Top Shots 2011 | The Field

ShootingUK is the complete shooting resource for the British shooting community. From shotgun licence and shotgun certificate information to gun reviews, game shooting, clay shooting and more.

| Next

Top Shots 2011: nominate now

By The Field

Tuesday, 01 February 2011

Do you know a crack shot? Nominate them for The Field's Top Shots 2011. Young, old, game or clay, men and women, keepers and kings...we are looking for the most consistent and deadly.

The Field's Top Shot list is an institution.

Only the most consistent and deadly sportmen are chosen as a top shot.

All men and women who stand out in the line will be considered as a top shot. Is your average better than 3:1?

To nominate a gun for The Field's Top Shots list click on the 'comment' box and give us their name, contact details and why you think they qualify as a top shot. Please include your own email and telephone number.

See The Field's 2009 Top Shot list.

The Field sample magazine!

Click to see the full edition!...

Go fishing without a rod

...

Features

Highland ponies on the hill

Highland ponies are less noisy than Argocats. Able to carry a 17 stone... Read more

Gun Reviews

William & Son 20-bore gun review: technical data and shooting impressions

William & Son 20-bore gun review: technical data and shooting imp... Read more

Gundogs

Teach an old dog new tricks

It is possible to teach your old retriever or peg dog something new, a... Read more

Comments

jeremy sturges

Wed, 8th Jun 2011 13:49:24

Fordy is a good call, about time somebody recognised his ability,knowledge and personality.He won't like the attention though if selected..go on The Field

Steve Lovett

Tue, 17th May 2011 11:39:23

Simon Ford is simply a great shot and definately in the top 50 in game shooting in the country, a wonder he hasnt been noticed before.

steve duckett

Wed, 11th May 2011 16:54:58

I agree with many of your contributors that Simon Ford should be included in your list. Not only is he a great outstanding talent he contributes to every element of a days shooting and is great fun. He loves his sport but also gets satisfaction from others achieving a great shot especially if they are novices. Put him in any team and he will shine with gun, personality and generousity.

Richard Heathcote

Tue, 5th Apr 2011 15:44:26

As an objective sportsman I must nominate Richard Heathcote for his shooting this year which has been quite utterly outstanding. To repeatedly have your eye wiped from three pegs down is humiliating to say the least, and the final day of the year at Claxton saw the best bird of the season quartering at Mach III, and shot dead at a paced 65yds. Iâ€™m sure the Claxton gamekeeper Jim Irons would agree strongly with this nomination. This suggestion is particularly painful as he is also my own brother.... and altruism has never been a word we would associate with one another. Robert.Heathcote@zoo.ox.ac.uk

James Dil

Tue, 5th Apr 2011 10:27:03

A true Top Shot and â€˜tick all the boxesâ€™ Countryman is Mr Richard Heathcote. Demonstrated to me on a dusk flight on the marshes of Claxton Manor, Norfolk. Hampered by thick fog and with little reaction time; a resulting bag attributed to him of 5 species and a shot to kill ratio of 1:1. A note should be made of a particularly epic right and left Teal that came storming out of the gloom. A worthy nominee, capable of taking his had to a variety of shooting disciplines.

Daren Cottrell

Tue, 5th Apr 2011 09:37:56

I would like to nominate my colleague Richard Heathcote for inclusion in your list this year. Whilst sadly i've never seen him shoot, I can attest to the fact that he was not seen in the office on a single Friday (or many thursdays)between September 1st and February 1st this season. Surely anyone shooting this often should be at least half-way competent with a gun? Daren Cottrell 0207 786 3769.

alex brant

Sun, 3rd Apr 2011 20:04:28

Keith Halsey,aka the Tosh, is one of the top tall bird shots in the country. Having run my own driven shoots in Ireland, and Scotland, I know that everyone claims they want tall birds, but very few can hit them and most of these lesser shots think 35 yards is tall. Tosh is one of the few guns I know who consistently kill cleanly at birds between 45 yards and the limit of range. What is truly amazing, is that for a couple of seasons he had to shoot off his left shoulder as the right had been operated on. He was still first-class off his left shoulder. Additionally, no one is more fun in the field as a companion. Alex Brant 01408 641 760

Clive Williams

Thu, 31st Mar 2011 13:41:28

Dear Sirs, never done this before or used a computer infact but would like to nominate a gentleman i saw shoot in Wales. I've been involved with shooting for some forty years plus and Mr.Simon Ford from I believe Gloucester is as good as i've seen. Tackles the difficult birds others pretend not to have seen. Lovely shot.

Brian Waldren

Tue, 29th Mar 2011 07:31:51

I agree with many of your other commentators that Simon Ford from Gloucestershire deserves to be in the top 50. I personally have seen him improve year on year dramatically. He is now very selective and sporting which is what shooting is all about. Deadly and good fun on tall birds.

Charles Wilson

Thu, 24th Mar 2011 11:04:50

Peter Wilson (son) is that rare combination - world top twenty trap shot and effortless game shot. Runs a small family shoot with charm and effeciency. Has just won the first Olympic quota place in Double Trap in Chile despite two earthquakes. Most of important of all he has the big moment temperament. Of course he gets it all from his Dad.

neville gill

Mon, 21st Mar 2011 09:28:05

i would like to nominate Charlie Bull having seen him in action with his 28 bore which he calls his popgun! but he claims and i have seen it that he can shoot most birds with his beloved 28 bore - grouse, partridge, ptarmigan and rather high welsh pheasants. call him on 01865 300066.

Nicola Heron

Thu, 17th Mar 2011 14:58:44

Nomination for the 2011 'Top Shots' Could I please put forward the name of a very deserving gentleman? This person is called Mr Martin St Quinton and he lives in Hampshire at a place called Netherton (in the â€˜Golden Triangleâ€™ an area with some very good high bird shoots). He is a delightful person, very kind and unselfish to all who shoot with him. Perfect etiquette in the field, he chooses only the sporting birds and is deadly accurate. Always clean kills. His shooting style is quiet, unassuming and extremely elegant although he is not the sort of person who would recognise it of himself. I have known and shot with him for over 20 years. He is always a true sporting gentleman. He is also well known for his other passions 'Horse Racing' where he has had several very good horses and Fly Fishing around the world. I do hope you consider him. Contact details - His 07768446666. Mine, if you need to talk more, is 07831-429119. Good luck with this yearâ€™s list. It is always lovely to read.

Vina Chhatralia

Thu, 17th Mar 2011 08:36:36

Charming, dedicated and passionate Mark shoots the length and breadth of the country at some of the finest grouse, partridge and pheasant estates. Covering well over 65 days in the season with a ratio of 2:1, he is deadly on high pheasant and partridge pulling off some spectactular long shots. He can also be found enjoying dove shooting in Argentina and Spain, wild boar in France, Germany and Hungary. When the season is over Mark is at the Royal Berkshire Shooting School perfecting his already perfect shot with a clay or two!

Jonathan Ward

Wed, 16th Mar 2011 16:48:52

Andy Whitemore very impressive shot.. most improved shot and certaainly enjoys the shoot lunch

A C Dakin

Wed, 16th Mar 2011 09:06:38

I wish to nominate Mr Peter Wolmer for inclusion on the top 100 game shots for 2011. His contact number 07831610673. A C Dakin

Nick Hodges

Tue, 15th Mar 2011 14:04:10

Have shot and loaded for 'Fordymalordy' and agree with many of your other contributors, he is a great shot, good fun, generous and at times unbelievable.

Nicola Heron

Sun, 13th Mar 2011 18:24:46

Nomination for the 2011 'Top Shots'. Could I please put forward the name of a very deserving gentleman? This person is called Mr Martin St Quinton and he lives in Hampshire at a place called Netherton (in the â€˜Golden Triangleâ€™ an area with some very good high bird shoots). He is a delightful person, very kind and unselfish to all who shoot with him. Perfect etiquette in the field, he chooses only the sporting birds and is deadly accurate. Always clean kills. His shooting style is quiet, unassuming and extremely elegant although he is not the sort of person who would recognise it of himself. I have known and shot with him for over 20 years. He is always a true sporting gentleman. He is also known for his other passions 'Horse Racing' where he has had several very good horses and Fly Fishing. I do hope you consider him. Contact details - His 07768446666. Mine, if you need to talk more, is 07831-429119. Good luck with this year's list. It is always lovely to read. Kind regards Nicola Heron.

John Jeffries

Wed, 9th Mar 2011 20:17:13

Having had the pleasure of shooting with Mike Yardley at Gurston Down I witnessed his superb and elegant style and appreciated his precise perfection that his reputation commands. As an allrounder I would say that he is one of the rare few good shotgun shooters that can handle almost any gun to a standard admired by others. A truly classic shot.

A Wasdell

Mon, 7th Mar 2011 18:46:28

Was lucky enough to witness Adam Calvert's (Senior Instructor at E J Churchill) fine shooting at Chargot where he made light work of high pheasant and partridge, barely missing a thing. I can see why he is ranked as one of the UK's top instructors.

mike brennan

Mon, 7th Mar 2011 12:58:21

Agree with a lot of your contributors. Have seen Simon Ford shoot on many occasions last year. He is not only a great shot he is also very generous with time,food,cartridges,days shooting and champagne! A great guest,host and sharp shooter with etiquette which is rare!!

Claire Pennington

Fri, 4th Mar 2011 16:26:08

Richard Heathcote should definitely be included in the list. He is a gentleman on the field and a great all-round shot from high pheasants and fast grouse to sporting pigeons. Qualified as a professional hunter in Africa and having represented Great Britain on long range targets, he is also pretty useful with a rifle!

Mathew Ensor

Fri, 4th Mar 2011 12:55:32

I have had the pleasure yet again this season of shooting on a couple of occasions with Richard Heathcote, an old family friend of mine. He has developed into a truly excellent shot. In Yorkshire this year I wathed him shoot 3 consecutive right and lefts with his 28 bore, no mean feat as these were good 30-40 yarders shot in a stiff wind. He is one of those guns who shows irritatingly consistent performances time and time again and yet he is still one of the most humble sportsmen i know. Also absolutely deadly with a rifle. Richard: 0778 927 4576 Myself: 07584124791

Claire Zambuni

Thu, 3rd Mar 2011 18:10:00

Gary Short - by far the best shot I have met (apart perhaps from James Percy who was pretty spectacular). gary@shorts-group.co.uk

ANDY WHITEMORE

Wed, 2nd Mar 2011 16:21:34

Nigel Mustil is second to George Digweed in the pie eating contest and not a bad shot either , a perfect gentleman and a great ambassador to shooting sports. Ian Musto is a great shot and superb host shot with him in Lapland last year ! Peter Davidson AKA "Concrete" also deserves a mention as a contiually consistant shot on high birds and for his "high viz jacket" Simon Ford can stand alongside with any of the afore mentioned and perform equally well on the tall birds I have had the pleasure of shooting with and supplying all these guys their guns and seeing them shoot so well with them is more often than not spectacular !

Paul Roberts

Mon, 28th Feb 2011 14:57:58

I want to nominate Mike Yardley as one of the The Field's 'Top 50'. I have watched Michael shoot both shotguns and rifles for many years. He is a true master of the shotgun - and as reliable a performer as I have ever seen even on difficult birds, his style is also impeccable. Michael is also an excellent rifleman with much experience of Africa as well as European big game. Paul Roberts Chairman J.Roberts & Son (Gunmakers) Ltd.

Henry Jones

Sun, 27th Feb 2011 14:32:14

I would like to post a comment that if you were picking a team to shoot at birds most guns won't shoot at or have the confidence to take on then my first name on the list would be Nigel Mustill from Salisbury. A great shot and very modest with it.

robert bucknell

Fri, 25th Feb 2011 20:46:53

Your contributer Michael Yardley is half decent with a scattergun and not bad with ball to boot. Oh, and he can hold his own with a pistol too.

Diggory Hadoke

Fri, 25th Feb 2011 20:13:57

Michael Yardley continues to kill most things he shoots at, despite encroaching age and deteriorating eyesight. The old dog should make the list again this year, as he still out-performs 90% of his fellows in the line with irritating consistency.

Michael Yardley

Sat, 19th Feb 2011 12:00:27

I would like to nominate Michael Yardley. Having witnessed Michael's shooting on a good number of occasions I have long admired his consistency in hitting all manner of sporting birds. His style is both effortless and graceful, making, for example, what would appear to be a most difficult shot, an easy one. He has an uncanny ability to locate and hit his target no matter how difficult it is. John Resteghini j.resteghini@btinternet.com

Vina Chhatralia

Fri, 18th Feb 2011 09:55:45

Mark W Lee Charming, dedicated and passionate Mark shoots the length and breadth of the country at some of the finest grouse, partridge and pheasant estates. Covering well over 65 days in the season with a 2:1 ratio, he is deadly on high pheasant and partridge pulling off some spectactular long shots. He can also be found enjoying dove shooting in Argentina and Spain, wild boar in France, Germany and Hungary. When the season is over Mark is at the Royal Berkshire Shooting School perfecting his already perfect shot with a clay or two! Nominee's contact details: markwlee@fsmail.net Nominator's contact details: Vina Chhatralia 01398331174

Ed Fitzalan Howard

Thu, 17th Feb 2011 14:07:52

I've had the pleasure of watching a young man by the name of Richard Heathcote shoot on three occasions this year. Once on Grouse at the begining of the season, once on Pheasant in Hampshire and most recently I watched him shoot absolutely superlatively in Yorkshire. Not only is he an absolutely first rate shot with both gun and rifle (i believe he's represented his country at fullbore) but he is also an absolute gentleman, being the first to complement his fellow guns and the the last to shoot at any bird that is not clearly his- traits now becoming less common.

ben whittle

Tue, 15th Feb 2011 08:29:27

Just agreeing with posted comments and clarifying details for you: Ian Mustoe runs Stoke Edith shoot from Hereford Simon Ford from Gloucestershire Nigel Mustill from Salisbury Peter Davidon 'concrete pete' from Devon? one other name you all should add to these great shots is Tosh the owner of Boss guns who is in the league of these extraordinary gentlemen who lives in Switzerland and London, his name is Keith Halsey and he kills like a demon on difficult birds.

peter jackson

Mon, 14th Feb 2011 22:39:09

my vote goes to michael yardley,a dear friend and shooting pal..he must be the most consistant shot on the the circuit.the fastest grouse on the moors of yorkshire to the highest pheasants of devon.he never fails to impress..consistant

B Srejic

Mon, 14th Feb 2011 18:14:56

I have had the chance to observe Mike Yardley shoot many number times at both birds and boar. We were able to witness (and film) Mike's advanced skills in extremely difficult situations last year and this. Recently, in Croatia, the local guides where certainly amused with his skills in shooting driven boar with rifles - he brain shot one at 80 metres. They said: "are you sniper?" Michael deserves very special place for being able consistently to shoot game both with rifle and shotgun. If we define intelligence like ability to manage problems in new situations I would also nominate Michael as a most intelligent hunter. It is easy to be good on drives that repeat the same way each season but it is not easy to shoot something 'different' in 'different' countries and in 'different' circumstances and every time make the shot. I give Mike the greatest respect as an all round shooter and want to nominate him as one of the UK's top shots.

B Srejic

Mon, 14th Feb 2011 18:09:21

Harry Kennedy

Mon, 14th Feb 2011 17:31:59

Having watched jonathan kennedy frequently, i would say that he is up for contention. He is deadly with a shotgun in his hand. It would be a rarity for him to miss two in a row.

Peter Gubbins

Sat, 12th Feb 2011 21:52:38

Was invited to a last day shoot, pheasant and partridge a plenty. I witnessed some of the sharpest shooting by a 20 bore whether a high bird or a twisting partridge through the trees. I would place John Field in the top 50 guns

David Hartleborge

Thu, 10th Feb 2011 11:33:40

I would like to nominate Simon Ford as I see others have. I have seen him shoot 4-5 times this season and he is a joy to watch. He has no fear and will take on any bird but he is not reckless. I also think that he is not only a great shot but also great fun to be with on the day and he makes so much effort with other guns, loaders and pickers up all being equal nothing snobbish whatsoever. He would be in the top 50 guns for ability and social behaviour.

paul payne

Wed, 9th Feb 2011 19:04:22

Michael Yardley should definitely feature on your list. For sheer consistency on difficult birds he's an absolute pleasure to watch!

Michael Yardley

Tue, 8th Feb 2011 20:59:35

Robert Roe - a superb shot with a 28 bore

james stone-brierly

Tue, 1st Feb 2011 13:22:17

Now that the season has come to an end, I feel I can nominate certain individuals who have excelled themselves and at quarry that is difficult. From what I can see there are a small minority that are chasing and shooting high birds be it Devon,Wales, Yorkshire or Scotland. They are pushing their sport to the limit of their abilities and at 50-70yrds realistically. Those I have seen performing and standing out from the rest are Nigel Mustill, Peter Davidson, Ian Mustoe and Simon Ford. All of these are a pleasure to watch and are definately in a real top 50 shots based on ability.

John Stewart-James

Tue, 25th Jan 2011 16:18:29

Watched a team shoot the last drive at Castle Hill'Brierly' and saw two guns give an exhibition of high bird shooting, absolutely fantastic, wonderful and amazing Mr.S.Ford and Mr.I.Mustoe as my 10 year old says "awesome".

David Stretton

Fri, 14th Jan 2011 08:08:30

Nigel Mustoe is the second best game shot in the country behind Digweed. Ask any shoot he's been on , consistant 1:1 or max 2:1 on tall pheasants and I mean 60-70yrd North Molton, Castle Hill, Llangwiddygarth, Whitfield pheasants not 25-35yrd average pheasants that are shot.He doesn't miss and the birds are stone dead in the air not pricked.Quality shot, modest and brilliant.

tosh

Wed, 12th Jan 2011 13:33:47

Having shot the most difficult shoot in Britain i.e North Molton on a regular basis to shots are in the top 10 game shots with ease. Concrete Pete and Nigel Mustoe from Salisbury , make tall birds look easy and consistant wherever they go. You cant get better than these two together. Have made other top 50 shots look pathetic.

mark coleman

Wed, 15th Dec 2010 07:59:57

Having watched a team shoot at Glan Usk estate the other day, I wanted to point out that two guns stood out from all that have shot here. Mr.Ian Mustoe and Mr.Simon Ford definately in the top two guns i've had the pleasure to witness.

steve rider

Thu, 9th Dec 2010 18:19:51

I see some traffic about Fordy(Simon Ford), have loaded for him before and he is up there with the best and a crack with it. When him, Mustoe,Smithy,the Price boys,Rob Western and others get going you wont get a better team in the country.

SIMON FORD

Fri, 26th Nov 2010 18:16:12

I am humbled and somewhat embarrassed by some peoples comments and it is not deserved. However, I am lucky enough to shoot with Mr.Ian Mustoe on a regular basis and I would easily consider him to be in the top 10 game shots in the country. Great technique and confidence on high birds with a 2:1 minimum. A pleasure to shoot with and watch.

charles forbes

Tue, 23rd Nov 2010 18:59:51

Having not seen this chap on the game circuit before, I was picking up behind a gentlemen by the name of Simon Ford or "Fordymalordy" as his so called friends bleated from time to time. I felt obliged to submit a comment(the first ever time)after watching what can only be described as a exhibition. Unbelievable, and finished with an heroic pidgeon and an 80yrd plus cock. What I admire is not only his skill but his fun attitude to the day.

Peter Cassidy

Tue, 16th Nov 2010 17:38:34

Have just shot back to back days at Three Valleys and Llangwiddygarth(spelt incorectly)in Wales and out of a very strong team of high bird shooters two stood out from the crowd. Mr Ian Mustoe who himself runs Stoke Edith shoot and is mustard at 70yrds plus full and full and Mr.Simon Ford who shot beyond the mere mortal and stunned his loader by his shoot to kill rate at such high pheasants.Both are great shots whom I have had the pleasure of shooting with and are undoubtedley in a league of their own.

Richard Street

Tue, 16th Nov 2010 17:29:43

Mr.Simon Ford from Gloucestershire deserves recognition as he averages 1.7:1 and thats on high birds at Castle Hill or Briggon's and many others. Unrushed and calculating waits for the highest of challenges and kills with finese and ease at 60 yrd plus. Have seen him shoot unkillable birds at stupid distances through belief and willpower.

Alan Smith

Wed, 10th Nov 2010 13:35:16

Simon Ford deserves a listing, I have shot with him for atleast 10 -12 years at high bird shoots such as Briggands,Castle Hill,North Moulton and many others. He always brings down 70yrd plus birds with ease and has a ratio always around 2:1. Loaders have been amazed by what he brings down.

James Briggs

Wed, 21st Jul 2010 11:42:02

Steve Hopkins surely deserves a nomination. Hoppy is meticulous is his shooting of both grouse and pheasants, leaving them so late that you think they are past him. He famous in North Yorkshire (where he runs part of the Swinton Estate)for his "Measured Lead".

Ben Horne

Mon, 14th Jun 2010 07:04:10

Nomination for Top Shot is Jono Mills of Harwood Stud, Wooton Hill, Newbury. I shoot regularly with previous 'top shots' Tom Tywhitt-Drake and Lord Hyde, but Jono out shot all last season. His high bird technique is considered but pays off exceptionally well. As a bloodstock manager for an Arab organisation his speciality is to 'remind' potential clients that he enjoys shooting, in the same sentence as mentioning that he'd like to send some horses to them. The usual response is an invitation to a big day!

Lobkowicz

Tue, 18th May 2010 16:44:36

Mr Duncan J.Griesdale momentarily finishing a degree in the Royal Agricultural College Cirencester. For three year high Gun in all shooting Competitions, steady as a rock in his performance! Game shooting his average is always around 3:1, or even better.... When it comes to next generation shooting, you will need to watch out for this young talent. E-Mail adress: 196005@rac.ac.uk