Choosing a name for your dog can be tricky. But here are some useful tips to give your dog a name they can be proud of. Some names simply suit dogs better than people. While Bella may be a suitable name for a dog, it’s not as popular for girls.…
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Stalking on your doorstep
In the autumn of 1971 my father leased 1,000 acres of forestry shooting near Thetford in Norfolk for what even in the immediate aftermath of decimalisation was the remarkably modest price of five pence an acre. As well as a decent population of wild pheasants, there were vague and unsubstantiated…
Chalkstreams: reinventing Arcady
For a host of reasons chalkstreams capture people’s attention and affections. They are globally unique, freshwater marvels, and important habitat to iconic species such as salmon, native crayfish, otters and mayfly. But generally you learn these things after the chalkstream has already caught you in its spell. I fell for…
The Field interview: Lord Hertford
It is in an unassuming corner of his stately Palladian mansion, away from public eyes, that the 9th Marquess of Hertford prefers to hang his most treasured accolades. Two are certificates: one awarding him fellowship of the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE); the other from the late Queen appointing…
Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I Sport
The gun under our lens this month is the Sporter model of the new Beretta Silver Pigeon, designated the 686 Silver Pigeon I Sport and supplied by GMK. It is a 30in 12-bore, fleur-de-lys superior proofed for steel shot and equipped with 70mm Optima choke HP multichokes (five supplied), a…
Asparagus and walnut pesto pasta salad
Asparagus and walnut pesto pasta salad Making the most of asparagus season, this pasta salad has a refreshing, herby, tangy sauce that works beautifully with the nutty, buttery cheese. We produce some amazing sheep’s cheese in the UK and some of my favourites include The English Pecorino by White Lake…
11 things to do in the off season with your gun
There’s no need for the gun cabinet to be closed, locked and remain untouched until the Glorious Twelfth. The season may be over but there’s plenty that needs to be done. You could tidy up your moves, encourage a youngster out into the field, restore an old shotgun, try some…
The 7 best recipes for clearing the freezer
Do you open the freezer and see rather too many birds frozen for later? It’s time to get using them with these delicious recipes for clearing the freezer. (Then you’ll have plenty of space for the next season’s bag.) You might also like to read our recipes for barbecuing game. …
George Digweed’s ultimate pigeon decoying guide
Pigeon decoying is a key skill to master for a large bag and fine sporting day. We asked multiple world champion clay-shooter George Digweed for some key advice. Here’s what he has to say. (You might also like to read George Digweed’s guide to charity clay pigeon shooting). Pigeon decoying…
The snipe: A fascinating bird
Bel Chapman’s summing up of the snipe is hard to better: ‘The most shifty and capricious of all gamebirds – here today, gone tomorrow,’ he noted in his book Bird-Life of the Borders. He added how these birds will often sit tight until almost trodden on, while on other occasions…