believed my target to be. That way it didn’t matter what the breeze did, I’d still be well off its axis. From there on it was a matter of moving slowly and scanning regularly. A minute or so later I had the sticks up, took my shot and

INSTRUCTION

Patricks’s Top Tips • Do your best to keep the wind in your face as that way you’ll be approaching from downwind • Avoid wearing anything perfumed, as it will signal your presence long before you arrive if it catches on the wind • Putting down smelly bait can help mask your own scent • Remember, it is not where the wind is blowing where you are that counts but what it is doing where your quarry is. This may not be the same thing • When there’s little sign of a breeze, light debris (chaff) or talc can be used with good effect to determine which direction it’s blowing in • There are two basic types of scent – that which travels in the air, and that which lies on the ground.

Unfortunately for us, foxes are adept at distinguishing both • I have seen foxes turn tail the moment they’ve encountered my (ground) scent trail, even though it was an hour old • Airborne scents tend to disperse quickly in open areas, but those at the bottom of a valley can be trapped for some time, especially if there’s a lot of cover to block the wind

it was game over. Had I not been monitoring the wind there’s little doubt in my mind that I’d have lost that particular battle.

Remember, the wind where you are that counts but the wind where your quarry is, which may not be the same thing.

The breeze will flow around hedges and farm buildings

INSTRUCTION

Clay shooting

Tony Bracci explains the discipline of skeet shooting, a great way to improve your speed and accuracy

DANIEL GOULD

Get your skeets on

In English skeet you can start with the gun up or down ...

44 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

www.shootinguk.co.uk

INSTRUCTION

Clay shooting

T

his article is not intended to be a masterclass in skeet shooting, rather a brief explanation to encourage you to give it a go if you haven’t already

done so.

Skeet is a formal discipline and an Olympic sport at its highest level. It has a humble history starting when some American farmers wanted to practice wing shooting in the offseason. They started with one trap, shooting at 12 stations ‘around the clock’ to give a variety of angles to mimic wing shooting. After a dispute with a neighbour over falling shot they added a second trap and shot in a semicircle with seven equidistant stations, starting from station 1 at the high house and station 7 at the low house.

You can use any type of shotgun to shoot skeet, although shooting with a 32in trap gun with full and full choke may be a disadvantage. In the past skeet guns had short 26in barrels but nowadays most shoot with 28in or 30in barrels.

If you have a multi-choke gun, now’s the time to use those skeet chokes or the most open ones you have, as the targets are never too far away – it’s all about speed and angles rather than distance. Normal clay cartridges

SKEET RANGE

LOW 7

HIGH 6

1 5

4 2 3

The layout for an English skeet course, with seven positions around the arc of a semi-circle are fine, but if you have to buy some go for 9s – 28g for English, 24g for Olympic. A skeet vest is handy but a pouch will do – you have to carry enough shells for the whole round.

At each station there is a 0.9m square box marked on the ground, and your feet must be within the square. Most skeet ranges are run on CPSA grounds so a hat and safety glasses are a requirement.

“The targets are never far away; it’s all about speed and angles”

Sequence There is a set sequence to shooting a round of skeet, but if you’re just practising there is no reason why you can’t just try it out on any given stand when the ground is not holding a competition. The targets should be the same wherever you shoot. The stands are set in a semi-circle around two trap houses, the high house on the left and the low house on the right. Purists will call “pull” for a high-house bird, “mark” for a low-house bird and “pull” for a pair but you won’t get penalised for just calling “pull”.

… then move quickly into position as first clay flies

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FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 45

INSTRUCTION

Clay shooting

The set sequences for English skeet • Station 1: High house single, low house single and a pair taking high house first • Station 2: High house single, low house single and a pair taking high house first • Station 3: High house single and low house single • Station 4: High house single, low house single and a pair nominating which one you’re going to take first • Station 5: High house single and low house single • Station 6: High house single, low single and a pair taking the low house first • Station 7: Low single, high single and a pair taking the low house first Skeet can help you become a better wing shot

24 targets The round consists of 24 targets: the first target that you drop you have to shoot again, and if you get around ‘straight’ you can nominate your last target on station 7.

Olympic skeet has an additional station 8 situated on the diameter of the semi-circular layout, midway between the two skeet houses.

It also has a different sequence which is changed with each Olympic cycle.

In Olympic skeet you must start with the gun down with a line on your skeet vest, in English skeet you can start gun up or down.

If you hit a pair with one shot it is a foul and you shoot the pair again; the third time this happens the pair is scored first bird hit, second bird lost.

As with Sporting you should not load your gun until you are on the station, but there is a time limit to get on the stand and call for your target – there is nobody standing there with a stopwatch but you are expected to get on the stand when it’s your turn.

Skeet is usually shot in teams of five (though it can be less) but not more than six.

A round should take about 20-30 minutes and a competition consist of four rounds to give a score out of 100. A full set of rules can be downloaded from the CPSA website.

46 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

Taking a ‘double’ requires quick reaction times

As the targets are the same wherever you shoot them it is an excellent discipline for practice and competitive shooting. The key is to find the targets you have trouble with and work out a plan to sort the issues out.

Before long you will have a plan for all seven stations, with particular foot positions, gun-hold points and visual pick-up points for each station. Try taking the outgoing targets before the imaginary halfway marker and the incoming targets after the halfway marker, and this should help with the ‘doubles’.

For more information Tony Bracci is the deputy shooting manager at Bisley Shooting Ground.

For more information visit: www. bisleyshooting.co.uk or call Tel | +44 (0) 1483 797017

Many thanks to E. J. Churchill for its help with this article. For more information visit: www.ejchurchill.com or call 01494 883227 www.shootinguk.co.uk

Pump-action guns

INSTRUCTION

May the force be with you In the US pump-action shotguns are common, but in the UK they have haven’t really caught on.

Sporting Gun asks if it is time to change our mind

W

e British are a traditional bunch. Only in recent years have we finally accepted the presence of over-andunder shotguns on driven shoots. If you turned up at a shoot with a semi-auto or pump-action you would probably be asked to leave because it is considered somewhat unsporting to use three shots on game birds.

A lot of clay grounds don’t like pump-actions because they spit cartridges all over the place and, like semi-autos, it’s difficult to tell if a gun is unloaded.

However, the pump-action does have its place in the UK. Limited to three rounds on a UK shotgun certificate, the pump, like the semi-auto, has the advantage of that extra shot up the barrel that double-barrelled shotguns don’t have.

A pump-action shotgun is easy to maintain

It is often useful to have a third shot in the gun

Why use a pump?

So why use a pump-action over a semi-auto?

There are two main advantages of a pumpaction. First, semi-autos can be cartridge fussy. If the cartridge is too light to cycle the action on inertia-operated guns, then the gun won’t fire the second or third shot. A pump-action is cycled manually, so it doesn’t matter what load cartridge is used.

Second, a pump-action is easier to clean than a semi-auto with its intricate gas parts.

If you neglect to clean a semi-auto properly you will soon run into reliability issues.

A pump-action is often more robust and reliable than a semi-auto, but there are downsides to using one. It’s slower to cycle the action than a semi-auto or a doublebarrelled gun. Also, to reload you need to ‘pump’ the fore-end, which can cause you to come off aim if you require a follow–up shot. In addition, some people don’t pull the fore-end back far enough (known as a short stroke)

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and the gun doesn’t load or cock. Finally, a semi-auto’s action will soak up the recoil on heavy load and magnum cartridges, which a pump-action won’t.

Reliable alternative A three-shot pump-action is a good and reliable alternative to a semi-auto and you would use it in circumstances such as pigeon shooting, wildfowling or general pest control. The pump-action is more robust and reliable and allows you to use a wider variety of cartridges. Mossberg and Benelli are well known for their pump-actions, as is Winchester with its SXP, said to be one of the fastest-cycling pumps on the market.

Pump-actions are great value for money.

Prices start from around £350 new, with calibres ranging from .410 to 12 and 20-bore.

With guns that cheap you don’t have to worry too much about dropping them on the salty marshlands or in a dusty crop field. As long as you look after it, a pump-action will give years of service.

For more information * For more information on the Winchester SXP visit: winchesterguns.

F l e of pump-actions smanguncentre. k

FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 47

INSTRUCTION

Tuition

Line up your cast You need to get the measure of this to ensure your gun fits properly, says David Turner

I

n recent articles I have outlined some of the most important aspects of gun fit. The aim is to help newcomers have a clear understanding of how important it is and the implications of the wrong fit and how to make clear assessments.

Why do I need to understand cast?

You need to do this so that when your gun is mounted in the correct position, your dominant eye sits centrally over the rib without the need to move or roll your head in order to put it there. If the cast is wrong for you it may cause you to miss to one side as your eye is in the wrong position.

What is cast?

The cast of the stock is the measurement between the central line of the gun and the central line of the stock’s butt. Cast can be applied in either direction and is referred to as ‘cast on’ for a left-handed shooter and ‘cast off’ for a right-handed person. I have also heard it referred to as the ‘windage adjustment’ on a shotgun.

The bend of the stock is intended to centre the dominant eye over the rib, the most pertinent point to consider.

VERTICAL PLANE

DUNCAN IRELAND, ANDREW SYDENHAM, RICHARD FAULKS

Cast- off at heel

To check for cast, use a mirror and your unloaded gun

If your cast is out it may cause you to miss to one side

How much cast do I need?

The amount of cast required will depend on your body and head shape and it’s common for cast to be measured at both heel and toe (typically around 3mm at heel and 5mm at toe) because of the natural shape of the body. Take a look at your shoulder pocket, the position on your body where the butt sits when you mount the gun – the chest is bigger than the shoulder, so the toe end of the stock generally benefits from more cast in relation to the heel end.

How do I check for cast?

Stand in front of the mirror, with your gun empty. Then see if your eye sits centrally on the rib of the gun without having to roll your head or adjust your head position. You should have a natural and upright head position that puts your eye in the correct

THE EYES HAVE IT

Centre line of butt-stock HORIZONTAL PLANE

Cast-off at toe

48 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

For correct cast your eye should sit centrally on the gun’s rib

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Tuition

INSTRUCTION

Adjustable combs and cast Fitting an adjustable comb has all sorts of benefits and can address cast as well as comb height. In these drawings, we can see how an adjustable comb can help to refine our gun fit and allow for alterations in cast.

It is a good idea to hide the Allen key once you’ve got the right fit as it is all too easy to blame the stock for a bad day.

Having an adjustable comb on your gun gives flexibility and allows you to tweak in pursuit of finding the right cast

such as those pictured at the bottom of this page, fit between the butt and the action, which then allow for various alterations to fit.

In the final diagram, below, we can see a crossover stock for a right-handed person but with a dominant left eye.

We don’t see too many of these around nowadays and they are usually used on side-by-side game guns. Note the fairly extreme cast-off, once again on a side-by-side.

LEFT OR RIGHT? CAST ON

CAST OFF Barrel

Stock

Right-handed shooters will need a gun that is ‘cast-off’, while ‘lefties’ will need a gun that is ‘cast-on’

Stock options: only a gunsmith can bend your gun Crossover stocks are rare. This one for a right-hander

For more information

Shims can be added to the butt to help improve gun fit

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David Turner lives in the Midlands and is available for lessons, either at your local ground, Kibworth Shooting Ground, near Market Harborough, or Sporting Targets near Bedford. He is a long-time game Shot and specialises in coaching clients in the field.

He can be contacted on 07779 719988.

FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 49

INSTRUCTION

Junior tuition

English skeet for youngsters

PAUL QUAGLIANA

On a day at Bisley, Graham Brown of the Purbeck Shooting School has two young guns among his clients. Paul Quagliana witnesses the importance of good tuition

Ten-year-old Kyle Hammal unruffled with his 20-bore Lanber

50 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

www.shootinguk.co.uk

Junior tuition

INSTRUCTION

O

n a blustery day in December, Graham Brown of the Purbeck Shooting School visited Bisley National Clayshooting Centre with some of his clients to shoot 100 English skeet. Among them were 12-year-old Alex Marsh and 10-year-old Kyle Hammal. Neither had been shooting for long; Alex had had just 15 lessons previously with Graham. But what they apparently lacked in experience was clearly eclipsed by the good tuition they had received and the natural abilities that they possessed, as we would see during the day.

The wind was ripping across the ground as squad members began their first round and the clays were unpredictable, some flying straight, others dipping suddenly just as a shot was fired. Trying conditions for experienced shooters but how would the youngsters fare? With his 20-bore Lanber loaded with Hull Cartridge ProTwenty

A score card can highlight problems

cartridges, Kyle was unruffled by the weather. He had one memorable pair where the second clay dived treacherously at the last moment but he smashed it. The concentration on his face was clear to see and it paid off as he worked his way methodically around the layout.

Alex was also in fine form. His father is a gamekeeper who worked with Graham when he first started the shooting school. With a beaters’ day invite landing on his lap, Alex had sought tuition from Graham. He enjoys all disciplines and wants to shoot for fun and competitively. After starting with 24g loads for his first lessons he moved up to 28g and uses Hull Cartridge ProPiston for skeet and Gamebore White Gold for everything else.

As he had been taught, Alex was analysing his performance and gave me a running commentary as the day passed. “I hung on to that one for too long, but my gun is light so I can correct my swing if I feel I have started wrong.” Like Kyle he could be seen concentrating on targets and in the final round he managed his first 25 straight to a round of applause from the audience. He can now apply for his 25 Straight English Skeet badge, which will no doubt be worn with justified pride – and he will collect a £40 reward from his father.

His final score was a superb 90 out of 100, which topped his instructor’s performance.

The pride on Graham’s face was clearly

Kyle shot a superb 75 out of 100 using 21g loads Great subscription deals at www.sportinggunsubs.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 51

INSTRUCTION

Junior tuition

PAUL QUAGLIANA

Avoid heavy recoiling loads for young shots visible. “I love it if they beat me, this is a milestone for Alex and as for Kyle. He has shot his best score today, which means he is constantly improving.” he smiled.

“Whether young or older, there are several ingredients in the recipe to be a good skeet shooter,” continued Graham. “One of these is cartridge choice. Particularly with youngsters, joint damage can occur if heavy loads are used due to the recoil. In tandem with this is the fact that recoil can affect the shooter’s ability to recover in time for the second shot, which is vital. I would suggest that a heavy recoiling cartridge is more detrime grams of lead No 9 shot wou loads of 21g a of smashing c pellets; in Kyl shot with only using 28g in h The fact th 75 out of 100 indication tha are perfectly hand. Maybe sometimes le we have all se bruising due t heavy loads. T lads were usi there was not youthful faces pair were poli professional a their safe gun handling would put 52 SPORTING

some adult shooters to shame. They are just the sort of people that shooting needs and I sincerely hope they stick with their shooting and go on to do great things.

“For skeet shooting, it makes sense to use open chokes at the relatively short ranges encountered,” said Graham. “Where youngsters are concerned a light gun matched to a light cartridge is the way to go, so I would suggest using fixed chokes rather than multichokes as these reduce weight; multichokes may affect balance and make the gun muzzle heavy.

“With regard to footwork, as long as the shooter has developed a solid and correct foot placement there isn’t as much footwork involved compared to Sporting or Fitasc.

Look for the clay and rotate from the waist as you swing through or from the target

Alex Marsh, 12, achieved his first 25 straight

“It’s important to have structure when learning to shoot skeet” depending on your preferred method. In the ’70s and ’80s it was common to see clay shooters carrying two guns: a short-barrelled one for skeet and another with longer barrels

Alex with proud instructor Graham Brown

INSTRUCTION

Alex on his way to shooting an excellent 90 out of 100

ave structure when t. It is no good waltzing aying at it. If you erly. Learn the order of e struggling with one why and try to correct lp you with this. l you a great deal and When shooting 100 o it in four rounds. You umn on the score card es. If they crop up on u will see a pattern. The ng you that there is an at particular clay and address it.

Kyle’s case, there no consistent clay at he was missing, which would suggest there isn’t any particular clay that

is troublesome. This in turn means that he is capable of shooting 25 straight and one day 100. When I am teaching someone skeet I start them on single clays that are either going away or incoming. When they are proficient at these I move them onto pairs.

“I have taught Alex and Kyle to shoot English skeet as it is a little slower. However, today with the strong winds the clays are more susceptible to altering course, dipping or rising on the wind. They make for very

tough targets. In the case of Olympic skeet the targets are faster and not as affected by wind. With English skeet you can shoot gun up or down, however in Olympic skeet it can only be shot gun down. Therefore I have taught the two lads to shoot English skeet gun down, so when they progress to Olympic skeet it won’t come as a surprise. It may be something to consider if you are intending to go down the competition route and intend to shoot Olympic skeet.”

FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 53

GUNDOGS

Gundog training

Step up to the mark Fran Ardley sheds some light on what your dogs can see, hear and smell as you train them to retrieve efficiently

M

y young cocker spaniel Luke has been let loose on the field trial circuit this season. So far he has done really well, being placed in all five of his novice trials, including a first. Understandably he has shown a lack of experience in marking some of his retrieves and that is something I need to work on if he is to go further in his competition career.

It is not only trialling dogs that require the ability to mark a shot bird. It is a skill that most gundogs need to develop, though some seem to have a natural ability to know where a retrieve has landed, while others need to be trained.

If you plan to shoot over your dog or go picking-up with it, marking is an essential skill. To be able to give the command “Mark” and for the dog to know and understand that he needs to look forward for a potential retrieve will help to ensure that you get a

quick and efficient retrieve. This is especially important if you need to pick a running bird.

I train on the Cumbrian fells and my dogs are very good at taking lines, mainly because much of my training is done on rabbits. When a dog is hunting and pushes a rabbit out of some rushes it often won’t see it run and therefore can’t get a visual mark on any potential retrieve, but it will get its nose down and follow the scent trail.

When hunting feathered game, however, the bird will flush and fly and unless it is pricked and runs on there is no scent line.

If the dog has not been trained to watch (mark) the bird, such a retrieve can be far more challenging.

Make your ‘mark’

NICK RIDLEY

There are a number of reasons why you should teach your gundog to mark and the main one is that it enables you to get the dog out quickly to a retrieve. If you do plan to enter any working tests or trials this is a necessary skill and can be the difference between winning and losing in competition.

Even if you just want to work your dog in the shooting field, especially pickingup, a dog that can mark fallen game and remember where it is will be far more efficient in sweeping up at the end of a drive. If you plan to shoot over your dog on a rough or walked-up day, then the ability of a dog to watch a flushed pheasant or a bolted rabbit is vital. It will enable you to send it for any possible retrieve and go straight-ish to A dog can see changes in the point of fall without contrast well running all over the place

54 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

Dogs see purple or blue really well so try using these colours

and spoiling other ground that may be holding game. The fundamental point is that we should try to ensure that any game, especially injured game, is retrieved quickly and despatched humanely.

First steps Marking a retrieve is something that can be developed from an early age, as a puppy will learn to watch where a ball lands. Some dogs will do this naturally, and you will develop this as the dog goes through its training; others will need extra guidance and encouragement.

A dog’s eyesight is far better than ours, especially where movement and contrast is concerned. It is useful to know and understand how a dog sees colour as we can use this to our advantage in training.

Many of us do not always have the luxury of having someone to help during training sessions and teaching a dog to mark is one exercise where it is easier to have someone to throw the retrieves. That said, with thought and some useful bits of kit you can manage quite well on your own. Before starting this part of your dog’s training it will need to be capable of the following: • Have a solid ‘sit-stay’ off the lead • Be totally steady to thrown dummies • Be a competent retriever • Be mentally and physically ready for the exercise. www.shootinguk.co.uk

Gundog training

GUNDOGS

Understanding a dog’s senses will help with training

COLOUR PERCEPTION DOGS VS HUMANS =

=

A dog’s eyes see colour differently to us First it is worth looking at what a dog can and can’t see, as this helps with marking.

Set the tone Dogs see colour in a very different way to humans and when teaching a dog to mark it can really help in the early stages if you have an idea of how dogs perceive colour, movement and contrast.

A dog’s colour definition is totally different to ours. For example, they see red or orange as a muddy brown colour, and they see green as dark yellow. So, imagine if you are throwing a green or orange dummy against a backdrop of trees. In such circumstances, to the dog the dummy will all but disappear.

In contrast, dogs see blue and purples really well so it is worth considering using these colours of dummy, particularly in the early stages of a dog’s training. Remember, initially we are trying to make things as easy as possible so we can build up its confidence.

Dogs are also very good at picking up contrast such as light and dark, black and white. This is another important aspect of a dog’s visual arsenal. A black-and-white dummy thrown out along the ground when a dog is hunting can be a very tempting distraction. Rabbits can be a downfall for many dogs, especially spaniels.

In fact, when you think about it, they are the ultimate distraction. They run (movement) and they have a white tail that flashes against a dark body (contrast).

Armed with this knowledge we can Rabbits are a big distraction for dogs

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“Ultimately we need our gundogs to use all of their instincts” use dummies that are black and white or blue and white to help the dogs in the initial stages of developing their marking skills.

Another factor to consider is how acute a w it can be developed k. Ultimately we e all their instincts of earing to play a part rieve. Imagine you up in a wood and eing shot and falling he trees. Quite often on’t see the bird but he fall. We can help this skill by training ntualities. h we can move on rcises to help build ence and reliability of s marking skills.

0 SPORTING GUN 55

ng

Adventures of

Age 46 months

Te & Ted

Ted has been working well, says Nick Ridley, but an injury meant bringing old Percy out of retirement

T

he middle part of my shooting season hasn’t really gone to plan although I am having a great time shooting with my little rough shooting syndicate the Circle of Trust.

A few weeks ago we shot at one of our favourite locations, Hexton Manor, and we had a great time – even the weather played ball and we ended up in shirt sleeves despite it being early December.

Ted was working really well. I have been doing quite a bit of beating with him this year and I am really pleased the way this has increased his hunting drive. He has shown himself to be totally steady, no matter now many birds are in front of him.

I have also realised how important it is to have taught your gundog (no matter what the breed) walk to heel off the lead. Some of the flushing points at Nettlebed, one of my regular shoots, consist of quite thick wild bird mixes, and due to the number of pheasants that get held up in the cover it is imperative that the dogs are kept under proper and close control.

To be honest I think I would struggle to keep Ted on a lead as it would be constantly getting tangled up and would make getting through the cover really difficult. However, because I made sure I put in the time and effort in the early days, I can get Ted into heel and I know that no matter how thick

the cover he is will be next to me – not necessarily in ‘Labrador’ fashion but he will be there or thereabouts, and more importantly he will be under control.

Wounded

NICK RIDLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Anyway, after our day at Hexton I checked him over as I always do, removed a few thorns and gave him a good brush over. A couple of days later I noticed he was licking his leg and when I looked he had a wound right under his front ‘arm pit’ – no doubt he had caught it on some barbed wire. The cut was about an inch long and although it was quite clean I felt it needed a trip to the vet’s.

To cut a long story short it was decided to

Pheasants can get held up in cover so it’s vital to keep dogs under close control

Ted had a wound from some barbed wire 56 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

www.shootinguk.co.uk

Training

GUNDOGS

Ted has been working well and been very steady

Harry came out of retirement and even retrieved a couple of birds

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FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 57

GUNDOGS

Training

Even though he is getting old, Harry loved his return to the field

NICK RIDLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

“Beating without Ted is like losing my right arm” leave it open rather than stitch it and he was put on the sick list for the next 10 days.

To date I have been beating twice without Ted and it is like losing my right arm – I have to admit it is far less stressful but no-where near as much fun. Even more frustrating was that w h d lk d d d at a friend wasn’t rea decision t or pull Ha my 12-yea old, out of retiremen The more I thought about it th more I rea that I real Percy’s training is coming on really well 58 SPORT

only have one choice, the Old Boy would be coming with me for the day.

Ted wasn’t impressed but Harry thought all his Christmases had come at once. I haven’t done anything with Harry this season, and although he is fit and healthy he is quite deaf and his eyesight isn’t what it was – but he did really well and thoroughly enjoyed himself.

He either couldn’t or chose not to hear the stop whistle and his handling left a lot to be desired, but he hunted really well and I even managed to get a couple of birds on the ground for him to retrieve.

The one thing that really did amaze me was that the following day he didn’t show any signs of stiffness and I think he would h b d i ll hi k

Challenging new pup Having a new pup at this time of the year is certainly more challenging than having one in the spring. Percy has been running in with various debris from the garden and we have had to be careful that we don’t start trying to get his treasure off him, as this may develop into a habit where he doesn’t want to bring anything to me. That said, however, his place-board training is coming on really nicely. In fact now as soon as I put it on the ground he jumps on it and won’t come off, which makes things a little difficult when trying to work on his recall. I have also been working on his retrieving and he has really cottoned on to coming straight back to the board with a tennis ball and jumping up at me, which at this stage is something I like to encourage. He is growing into a smartlooking little dog. I like my cockers to have a bit of bone and substance about them and Percy certainly has that along with a cracking little head. I recently dropped his breeder Jon Rees a message to let him how Percy was getting on. I mentioned that I think when he is older the little dog will “go through brick walls”… that could be interesting.

You can also follow Percy’s Progress on my You Tube Channel : https:// youtu.be/I-af2n67HG4

www.shootinguk.co.uk

GUNDOGS

Dog health

The problem:

Ulcerated cornea “My Labrador-cross has had an ulcer in his eye for weeks now.

I have used a variety of drops to no avail. Help!”

Vet’s advice Neil McIntosh SG’s gundog health expert NICK ALCORN, EAST ANGLIA

U

PAUL QUAGLIANA, MYRIEL KIMBLE, GETTY

lceration of the front surface of the eye, the cornea, is not uncommon in many breeds and can occur for a variety of reasons. To understand it, a working knowledge of the anatomy of the cornea is useful.

The cornea The front surface of the eye is transparent due its lack of blood vessels, cells and pigment, despite it being composed of five separate layers. These are: • The precorneal tear film, which nutrifies and lubricates;

• The epithelium and its basement membrane, which glues it to the stroma.

The stroma • Descemet’s membrane, which holds in the eyeball pressure.

Corneal endothelium It sounds complicated but consider it as four sheets of clingfilm of varying strength on the inner surface of the cornea.

Ulceration

This dog has a deep corneal ulcer

Damage can occur to the cornea through direct trauma (such as brambles, thorns or by a patient clawing at an itchy eye) or

from infections, which can produce toxins that result in destruction or ‘melting’ of the

Dogs can pick up eye injuries all too easily working in the field

60 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

www.shootinguk.co.uk

Dog health

GUNDOGS

cornea. We can add to that spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs), sometimes known as indolent ulcers, which have no obvious cause but result in nonhealing ulceration with under-running of the corneal epithelium. They are most common in boxers (what cross is your Labrador?) and are seen in middle-aged to older patients.

What do you see? (pardon the pun) • Excessive blinking and rubbing at the eye • Increased tear production (unless the eye is dry) • Cloudiness of the cornea (due to oedema) • Redness/inflammation of the white of the eye

Spasm of the eyelid/ closed eye So where do you start?

With a diagnosis probably. Most important is to define the cause, so that proper remedial action can be taken. Every affected eye so should be assessed for trauma and the presence of foreign material, eyelid abnormalities (such as in-turning or entropion), hair abnormalities (such as extra eyelashes or disticha) and reduction in tear production (keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eye). Investigation will involve close inspection of the eye and the application of fluorescein (green) dye to allow visualisation of the position and depth of the ulcer.

What next?

Most non-complicated ulcers will heal within a few days, given some appropriate antibiotic drops, protective lubricants and perhaps a collar to prevent self-trauma.

There are situations, however, when things go wrong.

Eyes are precious, so get help immediately if you have a doubt

Eyeball anatomy Eyelid

Cornea Pupil Iris Lens Nictating membranes

Sclera Retina Tepetum lucidum Optic lens Choroid

Melting ulcers Some ulcers can progress rapidly within hours – a potentially disastrous situation. In these cases, enzymes produced by bacteria, inflammatory cells or corneal cells digest the corneal structure, so that it becomes gelatinous and friable. The result can be rupture and loss of the eye. Immediate medical treatment involving antibiotics, anti-

“Most ulcers will heal in a few days, given some antibiotic drops”

collagenase drops (we make these up using the patient’s own serum) and pain relief is required.

Some cases require surgical intervention with pedicle grafts from the patient’s conjunctiva. Recently, pioneering surgery involving corneal grafts from pigs has been successfully carried out. The first patient was Pepe, a chihuahua.

SCCEDs Spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCED) are common in middleaged to older dogs, especially boxers, and can persist for months despite treatment.

They occur when there is erosion to the corneal epithelium with surrounding underrunning and crumbling of the outer layer.

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Imagine there is a pothole in the road with under-mining of the surrounding tarmac.

Every time you fill the hole, the next vehicle to come along just bursts it out. What is required is to cut away all the bad stuff and start again. The treatment of SCCEDs is similar. Various techniques are described from simply applying local anaesthetic and debriding the under-run epithelium with a sterile cotton bud, through to diamond burr debridement and the placing of a protective contact lens over the defect, which is what the ophthalmologist in our practice does.

The success rate is around 100% but about one in 10 requires a second treatment.

It does sound to me like your Labcross has an SCCED, which you should have attended to.

FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 61

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Letters

Send us your pictures, letters and pigeon hauls

Letter of the month What proof marks and choke are appropriate for steel shot?

Seeing red I note that the recipe on pages 79 and 80 (December issue) includes grey partridges. As a regular reader of Sporting Gun, I was of the impression that you did not encourage the shooting of Perdix perdix, so I was surprised to see them in the recipe.

Tom Ryan, via email Ed – You are quite right, Tom. The magazine went to press just before the advice to ‘go easy on the greys’ was released. As with any recipe, substitutions can be made, so a French partridge can be used instead.

A friend in need I have been shooting for seven years but find the sport cliquey, despite attempts to get involved.

Greg Moore, via email Ed – If anyone in the Manchester area can help Greg to integrate, please email us and we’ll forward your letter.

Steeled for action I am thinking of moving over to steel shot and was encouraged to read your reviews of the Eley VIP Steel Pro Eco cartridges (September and November issues). But there is a lot of misinformation surrounding steel. The CIP (Commission for the Proof of Small Arms) recommends chokes no tighter than half, but much tighter aftermarket chokes are sold for steel wildfowl loads.

The articles stated that guns should bear the fleur-de-lys proof mark for use with steel. As far as I am aware, standard steel is suitable for guns with a nitro proof mark and HP steel requires the fleur-delys mark. The Eley website shows that VIP Steel Pro Eco are standard steel CIP proof suitable for most guns.

Would it be possible to do a piece to debunk the myths? I cannot be the only one wanting to swap to steel now there is a decent alternative to plastic wads.

Brian Palmer, via email Ed – You are right, Brian, you can use standard steel shot with guns with nitro proof marks, but High Performance and magnum loads should be used with guns showing the fleur-de-lys. I would err on the side of caution and only use steel with the fleur-de-lys and not go tighter than half choke because steel shot patterns are tighter than lead.

There is a risk of damaging your gun over time with steel and tighter chokes.

We will do an article in due course.

Letter of the month

NICK RIDLEY

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Meet the team FRAN ARDLEY GUNDOGS Owner of Tarncrag Gundog Training, with more than 10 years’ experience.

NEIL MCINTOSH VETERINARY A keen shooter and a practising vet in Scotland.

TONY BRACCI TUITION Bisley Shooting Ground’s deputy shooting manager and master gunfitter.

DAVID FROST LEGAL SG’s legal expert and author of Sporting Shooting and the Law.

PETER THEOBALD PIGEONS Pigeon-shooting expert; author of Woodpigeon: The Ultimate Quarry.

ROBERT MORGAN ANTIQUES Arms and armour valuer at Holts Auctioneers.

Dip a paw in I have a young springer spaniel that is reluctant to go into water. What can I do to encourage her as I want to use her for duck flighting?

Fran says: Most springer’s love water and will normally take any opportunity to get wet. I suspect it is a lack of confidence with your young dog and the best thing you can do is take away the pressure of retrieving and let her have some fun. If you or

Most springers like water but some need time to get accustomed

a friend have a dog that is confident in water, find a shallow stream and just let them play together.

Provided the water isn’t deep you can walk across the stream calling the dog; just take your time until her confidence builds up to the point where she starts to enjoy herself. When you start giving her retrieves, keep them short and gradually build up the distance. When you feel she is ready, go on to do this in deeper water.

ED COOK RABBITS

VETERINARY

Professional rabbit catcher working over 30,000 acres.

Regulation of miscreant vets

TOM SYKES NICK RIDLEY, ALAMY, RICHARD FAULKS

GUNDOGS

PEST CONTROL & WILDFOWLING Sportingphotographer, wildfowlerand pestcontroller.

MARC BULL COVER CROPS Marc is our plant expert and is the Midlands and Eastern adviser at Bright Seeds.

It seems that every week I hear of a vet being struck off. What’s going on?

Neil says: The veterinary profession is regulated by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), which investigates every complaint made to it. Investigations involve speaking to the vet concerned, examining practice records, and taking

statements from witnesses. In reality very few vets are struck off. Figures from the RCVS show that there were 24,422 practising vets at the end of March 2018. In the previous 12 months, the disciplinary committee of the RCVS heard 19 cases against vets, of whom only four were ‘struck off’.

Making an honest mistake is not sufficient grounds to remove anyone’s livelihood.

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LEGAL

SGC change

Appetite for destruction: They may look cuddly but rabbits wreak havoc

I understand there are new security requirements for shotgun certificate holders under 18. What are they?

David says: This is an EU inspired change in the law that the Government has been obliged to introduce because of delays with Brexit. A condition was due to be added to all FAC and SGC issued from 12 December 2019 that requires a parent/guardian, or another adult certificate holder who is authorised to possess the guns in question, to be responsible for security if the certificate holder is under 18. Unless the responsible adult is also a certificate holder (in which case they should hold the cabinet key) there must be two locks with different keys on the gun cabinet – one held by the teenager, the other by the adult, ensuring that only one person cannot open the cabinet. Under 18s who hold a certificate without the new condition need take no action until they are contacted by their local police force.

PIGEONS

Observe first I’m booked to shoot on a couple of rape

RABBITS

Damage unlimited I am fairly new to shooting and wonder what crop damage rabbits do and what other threats they pose?

Ed says: Rabbit damage to crops tends to be intensive grazing close to their burrows, often highlighted by large half moon shapes nearby. It is not uncommon for crops to be destroyed close to such

Peter says: Where to start? Turning up to shoot a field without reconnaissance is never a good idea, especially winter rape.

How will you know how many pigeons are using the field, and how will you know from what direction they are expected to arrive?

Are there other rape fields in the vicinity, ones that the birds will move to once the shooting starts? The best you can do is to arrive about 8.30am and push any feeding birds off the field and note the direction they take. They will invariably depart downwind,

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warrens. I control rabbits in all sorts of weird and wonderful places and they can cause a number of issues: horses can injure or break their legs in a rabbit hole; sports pitches can suffer; and if they chew wires, numerous problems can arise, least not fires. Rabbits that burrow on cliffs can cause landslides, especially following heavy rain. The list is endless.

which is fine as it means they will return into the prevailing wind. Ensure you push them far enough away so as to not hear any shooting. Then wait until about 50 birds have returned and walk them off again. If they come back on the same line, watch to see what part of the field they head for, as this is the spot where you need to set up. This is by far the most important aspect to get right, regardless of wind direction or position of the sun. In a perfect world you would already be in possession of all this information.

FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 65

ANTIQUES

GUNDOGS

Proof required

The best dog for you

Should I buy from an auction house or dealer to collect antique British shotguns?

Is a dog or a bitch a better gundog?

Robert says: There is no easy answer, I’m afraid. First, we need to clarify ‘antique shotgun’. If you are referring to breech loading hammer shotguns in common calibres then the answer is easy: either method will yield results, with the dealer option, while being more expensive, offering hopefully some kind of warranty or guarantee. Both auction houses and dealers are legally bound by the British proof laws, but remember that auctions as well as offering bargains can also be a dumping grounds for dealer’s stagnant stock that can often have other faults, faults that are not easy for amateurs to spot.

Fran says: It really is a matter of what suits you. Some people get on better with dogs and other get on better with bitches and to others it makes no difference. If you have a bitch you have to take into consideration that she will normally come into season twice a year and that

may coincide with the shooting season and you will lose her for at least three weeks. I have heard it said that dogs are less complicated than bitches and more ‘honest’. I have never been sure what that means as in my experience every dog has a different personality and I adapt my handling and training to suit the individual dog.

NICK RIDLEY, ALAMY, SYKES MEDIA

A gun bought at auction will need checking

If you are referring to muzzle-loading antiques shotguns or obsolete calibre guns, then it is a different story. A dealer is duty bound to assess any antique gun for proof if he is prepared to write it on your licence. If he will only sell the item as ‘Section 58, curio or ornament’ then the gun may well not be in proof and should not be fired until it has been checked over by a qualified person.

Auction houses rarely sell antique arms as ‘useable’, no matter their condition. They are always sold as curio or ornament and if the intent is to use, then solicit the services of a qualified gunsmith to check it before buying at auction. Remember, auction houses are not gunsmiths. I cannot stress enough that shooting a muzzle-loading gun without having it checked first is dangerous and foolhardy. Shooting one that has not been placed on the relevant licence is also (mostly) illegal. The shooting of old guns is an incredibly enjoyable experience and one that should be positively encouraged. Avoid the pitfalls and you should have fun.

66 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

Dogs are likely to be available for more shooting time

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VETERINARY

Rot lurks but is rare

More dogs succumb to parvovirus than Alabama Rot

Is Alabama Rot still on the go?

Neil says: I am afraid it is, though it remains rare and the actual cause unknown, despite considerable investigation. It was first diagnosed in greyhounds at an Alabama

racetrack. Its proper name is Cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy, but let’s stick to Alabama Rot. It causes kidney injury in dogs. To my knowledge, there have been 17 cases in 2019, which compares favourably with the 52 that were diagnosed in 2018. In

total, the UK has had 192 confirmed cases since it was first identified in 2012.

Most cases have been found between November and May. Also, remember that many more unvaccinated dogs will succumb to parvovirus.

WILDFOWLING TUITION

How to accommodate loss of sight in an eye My shooting has been disrupted due to the failure of my right eye. Could you give me some advice on what to do?

Tony says: I’m very sorry to hear that you have lost the use of your right eye. I have worked with lots of clients over the years who have been in a similar situation caused by different circumstances.

The first thing to try is shooting off the left shoulder. This will feel awkward at first but we have had a lot of successful conversions. We have also had clients that cannot change for various reasons.

If you can’t change, you will have to work with a good coach to find a solution that works for you.

There is the option of a crossover stock, keeping the gun in your right shoulder but the stock curving drastically so you left eye is in line with the rib. When making a crossover stock the blank has to be much wider than a standard one

to accommodate the wide cast, and of exceptional quality to take the strain of the effects of recoil. On the subject of recoil, most crossover stocks that I have had experience with kick like mules and are not at all pleasurable to shoot. If you shoot with lighter loads this could help.

You will seldom see these in gun shops, but sometimes you can find them in auction catalogues. There are specialist gun stockers that could make a crossover stock for your current gun.

Research should point you in the right direction. Most common crossover stocks are side-by-sides because the action is connected to the stock at the action, whereas the over-and-under is connected via a stock bolt that runs through the stock. A crossover stock for an over-and-under will have to have an accommodation for the stock bolt to hold the stock to the action.

Good luck in your endeavours.

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Lines of inquiry I have been looking at different ways to attach duck decoys to a motherline and noticed that you use the long line fishing clips. Is this the best method?

Tom says: I have used different techniques over the years to attach my decoys to the motherline. I have utilised fishing clips that I fixed on to loops tied into the motherline.

Although this did a job and worked for a while, I found that the motherline was more likely to tangle and snag due to the loops.

I changed my system a few years ago and opted for a new motherline from Tidepool as well as the long line fishing clips to ensure that the decoys could be attached easily and securely. These are worth the investment and a method that I wish I had employed sooner.

There are a few ways to attach decoys

FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 67

Strong winds can aid wildfowling but are not essential

WILDFOWLING

Harsh on the marsh Do successful wildfowlers need harsh weather? I have heard there is no point heading out unless a gale is blowing.

Tom says: Picking the right weather to venture onto the salting’s can definitely turn the odds in your favour. Strong winds are

SYKES MEDIA, PAUL QUAGLIANA, ANDREW SYDENHAM

RABBITS

ideal for getting ducks on the move during a tide flight as they don’t like to sit on choppy water and often take to the skies in search of sheltered areas.

Geese can also be more predictable during a windy flight, with the advantage that the wind will also help keep them low and in

COVER CROPS

Hop picking

Graze plan

How do I go about getting a rabbit shooting permission?

Our landlord has offered us an area to put in to cover crop but he wants to graze it at the end of the season. Can this be done?

Ed says: The best way is to present yourself in a professional manner. Also get yourself known via other means, for example going beating on a shoot.

Cold calling is seldom effective and it will most likely be a case of who, not what you know. Once you have permission, try to do as good a job as possible if you want to be invited back.

68 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

range. However, I would not say that harsh weather is vital to bag a duck or goose. I have had many successful outings on still frosty mornings or calm warm evenings. This is down to reconnaissance and experience. I would recommend that you still go for a look even if it isn’t typical ‘fowl’ weather.

Marc says: You will need to establish an annual brassica crop in middle to late summer. Straight Utopia or Interval kale x rape will give great cover and provide a feed crop for livestock. Be careful not to plant too early as the crop will bolt to seed and provide little cover or forage. You will also need to be mindful of club root issues going forwards.

It is important not to plant a feed crop too early

www.shootinguk.co.uk

LEGAL

Firearms: new rules I have a number of deactivated firearms that I am told that I will now have to register. Does this mean I need to get a firearm or shotgun certificate?

David says: No, but the new rules, which came into force on 12 December 2019 because we had not left the EU, promise to be a glorious muddle. From 12 December you are required to notify all transfers of deactivated weapons and to notify the Home Office of those you possess.

But it’s not that simple. If you are in any doubt send in the notification as it costs nothing and is easily done.

The Home Office, not the police, are responsible for operating the new system. You can find the full details, including the relevant forms, on the department’s website. There are several issues, however: • The new rules do not apply to weapons deactivated before 8 April 2016. However, existing legislation means that in order to transfer a deactivated weapon within the UK or EU it must be deactivated to the latest standard, even if you don’t have to notify the transfer • Nor do the transfer notification rules apply to weapons acquired before 14 September 2018 • Apart from that you must notify the Home Office of any transfer (sale, gift, or let on hire for more than 14 days) of deactivated weapons made after 12 December 2019. The notification form is in a Word document and you can either post or email it. The recipient of the deactivated weapon is not required to inform the Home Office provided they are satisfied that the transferor did so • You must notify the Home Office of all the deactivated weapons you possess. For weapons acquired between 8 April 2016 and 14 September 2018 you have until 14 March 2021 to make the notification.

Focus group: chose the lens colour that is appropriate for you

TUITION

See the light On these dark, gloomy days I’m finding it hard to see the clays. Can I do anything?

Tony says: First, get your eyes tested. It could be time to get some shooting glasses with a prescription lens. Second, I hope you are wearing glasses to protect your eyes when shooting clays? If you’re still wearing

glasses that you use in the brighter summer months you could be restricting your vision with a lens that is too dark. On dark and overcast days try using a light-coloured lens (most common is yellow) as this will brighten things up and help you to pick up the clay.

If you are shooting Blaze targets try a light red or orange, which will make them stand out. Also, wear your glasses well before you shoot to allow your eyes to get accustomed to them. If everything is fine at the opticians, then a set of light lenses should work.

Dry run: Tom Sykes tried variations of a jerky recipe

WILDFOWLING

Table talk I saw on social media you posted about making goose jerky. What was it like?

Tom says: We eat wild meat that we source ourselves for the majority of our meals and we are always on the lookout for something

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new to try in the kitchen. I recently made a few different batches of goose jerky as I thought it would make a tasty snack for the marsh or a shoot day. We have made a chilli, BBQ and Chinese batch, which all worked well. The tastiest was the Chinese version. It is basically two marinaded pinkfoot breasts with sweet chilli and hoisin sauce, garlic, and ginger, among other things. It is a great way to eat goose and one I will be doing again.

FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 69

Smaller gamebirds are easier to handle and can give a dog confidence

PIGEONS

Sitting pretty Do you stand or sit in your hide? I started off by sitting but found that getting up and down from the seat was hurting my knees, so I now make my hide higher and stand all the time. What do you think?

Peter says: We solved this problem years ago by employing lightweight swivel chairs (as pictured below) and learning to shoot sitting down. It was difficult at first but you soon get the hang of positioning the chair so as to maintain a smooth swing, something you cannot guarantee with a static seat. The advantages are that the hide is less conspicuous, you won’t have aching knees, and you can turn through 360 degrees if required.

GUNDOGS

Hard lessons My two-year-old springer has just completed her first season in the field.

She retrieves beautifully with no sign of marking or hard mouth but she has damaged pricked game. Is there anything I can do to cure this fault?

Fran says: I don’t think that you have a hard-mouthed dog, but she clearly has an issue with pricked birds. This could due to one or two things: either the dog is inexperienced when dealing with something that is putting up a fight; or the first bird that

COVER CROPS

NICK RIDLEY, RICHARD FAULKS

Maize route We have been plagued by deer and badgers this year and our maize crops have been hammered as a result. We like to have maize to help us spray out the weeds, so what can we do?

Marc says: Don’t despair. If you are in the south of England then our Jaguar

70 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

she pegged spurred her. Both situations can be cured with training.

You need to give the dog more experience on picking game, so see if you can join a picking-up team and explain why. A partridge shoot is ideal because dead and pricked birds of this size are far easier to manage than, say, a large cock pheasant. If your dog has been hurt in some way when pegging a pheasant then confidence with a smaller bird will ensure the dog will get the message that all game doesn’t hurt. Time and experience will rectify the problem.

sorghum or Capetown sorghum blend provides a cover crop that will perform until the end of the season and allow excellent broad leaves weed control. If you have grass weed issues or are north of Derbyshire, then you will have to look at switching to a late cob variety of maize like our Foxxi. It will stand well until the end of the season and in a normal year the cobs will not ripen and remain small and milky so the deer and badgers will not find them palatable or nutritional.

www.shootinguk.co.uk

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another coot’s nest 72 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

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This month’s wordsearch WIN!

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DUNCAN IRELAND

Last month’s prize winners: SPOT THE TARGET: John Passingham, Northants CROSSWORD: David Sudlow, Shropshire THE UNBELIEVABLE TRUTH: Martin Stirland, Derbyshire (3) WORDSEARCH: Russell Wiltshire, Bristol

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FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 73

GEAR

Latest kit

New gear Some suggestions to treat yourself and beat the January blues with your leftover Christmas money

Browning XPO Jacket Made from 100% polyester with a waterproof, windproof membrane and Thinsulate insulation this coat will protect you from all the British weather can throw at you. It comes with a detachable hood and a large game pocket.

Price: £218 browning.eu

EDITOR’S CHOICE Surrey Men’s Cotton Field Coat This stylish jacket from Alan Paine has a waterproof and breathable cotton blend outer and a contrasting check lining. The large bellows pockets have drainage holes and there is a secure internal pocket. Available in size range S to 3XL in tobacco, navy and green Price: £349.95 alanpaine.co.uk

Brown Bear Trousers

Ridgeline Warrior boot

These functional and lightweight shooting trousers are manufactured from silent microfibre, making them ideal for stalking. Beretta BWB (Beretta Waterproof Breathable) membrane and taped seams make them waterproof and durable.

Price: £124.95 gmk.co.uk

This boot is made from Nubuck leather and has a durable fast lacing system. Its HydroGuard waterproof membrane offers superb protection while its 200g Thinsulate insulation gives excellent warmth, breathability and comfort. It has a Vibram sole.

Sizes: UK 6-13.

Price: £189.99 highlandoutdoors.co.uk

Le Chameau boot liners These fleece boot liners will keep your feet warm and comfortable on even the coldest winter days.

They come in a range of colours to complement Le Chameau’s natural rubber boots.

Price: £24 lechameau.com 74 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

Streamlight Night Com This torch features top of the range night vision preservation technology and has a mode-select switch for three lighting options. Lithium powered, it combines Streamlight’s latest C4 premium LED technology to provide

higher output than previously available.

The third setting gives Ultra-Bright red LEDs for use when true night vision preservation is not necessary.

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Latest kit

GOOD FOR Keeping you dry and warm for a day out on the saltings

GEAR

Zamberlan Highland GTX boot The Highland is formed from full grain waxed leather and is a sturdy sporting boot. It offers comfort and protection for those facing elements that are challenging.

It also has a high calf design for maximum support and a Vibram sole.

Price: £209.95 gmk.co.uk

Bib XPO PRO RF Camo Max5 This new bib is ideal for wildfowling because it has a waterproof, windproof and breathable membrane as well as reinforced areas. The Primaloft insulation ensures that it is warm but not bulky Price: £150 browning.eu

Browning XPO Coldkill jacket An insulated quilted jacket that can be used as a mid-layer under the XPO coats or as a jacket in its own right. It is also stylish should you have to shoot somewhere quickly after a day out in the field or on the clays.

Price: £110 browning.eu

LCW18 Field Vest (ladies) This handsome ladies shooting vest can be worn in its own right, or as part of a mid-layer with Le Chameau’s coats and fleeces.

Sizes: 8-18 Price: £295 (free delivery and returns) lechameau.com

AT A GLANCE 1 Snap Shot zipped sweatshirt in warm blue Price £50 browning.eu 2 Surrey Men’s Moleskin Blazer Available in size range 38in – 50in, in winter beige, deep navy and peat brown Price: £274.95 alanpaine.co.uk 3 Deluxe Gun Cleaning Kit Price £34.95 gmk.co.uk

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FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 75

GEAR

Tried & tested

In the field Sporting Gun experts give you some practical advice

Schoffel Gunnerside Fleece Schoffel has a new fleece designed specifically as a shooting waistcoat. The Gunnerside has large bellows pockets, hardwearing Cordura pads on each shoulder and there is also a removable rubber recoil pad that can be placed in either shoulder.

There is an adjustable drawstring so the waist can be cinched in and it is also cut a little longer than the popular Oakham fleece.

The best thing about the Gunnerside is the material is luxuriantly thick and hardwearing. I found that even on a chilly winter day driven shoot I could wear it over shirtsleeves and stay warm. If it’s really cold or wet, then the Gunnerside can be worn as a mid-layer.

I liked the chunky YKK zip, which was easy to use with cold hands and I was very pleased to see a zipped pocket on the inside of the waistcoat for valuables. My only criticism of the Gunnerside is that I would have preferred it to be lined because the fleece generated a bit of static when worn with a wool jumper.

SPECS

Price: £189.95

www.schoffelcountry.com

Reviewer: Matt Clark

DANIEL GOULD, TOM SYKES, NICK RIDLEY

The Shoot app There seems to be an app for everything these days and shooting is no exception. The Shoot app is free, which is always a plus with me. Naturally, there has to be a business attached to the app so that it makes money and that comes in the form of a website (theshootapp.com).

The app is a useful tool where the user can plan shoots, make friend requests, search for a shoot (there are 1,500 shoots listed), add photos, recommend

SPECS

Price: Free

shoots to friends and diarise your days. I found it simple to download and easy to use. Just search for the name of the shoot and then choose the day you want to go, the bag size and then select the friends you want invite and add a short message. They will receive an email with all the details. Simple. If your friends are not registered with the app, just use the tab “Not Registered” and the app will search the email addresses on your phone. You

www.theshootapp.com

76 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

can use the Shoot app as an electronic game card, which you can access at anytime from your phone, but with the difference that you can add pictures to the app from the actual day.

Sadly there is no way a shoot can be added retrospectively but the Shoot app is a useful tool and the more you use it, the more you will get out of it. It can be downloaded free from the App Store or Google Play using the search name ‘theshootapp’.

Reviewer: Matt Clark www.shootinguk.co.uk

Tried & tested

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The Arnott Flush This ingenious device has several functions: it has a disc on top in which can be seated 12 or 20-bore cartridges, the metal tip is magnetised so it can pick up spent cartridges, and you can also use it as a walking stick.

To use the Flush Buster as a speed loader just screw the disc on top of the stick, put the pointed end of the stick into the ground using the little foot plate and then slot the cartridges into the holes provided. If you get a big flush, then cartridges are at hand to help you make the most of it. At the end of the drive you can remove unused cartridge and then pull the stick out of the ground an use the magnetised end to pick up your spe cartridges. You can either leave the disk on top of the stick, or remove it and stow it on the side of the stick. The stick itself is stron enough to be used to steady you on slippy ground and can be taken apart for easy stowage when superfluous to your needs All the fittings are high quality brass an makes a handsome walking stick if nothi else. If you really want to treat yourself I opt for the Royal version, which has a wo presentation case lined with green baize

SPECS

Price: £239

www.ejchurchill.com

Reviewer: Matt Clark

Muddy Gutter Pinkfoot Call I am fortunate to have a large number of pink-footed geese on the marshes. This means I require a reliable goose call.

Over the years I have used a variety of different calls for pinkfeet and when Eddie Nixon of Solway Calls died, we lost one of the UK’s best manufacturers of goose calls. Since then a friend of mine, Lee Edwards, has taken up the mantle with Muddy Gutter Calls.

Lee has created a call that is one of the best I have used and has certainly helped me bag a goose or two. He produces a range of different calls depending on the species and in a variety of materials, from the standard black goose call to beautiful handmade bespoke calls. The pinkfoot call is straightforward to blow and produces a fantastic lifelike sound. Lee has a real passion for wildfowling and has struck the right note with his range.

SPECS

Price: On application

www.muddyguttercalls@outlook.com

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Reviewer: Tom Sykes FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 77

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Latest kit

Evolution jacket Looking for a jacket to stop the wet weather putting a damper on your shooting?

Mat Manning reckons the Evolution from Ridgeline could be just the thing

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idgeline clothing has a knack for striking just the right balance between quality and affordability.

Consequently, it has found favour with a wide range of shooters. The Pro Hunt jacket, No Boundaries fleece and Trail top have become my go-to garments for airgun hunting over the past couple of years because they perform well but aren’t so expensive that I worry about ripping them while clambering through undergrowth.

Given my fondness for the brand, I was eager to try the new Evolution jacket, which, at £239.99, is in a higher price bracket than my usual Ridgeline attire but promises impressive protection from wet weather in a seriously lightweight package.

The first thing to strike me about this new offering was its length. I’m over six-foot tall

Features • Waterproof, windproof and breathable • Quiet, flexible, three-layer laminated shell • Long cut and seam sealed for maximum waterproofing • Strong two-way zip with popper-fastening double storm flap • Contemporary styling with excellent freedom of movement • Large, removable hood and high collar

The Evolution jacket’s long cut ensures optimum protection from the rain

78 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

The contemporary cut make it ideal for shoot or shopping

www.shootinguk.co.uk

Latest kit

Pocket zips are sealed to prevent valuable items from getting wet

and the Large is very long on me, almost reaching the tops of my boots at the back. I did initially feel more like a shepherd than a shooter traipsing around in such a lengthy jacket but there’s no denying that the extra coverage is useful in sudden downpours.

Movement And the Evolution jacket’s considerable length doesn’t make it overly restrictive.

There’s a good amount of stretch in the fabric and the main zip is two-way so you can open it up at the bottom to achieve more than enough freedom of movement to take kneeling shots without feeling hemmed in.

There’s plenty of room across the shoulders, too, so the sleeves, which feature cuffs that are Velcro-adjustable and don’t ride back when you mount your gun.

Of course, shooters come in all shapes and sizes, and the Evolution should cover just about everyone as it’s available in sizes from XS to 5XL. If you need to make it a bit more snug around your middle, the waist can be tweaked easily by means of a band that is toggle-adjustable.

Back to the weatherproofing, and the Evolution features a three-layer laminated

shell with sealed seams. It incorporates a material that Ridgeline refers to as RL-eVolve, which boasts 15,000 H20 rated waterproofing and 10,000 MVP breathability. That sounds bewilderingly technical but rest assured that it does what it’s supposed to. I’ve worn this jacket out in some seriously wet weather and it’s kept the rain out while maintaining enough ventilation not to get clammy when I’ve worked up a bit of heat.

It might just be that I have a big head but I do struggle to find shooting jackets with sufficiently spacious hoods. This one is generous, however, and has plenty of room to swallow up a hat and bulky ear defenders.

Combined with the high collar, the large hood really does seal out the elements; it even has a wired peak and toggle-adjusters to nip up the depth from front to back and the main opening, and it can be removed.

The main two-way zip I mentioned earlier is tough and made by YKK. It’s shielded by a double storm flap that is fastened by poppers. Typical of Ridgeline, the zip-pulls have ergonomic toggles, which make them easy to grip. They’re even present on the pocket zips, which have waterproof seals.

There are two spacious main pockets at the

The Velcro-adjustable sleeves won’t ride up when you mount your gun department. Some waterproof jackets can make a bit of a crackle as you move around in them but this is certainly one of the quieter ones that I have used.

Another impressive feature of this jacket is its weight, or lack of it. This featherlight jacket certainly won’t make you feel bogged down, which makes it comfortable to wear over layers of warmer garments – and you will need to during the colder months as the Evolution is more of a jacket to keep you dry than warm. It’s equally comfortable to carry if you need to roll it up and stow it into a backpack. Being such a lightweight jacket, it

“It is comfortable to wear over layers of warmer garments ” front and one on the left side of the chest, all with sealed zips, plus three internal pockets.

Although it could be argued that some older jackets and smocks in the Ridgeline range were designed more for function than form, the Evolution is stylish. In fact, there is something distinctly parka-esque about its long cut, and I reckon it would serve just as well as a waterproof overlayer to wear at a music festival as in the field.

That contemporary cut and colour also meant I didn’t get funny looks while wearing this Ridgeline jacket on the school run or when nipping down to the shops on my way home from a shooting trip. Most importantly, the colour is inconspicuous in the field. It’s a light olive/sage, which Ridgeline describes as Heather Brown. It’s a shade that blends in with the landscape on most of the places where I shoot in Somerset and Wiltshire.

Keeping quiet The large hood is removable and can also accommodate a hat and ear defenders

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Keeping quiet is as important as going unseen if you’re targeting wary quarry, and the Evolution scores surprisingly well in that

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packs into a very compact bundle.

Although I have been wearing the Evolution jacket while lamping rabbits with my air rifle and decoying pigeons with my shotgun, it does seem to be a bit too good for that. It isn’t exactly an expensive coat but its price still makes it hard to shrug off the fear of damaging it, and I certainly don’t think this is a jacket for beaters to wear as they haul themselves through barbed wire and brambles. If, however, you want a jacket that will keep you dry as a bone if you get caught out in heavy rain on the hill or on the peg, and still look good while you’re braving the deluge, this is certainly one to consider.

More information SRP: £239.99 Colour: Heather Brown Sizes: XS to 5XL For more information, visit: ridgelineclothing.co.uk

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Latest kit

Happy feet The editor tests new heated boots from Alpina as the weather turns wintry

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hese new Alpina Hunter Heat boots caused quite a stir on a shoot I went on recently. Everyone noticed them immediately, even though I thought they looked like my usual shooting boots.

What they spotted was the flap by my ankle, designed to house a battery pack, which provides heat to the toe box when required.

That day I had left the batteries out because it was a walked-up shoot and when you are active you tend to stay warm. Also we were wading through water and I didn’t want to risk the batteries getting wet. However, all components are fully waterproof and would stand a quick dunk if the water level went over the top of my boots.

Divided opinion What divided opinion over lunch was whether heated boots were necessary in the UK, where winters are relatively mild.

Some argued that a good pair of thick socks would keep you feet warm, whereas others said they always suffered from cold feet and socks didn’t help. I have to agree that even if the temperature is above freezing, if you are standing or sitting around your feet will get cold. If the ground is below freezing, then the heat is drawn from your feet no matter how thick your socks are, or how well insulated the boots are.

Having cold feet makes the rest of your body feel cold, too, and so I was very interested in the Hunter Heats. I did, however, get off to a slightly rocky start with them. Trying them on at home I laced them up and started to walk around the house. I felt rather like RoboCop because the boots seemed inflexible and I doubted their

The batteries can be charged in two hours 80 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

The neat battery pocket does not get in the way

practicality in the field for someone who does a lot of walked-up shooting. The flex rating on the boot is rated as ‘stiff’, which is most commonly seen on mountain boots.

At least a stiff boot will give you a stable shooting platform, I thought.

Extreme comfort Fast-forward a couple of weeks and I took the boots on a walked-up shoot with my old boots in the car as a back-up. I could not have been more wrong. From the moment I put them on to the end of the day the boots were extremely comfortable. Considering on some of these walked-up shoots we can cover up to eight miles this was impressive.

My feet felt cushioned and supported.

Walking was easy and the foot rolled freely as I strode along. What’s more, the boots were waterproof, with a bellows tongue ensuring that water didn’t seep in through the laces.

The boots have a solid rubber bumper all around which makes them ideal for rough ground, going through brambles, gorse, heather or scree. The footbed is removable, so if you need more volume because you have a deep foot, that can be easily achieved.

Some of you might think that the heating elements are in the footbed, but they are in the toe box, which keeps the elements free of too much wear and tear. Some will be surprised that it’s just the toes that are heated, but if you’ve ever had cold feet, then you will know they are the first things to get

Features • Sizes: 6.5 – 14 • Colour: Brown • Weight: 1.1kg • Upper: Leather 2.8mm • Sole: Vibram rubber • Lining: Sympatex • Flex: Stiff • Price: £345

The Vibram soles gave good grip on slippery terrain

cold. Keep them warm and the rest of you will stay warm.

Elemental I found the heating element ideal for the times I was sitting or standing, such as when www.shootinguk.co.uk

GEAR The Alpina boots stood up well to the wet, muddy conditions

out deer stalking, or sitting in the beaters’ hut at lunchtime. What could be better than heat at the touch of a button?

There are three heat settings: touch the pressure pad on the ankle and the heat is switched on 100% and the button glows red; press it again and the heat will go down to 70% and glow orange; once more and the button glows blue to show the heat is now 50%. This not only allows you to tailor the amount of heat you want, but it will make the battery last longer in the field. Alpina claims that a charge will last for four hours continuous use in the field. I tested it at home and the batteries gave almost seven hours on full heat. However, it must be remembered that cold conditions in the field would drain the batteries more quickly than in a warm house.

The instructions state that recharging takes two hours, although mine seemed to be charged within the hour and the batteries stay in the boots while you do it. All you need

“Keep your toes warm and the rest of you will keep warm” to do is plug the charger into the socket at the back of the boot. If you want to remove the batteries, just lift a Velcro flap, unplug them from the socket in the ankle and remove the batteries. There is a foam filler that is placed in the battery pack area when you are not using the battery packs.

I discovered another advantage to having a heated toecap and that is to dry the boots at the end of a long day. Toecaps on all walking boots retain sweat from your feet because they are the most difficult place to air. Taking the footbed out and drying that helps, but I just turned the heating elements on and the boots were dry in minutes.

The boot These are boots first and foremost and

should be judged on how they perform in the field. They are lined with a Sympatex waterproof membrane, which worked well at keeping out water and also allowing my feet to breathe. The high collar gave great ankle support over rough terrain and they were comfortable.

Much of the terrain I went over was wet clay, which can really clog up the grooves between the lugs on the sole of a boot.

However, the Vibram sole shed the mud well and provided good grip on slippery terrain.

Verdict The Alpina Hunter Heats performed in every way. They kept my feet toasty and also performed well as hunting boots. At £345 the boots – for men only at the moment – are around £150 more than similar Alpina nonheated boots, so you pays your money and you takes your choice. There is also a Trapper nubuck heated boot at £300, including a women’s version. I can’t wait to try the Hunter Heats in the snow.

More information The batteries plug into the boots and are stored in pockets on the collars

You can adjust the three-stage InTemp control system at the press of a button

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For more information visit: stagcountrysports.com

FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 81

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Alan Paine Axford suit

A twist on tradition

The editor has a yarn to tell as he tests a new ‘tweed suit’ for the field from shooting specialists Alan Paine

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he new Axford suit from a manufacturer steeped in country clothing tradition comes as a bit of a shock because all is not what it seems. It looks as if it is tweed with a blue and orange windowpane check, but it is actually cotton made to look like tweed. It is very convincing.

If, however, you think this coat is a poor man’s tweed coat, think again. Alan Paine has used the latest technology to create something that looks like traditional tweed but performs like high-tech material in that it is waterproof, breathable and most importantly, washable. I love tweed but you have to have it dry cleaned. The Axford suit can be put into the washing machine at 30°C and is therefore a lot more practical.

It is described as a lightweight suit for

“The tailoring afforded the jacket excellent freedom of movement”

the beginning of the season or for warmer days. I didn’t get to test the coat and breeks until the cooler weather in December but found that it was still warm, even when temperatures dropped below zero.

The coat itself is padded to provide some insulation, but if you want extra warmth, layers could always be added underneath, making it a versatile garment.

Features COAT • Waterproof and breathable membrane • Cartridge pockets with drain eyelets • Stormproof cuffs • Two-way zip • Machine washable BREEKS • Machine washable • Buckle-adjustable hem • Mesh lining • Two zipped back pockets

A strap holds open the cartridge pocket

Comfort What I liked most about the jacket was how comfortable it was. The lightweight cotton material makes you feel less bundled up than thicker tweed jackets. I also had great freedom of movement because the coat was tailored to enable the jacket to move over the wearer’s back when stretching or reaching.

The sleeves didn’t ride up when I went on aim and I liked the soft suede-effect collar.

Be warned, however, that this material can soak up the wet in heavy rain, so it’s always best to keep a towelling scarf round your neck on really wet days. That said, if the collar were made from waterproof material it would funnel rain down your neck. The cuffs and pockets are also trimmed in the same material to ensure the coat is hard-wearing.

There are just the right amount of pockets, with two side-pockets for cartridges (you could easily fit a box of 12-bore shells in

The cuffs have a buckle fastening

each) with drain holes and two zipped interior pockets for wallet and phone. There are also the all-important handwarmer pockets on the chest to accommodate hankies and gloves. There straps, too, to hold open your cartridge pockets.

The chunky two-way YKK zip was easy to fasten in the cold and the storm placket kept the wind and rain out. In warmer weather the zip could be opened at either the top or bottom to let out some steam. I found the lining to be as breathable as anything on the market, though you could overheat in warmer weather. There is a matching waistcoat for when a coat is too much.

NICK RIDLEY

Quality There are zipped interior pockets to keep your wallet and phone safe on the shoot 82 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

I also tested the matching breeks and was instantly impressed by the metal buckle fastening at the cuffs. For me that is always www.shootinguk.co.uk

ford suit

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a sign of quality. The Velcro fastenings of some breeks are very functional, but I like something a bit more traditional, even if they are more time-consuming to use.

Double pleats at the front of the breeks give freedom of movement. Personally I find flush-fronted breeks are more flattering for my portly figure. The pocket edges are lined with the same mock suede on the coat and give added durability. There are also strong belt loops along with button and hook-andeye fastenings at the waist, so no danger that they would come down in the field.

What I really liked was the mesh lining of the trousers that helped wick moisture from my legs and also gave freedom of movement by sliding easily over the outer material when walking. And the beauty of

An interior pocket for your valuables these trousers, not being wool, is that they won’t irritate your legs. The Axford breeks are waterproof and washable and, as such, very practical.

My only advice would be to choose a size larger than you normally take on the breeks.

I’m a 38in waist and ordered that size, but found them a little snug. A 40in waist would have given that extra bit of room.

The Axford suit is extremely practical and it performs. It looks good, too. If you are not convinced by printed tweed and think that it’s a bit naff, I would urge you to take another look. This material looks like tweed but has all the advantages of modern technology and performance.

More information • Coat: £294.95 • Breeks: £149.95 • Colour: Basil • Sizes – Coat: small to XXL; Breeks: 32in to 44in waist • For more information visit: www.alanpaine.co.uk

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FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 83

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Editor’s test

EDITOR’S TEST

Breda B3.5SM semi-auto

The editor tests one of the hottest semi-autos to come onto the UK market

S

hotgun designations are often a mystery, but with the Breda B3.5SM things are a little clearer. The ‘SM’ stands for super magnum and the 3.5 refers to the length of the chamber, which can cope with 3.5in cartridges. This makes it ideal for wildfowler who often need to use magnum cartridges on geese.

There are other features that make this semi-auto ideal for the marsh. The controls such as the bolt release, the cocking handle and the cross-bolt safety are all large, making the gun ideal for use with gloved hands. We IN DETAIL Gun tested: Weight: Barrel: Length of pull: Drop: Rib:

£1,425 7.1lb 27in 14 ½in 5 Comb 1 ∕8in and 2¼ in at heel Ventilated

tested the Kryptek Mandrake camo version, but there’s also a black polymer stock.

The camo pattern was pretty unusual and reminded me of a lizard skin with its green diamond pattern – I’m sure it would work to break up the gun’s outline whether on the marsh or in a pigeon hide.

I have to admit that the way this gun went together puzzled me so much at first I had to consult the manual. Thankfully it had clear pictures and after taking it apart and putting it back together again I found it increasingly easy to assemble the gun – the parts are also easy to get to for cleaning.

The B3.5SM is inertia operated with a rotating bolt, which is common on a lot of

CARTRIDGES Eley Olympic Blues 28g, No. 7.5 shot with plastic wads. Tel: 0121 352 3277 or visit eleyhawkltd.com

The controls are easy to use

The camo stock is not to all tastes

1 5∕8 ” 2 1∕4 ”

NICK RIDLEY

141∕2 in

INFO

Available in 12-bore

84 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

Barrel lengths from 18.5 to 30in, 27in (tested)

Multichokes

vikingshoot.com www.shootinguk.co.uk

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Editor’s test

Up close 1. The action has a rotating bolt that is easy to clean 2. The chequered fore-end is easily removed

1

lighter loads. Use something like a 32g load, which is the minimum most would use in the field, and you will be fine. I didn’t get chance to try this gun with magnum loads, but recoil was negligible with the cartridges we used.

The B3.5SM provided three rapid shots as quickly as you could pull the trigger and it never jammed during a period of intense shooting. Re-loading was easy.

Some won’t like the Tru-glo bead, but it didn’t bother me and on the whole I liked this semi-auto. It felt well put together and did the job. Some may not like the price, but you should remember it is handmade in Italy, which puts the price into context.

Many thanks to The Oxford Gun Company for hosting this test. The Oxford Gun Company, Jericho Farm, Oxford Road, Oakley, Buckinghamshire HP18 9RG, tel 01844 238308, www.oxfordguncompany.co.uk

“The gun parts are easy to get to for cleaning” Italian semis. It also makes cleaning that little bit easier because there are no fiddly gas parts to worry about.

There is no doubt that this gun has been made with high-quality components. The take-down knob is alloy and the action is high quality, too. The way the gun goes together and operates feels very smooth.

Like many semi-autos the Breda comes with shims so the stock can be altered for length of pull and cast, meaning the gun can be set up to suit the shooter’s preferences. There is also a big squidgy recoil pad, which would be useful if you were shooting magnum loads.

The gun as tested had a 14½in length of pull, which was OK for my six-foot plus frame as long as I was wearing a thick coat. I found the comb rather low for me, but again that is something that can be easily adjusted.

The Breda includes a selection of removable chokes as well as sling swivels, which was a nice touch, and it all comes in a hard case, which helps The barrel is ventilated justify the £1,425 price tag.

On the range The gun felt light and wieldy. This was partly due to its superb balance – most of the weight came back into the shooter’s hands. I was worried this might mean that the barrel would wave all over the place, but it was steady on aim. When fired there was a little muzzle flip, as you get on most semiautos, but it was easy to keep the barrel swinging through the target.

The operation of the mechanism was slick and smooth. It felt impressively put together and the large controls were easy to operate. I was impressed by the trigger, which seemed light for a fowling gun with a pull weight of 5lb 10oz. Normally these sort of guns have heavier pull weights because shooters often operate them using thick gloves.

I always prefer to shoot with my trigger finger ungloved.

I had two episodes where the gun didn’t cycle the 28g Eley cartridges we were using, but many inertia operated semi-autos have this problem with

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EDITOR’S VERDICT The Breda B3.5SM is a well-made gun. Its working parts move with a well-engineered finesse and the large controls make it ideal for fowlers wearing gloves on the foreshore. I like that the gun comes with a set of sling swivels and shims to enable it to be customised to suit the shooter. I wasn’t keen on the camo, but that’s a personal taste and an all-black version is available. What appealed to me was the fact that the parts of the action were accessed easily, which would make cleaning it a doddle.

A lot of thought has gone into this gun’s design. It was also a very comfortable gun to shoot.

The new Breda ticks all the boxes for a fowler, but some might baulk at the price tag. True, there are cheaper semis out there, but the Breda is handmade in Italy and the quality workmanship is evident.

SCORES ON THE DOORS Build quality Handling Styling Value for money

Total:

24/25 24/25 22/25 20/25

90/100

FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 85

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Reader test

Super magnum Breda’s B3.5SM semi-auto is tested by two of our readers who are, in the main, users of over-and-unders. Will this new gun tempt them?

S

emi-autos often divide opinion.

You either love them or hate them. Our two reader testers have used semi-autos in the past but now mainly concentrate on over-andunders – but will one of them be swayed to go to the ‘dark side’ when they test the new Breda B3.5SM? Steve Want is first to try the gun on some driven targets and he makes easy work of getting all 10 clays. “The gun feels very light when it’s in my shoulder. It felt more like a 20-bore than a 12,” he said. Another thing he liked was the fairly light trigger pull. “That felt refined.”

Terry Friend also shot well with it, but was slightly less complimentary. “I have shot better semi-autos from makers like Beretta and Winchester. I am very aware of the large cocking handle being cycled when I take a shot and I can feel the working parts as well, which put me slightly off my aim between shots. However, the gun itself seems well balanced,” said Terry.

NICK RIDLEY

Great controls Funnily enough Steve liked the large cocking handle and said it didn’t put him off his stroke. “I like the large controls like the bolt release, cocking handle and safety because they suit my large hands,” he said. This was rapidly becoming a test that divided our readers, with Terry not so keen on the Breda and Steve seeing the positive side of the gun.

It was time to really put the gun to the test and fire at three quick-succession targets. The Breda performed faultlessly.

“That was good fun,” said Steve as he was holding the hot gun blowing smoke from the loading port. He made a good fist of the targets and so did Terry. Terry was also impressed by the rapid firing but said he was still conscious of the parts moving, more so than on other semi-autos.

86 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

Sporting Gun testers STEVE WANT

TERRY FRIEND

Occupation: Retired geologist Years shooting: Two years Guns: Fausti XF4, Miroku 7000 and AYA Yeoman Type of shooting: Mainly clay

Occupation: Retired Years Shooting: 20 years Guns: Beretta 690, Nikko Shadow 7 Type of shooting: Clays and pigeons

Reader test

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DAVID SAYS:

Steve Want liked the gun’s slick action

We moved to different stand to try another pair of targets and this is where the Breda didn’t cycle. David Florent of The Oxford Gun Company explained this CARTRIDGES Eley Olympic Blues 28g, No. 7.5 shot with plastic wads. Tel: 0121 352 3277 or visit eleyhawkltd.com

was because of the relatively light-load cartridges being used (Eley Olympic Blues 28g) which sometimes didn’t deliver enough recoil to cycle the second shot. The Breda is inertia operated and designed for magnum cartridges, and many semi-autos have this problem with light loads.

“To be honest I’m surprised that this is the first time the gun hasn’t cycled because most inertia-operated semi-autos will baulk at light load cartridges,” said Steve.

Terry added: “When you are fowling you would be using cartridges well over 30g, so you would have no problems then.”

Easy loader

“The new Breda B3.5SM is a good semi-auto and you can’t fault it. It performs and is well made and should give years of service.

Wildfowlers will like the large controls that are easy to operate with gloved hands, but there is a lot of choice out there for this sort of money.”

David Florent is managing director and head shooting instructor at The Oxford Gun Company.

Steve was more enamoured of the Breda.

“I think it’s a solid gun. I enjoyed using it and if I had a need for a semi-auto I would definitely consider it. I just wish it were a bit cheaper, but then I always wish good guns were a bit cheaper.”

Both testers agreed the Breda was easy to load, with no sharp edges to catch your fingers. They both thought the gun was well made and felt very solid. As for the camo, both seemed to think that the Kryptek Mandrake would do the job hiding the gun from keen-eyed avian quarry. They saw the black version as well, but preferred the funky new camo saying that the gun just looked better in a lighter colour. Each to his own.

Verdict The question is would they buy one?

“Personally I wouldn’t,” said Terry. “I grew to like the Breda better the more I shot it, but I have shot other semi-autos that I prefer.”

Many thanks to The Oxford Gun Company for hosting this test. The Oxford Gun Company, Jericho Farm, Oxford Road, Oakley, Buckinghamshire HP18 9RG, tel 01844 238308, www.oxfordguncompany.co.uk

WE NEED YOU! We have room for more reader testers. If you live near The Oxford Gun Company and want to get your hands on some new guns, email us at: Sportinggun@ ti-media.com

FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 87

USED GUNS

Antiques

A Gem of an air rifle This intriguing item could catch out the unwary collector, who must follow a trail of patents to discover its identity, as Robert Morgan reveals

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ometimes things are not quite what they appear to be. Readers who have been involved with shooting for some time will probably instantly recognise the air rifle shown here as a ‘Gem’ type. For those who are not familiar with the description, the Gem was a mass-produced air rifle manufactured mostly in Germany and Belgium by various makers from around 1870 right up to the beginning of World War Two. Even in good condition, they rarely break the £100 mark at auction. A much smaller number were manufactured in the USA and the knowledgeable amongst you might be saying right now, “I bet it’s a Quackenbush.” Whilst rare, he is the most commonly found American Gem maker.

You would still all be wrong, because this humble little air rifle is actually a Haviland & Gunn, identifiable by the tiny little ‘H’ and ‘G’ stamps on the breech-face, although, as we shall see, those who did say Quackenbush were not far off.

Spring system George Gunn could possibly be called the father of the modern spring air-gun despite the fact few have heard of him. Patent no 113766 of 18 April, 1871, introduced the concept of using a barrel to cock a springoperated air rifle (proving that the spring system is comparatively new as an idea, pneumatics are way, way older). A year later, Patent no 126954 of 21 May, 1872, covered the idea of housing the spring in the grip.

“Gunn introduced the concept of a spring airgun” 88 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

George Gunn’s 1871 patent introduced the concept of spring operation Between these two patents the majority of spring-operated air rifle designs (and air pistols) were covered. It may be why BSA chose the under-lever initially and Webley barrels operated in the opposite direction to most to avoid infringements. The Germans and Belgians, it would seem, were not bothered and copied everything.

In fairness, both patents were accredited to Benjamin Haviland as well. Haviland www.shootinguk.co.uk

Antiques

USED GUNS

In association with

www.holtsauctioneers.com

The air rifle is expected to sell for £500

became Gunn’s business partner in 1871 at about the time Gunn’s first patent was filed, although his input would appear to be more sales and marketing as opposed to technical.

Their initial product was quite unique in that it had a removable barrel liner and an aperture for a floating firing pin on the breech-face allowing it to operate as an air rifle or a conventional cartridge rifle.

The improved model introduced in 1880 continued with this concept, but a few were built as just rifles and a further few as just air rifles, and that is what we have here.

Expert opinion currently suggests that there are seven of these Haviland & Gunn air rifles in existence, making it one of the rarest production air rifles in existence. This example also bears the stamp of Watson Bros Gunmakers of London, meaning it is one of the tiny number of exported pieces. Certainly it is the rarest air rifle we have had at Holts and is expected to sell for around £500.

situated in Ilion, New York, literally just down the road from the firearms giant Remington.

The Haviland & Gunn air rifle sold for around $20, a phenomenal amount when one considers you could by a basic Winchester lever action rifle for around $4.50, and that

New company

Cottage industry One of the big problems faced by Haviland & Gunn at the time was cost. Their premises was little better than a cottage industry

there were single-shot small-bore rifles available for less than $1.

As you might expect, sales were not strong and, in 1884, the majority of the patents and designs were sold to Quackenbush, who also took on Gunn as an employee. Redesigned again, the rifle became the Quackenbush Model 5, a rifle most serious collectors aspire to own. Whilst working for Quackenbush, Gunn designed a repeating version of the Model ‘5’, but it would appear to exist only in Patent no 337395 of 9 March, 1886 (if you have one let me know).

‘H’ and ‘G’ stamps can be seen on the breech face

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The fact that Quackenbush’s name does not appear on the patent may be something to do with Gunn leaving his employ the same year, although Quackenbush’s diary suggested ill health. Whatever the reason, Gunn started a new company called The Atlas Gun Co with another air rifle of his own invention, this time a BB gun.

He suffered a sad fate, hit by a train whilst walking home from work in 1906 aged 79.

The Atlas Gun Co was subsequently sold to the future airgun giant, Daisy.

FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 89

USED GUNS

Blast from the past

Action The long-recoil inertia system uses the energy of the fired cartridge

A heavyweight performer The Breda Xanthos is cheap but bears comparison with its more expensive rivals, says Charles Smith-Jones

T

he Italian industrial giant Breda does not just make firearms. The company started out making locomotives and today produces everything from ship engines to thermal power plants, but its fame as a gunmaker has long been established.

Breda guns probably hit the real peak of their popularity about 30 years ago, but today

they are still producing high-quality shotguns, which are much sought after.

Action The semi-automatic Xanthos is one such.

Introduced in 2006, it remains in production but is no longer imported into the UK, so you are only likely to encounter this shotgun on the pre-owned racks.

ANDREW SYDENHAM

The Xanthos will carry two extra shots

The Xanthos came with five chokes

90 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

The heart of the action is based on the long-recoil inertia system invented by John Moses Browning and refined by Breda designer Bruno Civolani. The result was a design triumph that Breda has used in succeeding gun models. It has also been employed in Benelli semi-autos, the latter having been previously part-owned by Breda before being bought out by Beretta.

It is very reliable system, which, instead of relying on valves or gas, uses the energy of the fired cartridge. For this reason, Bredas have a special reputation for cycling lighter cartridges that other makes can often be fussier about.

The Xanthos comes in four distinct grades – the Black, Grey, Classic and Damasco. The entry-level Black has a blued receiver, while that of the Grey is nickel, the Classic a more elegant sandblasted and silked finish, while the highest-grade Damasco is finished in ruthenium, an inert and wear-resistant metal in the platinum group. Decoration on the www.shootinguk.co.uk

Barrel Drilled from a solid steel bar and proofed to take steel shot

CHARLES SMITH-JONES SAYS:

“Bredas have a special reputation for cycling lighter cartridges” receiver varies from a simple gold inlaid script showing the maker’s name to rather more ornate patterning on more expensive models.

The oiled walnut woodwork varies similarly from an attractive basic grade to the more highly figured quality of the Damasco, with chequering on the woodwork restricted to the pistol grip and fore-end. Sharing the design of the Xanthos but having more of a utilitarian finish, the Breda Chiron has a polymer stock and is offered with a magazine capacity of 4+1, while the Xanthos has only ever been available in a 2+1 magazine.

The unique design makes for fast recycling

Mechanism The mechanism is the same for all models, though. A solid steel receiver ensures strength while keeping overall weight down, although the long action of the inertia-recoil system allows the gun to use a heavier bolt. This has the effect of reducing recoil at the shoulder even with heavier magnum loads. As a result, the weight of the gun, at less than 6½lb, makes it comfortable to c se for long periods. The overa functional yet surprisingly elegan A button on the of the receiver acts magazine cut-off, while the bolt The fore-end can be easily removed

h Manual, cross-button Weight (12 bore) 6lb 6oz (28in barrel) Available in calibres 12-bore Cost new RRP £1,050 (2016 price for Xanthos Black) Cost used From around £400 depending on model and condition

release is easily located behind the shelllifting plate. Trigger release is set at around the 5½lb mark, which suits most people but can be adjusted.

Like most manufacturers of semi-autos, Breda has always stressed the need to bed in a new gun by putting a number of cartridges through it, but this should not be necessary with a pre-owned gun. The 3in chamber and tolerance of a wide variety of loads, coupled with the multichoke option, makes this gun versatile enough.

This is increased by the fact that being of relatively recent manufacture, any Xanthos you come across should be proofed for steel shot.

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Versatile The Xanthos came supplied in a rigid blue or red case depending on the model. It also contained five flush-fitting chokes, ranging from full to cylinder, sling swivels for those who wanted to fit them, and a user’s handbook. Also supplied were shims that allowed the owner to adjust the drop of the stock allowing the fit to be personalised.

With its light weight and reliable field performance, this is an attractive gun that is comfortable to use and would be equally at home shooting clays, waiting for a duck or conducting some serious crow or pigeon control. It is superb value for money and is serious competition for other guns.

Many thanks to The Sportsman Gun Centre Limited, 19 Apple Lane, Exeter, EX2 5GL, tel 01392 354854, sportsmanguncentre.co.uk FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 91

USED GUNS

Blast from the past

STOCK The Scout has an adjustable cheekpiece and butt

SAFETY The rifle features a Safe Bolt System action with a unique 2+1 safety function

One of a kind Charles Smith-Jones lauds the Steyr Scout as a true original that meets the needs of most ‘one gun’ hunters

I ANDREW SYDENHAM

n the early 1980s a US Marine Corps lieutenant colonel named Jeff Cooper, who already had an enviable reputation both as a shot and a shooting writer, developed his personal concept of the scout rifle.

Such a gun, he decided, would be boltaction, light, handy, have a low-mounted, low-power sighting system with long eye relief suitable for shooting with both eyes open, and shoot well out to some 400yd. It should

have alternative sights for emergencies, a short barrel and an overall length of around a metre. An integral bipod was desirable but not essential. In essence, it would be a rifle intended for the ‘one gun’ hunter who would use it for multiple purposes and quarry weighing up to 1,000lb, and Cooper specified .308 Winchester as the ideal calibre.

Although other manufacturers including Ruger and Savage also took up the concept, Cooper eventually entered discussions with Austrian gunmakers Steyr Mannlicher to develop a rifle to his specifications. By the mid1990s, and after several years of planning, a design had been developed. By the end of 1996 the prototypes had been fully tested and Steyr was ready to start commercial production.

Landmark A synthetic stock comes as standard 92 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

The Steyr Scout has been going strong ever since and is considered to be the benchmark for the entire scout concept. It is an unusual

The easily removable bolt, and cheekpiece in fully extended position and revolutionary design, which nevertheless has a strong following, especially in the US, and in its own way is one of the most radical rifles ever produced commercially.

While its appearance is certainly unusual, all the features that set it apart are functional rather than ornamental. The scope mounting provision is deliberately set forward on the barrel for stability and allows faster target acquisition; it is also intended to leave the ejection port and breech accessible should it become necessary to clear jams or feed ammunition through the top.

There are also unobtrusive ‘ghost ring’ iron www.shootinguk.co.uk

Blast from the past

BIPOD An integral bipod is built flush into the fore-end

USED GUNS

The built-in bipod flips down for easy use

CHARLES SMITH-JONES SAYS:

“The features that set it apart are functional rather than ornamental” A five-round magazine is standard

Tech specs Country of origin Austria In production 1997 – present Action Bolt Stock options Synthetic Barrel length 19in standard Magazine Detachable Left hand version No Weight (bare) 6lb 6oz Available in calibres Primarily .223 Rem, .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmore, 7mm-08 Rem, .308 Win and .376 Steyr. Rimfire version in .17 HMR, .22 LR and .22 WMR .

Cost new From £1,750 Cost used From around £800

In keeping with the scout concept, the stock is only available in a synthetic material for low-maintenance durability, but there is a choice of colours. Stock designs can vary and some versions offer an adjustable cheekpiece and butt adjuster.

An aluminium receiver housing, hammerforged lightweight barrel (normally fluted and in blued or stainless) and further use of polymers in the construction all reflect a conscious effort to keep the rifle’s overall weight to a minimum. The receiver features an integral Weaver rail that allows for easy and secure fitting of a telescopic sight. There is also an additional attachment point on the fore-end to accommodate flexible fitting for slings and other accessories.

Accuracy sights that can be flipped up, which are useful in emergencies if the main sight is broken or goes off zero in the field, but are intended to be used accurately at medium ranges if desired.

The detachable magazine holds five rounds, and one of the many innovative design features is a spare magazine housed conveniently at the butt end of the stock. A 10-round magazine is

The Scout is built with an integral Weaver rail on the receiver for telescopic sights Great subscription deals at www.sportinggunsubs.co.uk

available as an optional extra.

Equally innovative is the integral bipod built to fit flush into the fore-end, released by a button. Although this has been redesigned in later models to increase strength, many users still prefer to fit a more stable and adjustable Harris bipod or similar.

The Scout was never really designed for use in conjunction with a sound moderator but it balances remarkably well, even with a heavier type fitted.

The Scout was originally offered only in Cooper’s preferred .308 Winchester but has since been chambered in a wider range of calibres including, in a slightly more robustly-built version, the .376 Steyr cartridge. A straight-pull rimfire version, the Scout RFR or Survival, featuring storage space for emergency equipment in the butt, was introduced in 2017.

Although its intended purpose is a rugged and reliable rifle for demanding field conditions, the Scout boasts a level of accuracy that some heavier competition models may envy. Designed and built to exacting standards, it is a true thoroughbred which, despite being a departure from the mainstream, should not be disregarded simply because it looks a little different.

Many thanks to The Sportsman Gun Centre Limited, 19 Apple Lane, Exeter, EX2 5GL, tel 01392 354854, sportsmanguncentre.co.uk FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 93

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GUN TYPE: SHOTGUN Make and model Morrow Side-by-side Choke Improved Cylinder and ¾ Calibre 12-bore Barrel 30in Price £350 CONTACT DETAILS Name John Tel 01759 307040 County East Yorks GUN TYPE: SHOTGUN Make and model William Ford side-by-side Choke Improved cylinder and ½ Calibre 12-bore Barrel 28in Price £350 ono CONTACT DETAILS Name John Tel 01759 307040 County East Yorks GUN TYPE: SHOTGUN Make and model Baikal side-by-side Choke ¼ and ¾ Calibre Baikal Barrel 28 ½in Price £60 CONTACT DETAILS Name John Tel 01759 307040 County East Yorks GUN TYPE: SHOTGUN Make and model Enrico Pedretti Single Barrel Choke Full Calibre 12bore Barrel 28½in fully moderated Price £225 ono CONTACT DETAILS Name John Tel 01759 307040 County East Yorks GUN TYPE: RIFLE Make and model BRNO Mod 2 with moderator and Kassner 4x44 scope Choke N/A Calibre .22 bolt-action Barrel 600mm Price £225 CONTACT DETAILS Name John Tel 01759 307040 County East Yorks

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GUN TYPE: SHOTGUN Make and model Laurona Choke MultiChoke Calibre12-bore Barrel 28in Price £325 CONTACT DETAILS A Badger, as above GUN TYPE: SHOTGUN Make and model Hatsan Escort Semi-auto Choke MultiChoke Calibre12-bore Barrel 26in Age New Price £325 CONTACT DETAILS A Badger, as above GUN TYPE: SHOTGUN Make and model Greener Martini Action single Calibre12-bore Barrel 30in Price £185 CONTACT A Badger, as before GUN TYPE: RIFLE Make and model Ruger Rimfire Choke N/A Calibre .22 Barrels 18in Price £180 CONTACT DETAILS Name G Horry Tel 01354 655781 County Cambs

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94 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

GUN TYPE: SHOTGUN Make and model AYA Yeoman Choke full and ½ Calibre 12-bore Barrel 28in Age 1980 approx Price £250 CONTACT DETAILS Name Steve Want Tel 07594 294733 Email stevewant@hotmail.co.uk County Oxfordshire

GUN TYPE: SHOTGUN Make and model Benelli Montefeltro Comfort Choke multi Calibre 12-bore Barrel 28in Age 2 years approx Price £975 CONTACT DETAILS Name M T O’Brien Tel 01332 988932 Email talk.netmartinob@talky County Derbyshire

GUN TYPE: SHOTGUN Make and model Winchester Sporting Energy Select Choke Brierley multi Calibre 12-bore Barrel 30in Age 3 years Price £875 ono CONTACT DETAILS Name Sean Oriel Tel 07901 512437 Email sean.oriel@ networkrail.co.uk County Pembrokeshire

GUN TYPE: SHOTGUN Make and model Browning 525 Choke multi Calibre 12-bore Barrel 28in Age 6 years Price £850 CONTACT DETAILS Name Edward Scrase Tel 01377 267626 County North Yorkshire

GUN TYPE: SHOTGUN Make and model Miroku MK 38 Sport Choke ¼ and ¾ Calibre 12-bore Barrel 30in Price £650 CONTACT DETAILS Name B Harris Tel 0121 4306534 County Midlands GUN TYPE: SHOTGUN Make and model Ilsley side-by-side, non-ejector Calibre 16-bore Barrel 30in game Price £220 CONTACT DETAILS Name J Lacey Tel 07504 139455 County Northants GUN TYPE: SHOTGUN Make and model Miroku MK70 Choke multi Calibre 12-bore Barrel 30in Price £1,750 CONTACT J Lacey, as before

GUN TYPE: SHOTGUN Make and model Beretta Silver Pigeon Choke multi Calibre 20-bore Barrel 26½in Age New Price £800 CONTACT DETAILS Name Alan Stanmore Tel 07786 554863 County Essex GUN TYPE: SHOTGUN Make and model Sarriugarte Calibre 12bore Barrel 28in Choke improved cylinder and ¼ Price £100 incl slip, cleaning kit and snap caps CONTACT DETAILS Name Rob Charlton Tel 0191 489 7293/ 07972 501794 Email josscharlton@icloud.com County Tyne and Wear GUN TYPE: RIMFIRE RIFLE Make and model Sako P94S Barrel 14½in screw www.shootinguk.co.uk

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Burris 3-9x40 scope in steel mounts, leather sling, gun slip, cleaning gear, 4 x 9 shot mags, ammo) CONTACT DETAILS Name Robert Charlton, as before GUN TYPE: SHOTGUN Make and model Caesar Guerini Magnus Choke multi Calibre 20-bore Barrel 30in Age 2 years approx Price £1,775 CONTACT DETAILS Name Phil Cooper Tel 01608 643002 County Oxfordshire GUN TYPE: SHOTGUN Make and model Miroku ORE Trap Choke full and full Calibre 12-bore Barrel 30in Age 1970 approx Price £750 CONTACT DETAILS Name B Harris Tel 0121 430 6534 County Midlands

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GUN TYPE: SHOTGUN Make and model Beretta Sporter 687 Choke multi Calibre 20-bore Barrel 28in Price £250 CONTACT DETAILS Name Tom Tel 07837 505977 County Lincs GUN TYPE: SHOTGUN Make and model Beretta AL391 semi-auto Choke multi Calibre 12-bore Barrel 30in Price £675 CONTACT DETAILS Name Simon Hazeldine Tel 07468 002848 County Cumbria GUN TYPE: SHOTGUN Make and model Benelli 828U Silver plus slip Choke multi Calibre 12-bore Barrel 30in Price £1795 CONTACT DETAILS Name Mike Henson Tel 07795103658 County Dorset GUN TYPE: RIFLE Make and model Browning semi-auto

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with moderator Choke N/A Calibre .22 Age 6 years approx Price £425 CONTACT DETAILS Name Ron Tel 07742 510281 County Herefordshire GUN TYPE: SHOTGUN Make and model Beretta A303 Choke multi Calibre 12-bore Barrel 30in with original Beretta hard case Price £450 ono CONTACT DETAILS Name Edward Howman Tel 07969 098758 County Norfolk GUN TYPE: SHOTGUN Make and model Hatsan Magnum Escort Calibre 12-bore Choke multi Barrel 30in, comes with original box CONTACT DETAILS Name Edward Howman, as before

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FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTING GUN 97

Parting shots

The numbers game How to deal with Guns for who quantity not quality is the order of the day

TOM SYKES

BE DISCREET Steve Nuttall of Border Fieldsports Why do some shooters still want big bags? I’m not just talking driven pheasants and partridge, here. Even some so-called wildfowlers and rough shooters seem to play the numbers game these days.

If you see plenty of wild geese on a morning flight and manage to shoot a brace or two, what could be better than that? To me this is a cause for celebration, but I’ve had clients say we should have stayed out all day until they ran out of cartridges. Why? You can’t sell the birds. And who would possibly want to pluck and dress more than a handful of geese?

The other day I had upward of 1,000 Canada geese grazing a field of split maize. I mentioned it to a client and he said his team would take the flight, regardless of cost, as long as they shot plenty. Oh, and

by the way, he said, “We don’t want the bag… ” I am certainly not a fan of Canadas but those geese are still there feeding. Not a shot was fired to disturb their dining.

So what will it take to change the views of greedy gunners? Certainly not BASC’s well-intentioned Shooting Code of Conduct.

I remember a September day near Loch Leven when shooting around the water went on from dawn ’til dusk. The numbers shot were sickening. The law of averages says that some of the people involved would’ve been paid-up members of one shooting organisation or another.

We will never stamp out greedy shooting but maybe we can minimise it by quietly encouraging newcomers to the sport to read ‘The Code’.

Flying into a rant with a greedy Shot during the course of a day’s shooting may hammer the message home but it’s not the way to do it.

98 SPORTING GUN FEBRUARY 2020

TELL IT HOW IT IS Robin Scott, former Sporting Gun editor-at-large Steve’s right, when it comes to tackling greedy shooting – a verbal showdown within earshot of other shooters is not the best way forward.

But a blind eye should never be turned to bad behaviour; something has to be said at the time of transgression to stop it happening again.

A gentle, constructive, reprimand is always better than a full-blown bollocking, especially in the case of someone not entirely versed in the etiquette.

Whoever is in charge of the day is the person best placed to take an offender quietly to one side and have a word, preferably at lunchtime. Doing it this way the ‘guilty’ can then enjoy one or two afternoon drives and finish the day with their reputation retrieved in front of other Guns.

The trouble is that some of the greediest people I have encountered have also been among the most experienced Shots you are likely to meet. You’re never going to change them but here are some measures you can take: • Pick all the birds dropped at your feet then lay them neatly at the offender’s peg when the drive finishes and say politely: “I think you might find that these are yours, a******e.”

• Fight fire with fire by (safely) shooting your own birds – and a few of his – well out in front.

• Not include him in future shoots, then say why.

• If the transgression happened on an invitation day, leave it to your host to take whatever action he feels appropriate. Always assuming, of course, it wasn’t him who was doing all the mopping up.

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