Shooting Times & Country

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) is urging gamekeepers and land managers to get out and count grey partridges. The Trust, which is considered a world-leading authority on the birds, uses data collected by volunteers during spring and aut

Watch out for Asian hornets. BASC is renewing its warning to look out for these giant insects, which are a serious threat to native pollinators. Any sightings should be reported immediately to DEFRA. A guide to identifying Asian hornets is available

Last week, on what must have been the hottest day of the year so far, I went to Suffolk in the hope of seeing some turtledoves. Many East Anglian readers will probably know of Graham Denny and the luckiest may have even faced his infamous partridges.

21% Pheasant 13% Partridge 36% Pigeon 30% Mallard follow us @shootingtimes Respondents: 223 ■

In a boost for advocates of traditional grouse moor management, a recently published study on the effect of fire on peat has found that burning peatland vegetation helps the soil store carbon. Peatland habitats have traditionally been burned in the U

Deputy Chief Constable Dave Orford, the national lead on firearms licensing, has given guidance to police forces on shooting during the COVID crisis. He said: “When considering outdoor shooting, police should view it in the same way they would for go

The Country Food Trust has delivered its millionth meal to those in need during the coronavirus pandemic. The Trust produces game-based, pouched, ready-meals that simply need to be opened and heated up to provide a nutritious main course. The charity

The winner of Letter of the Week will receive a Browning Powerfleece. Warm and practical, it is ideal for both the peg and the pub, and is available in sizes S-5XL. For more information, visit: browning.eu. Colour dependent on availability. ■

The closing date for applications to BASC’s legacy funded scholarship programme 2020 has been extended until 17 July as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. BASC’s scholarship programme aims to support and encourage those wishing to develop their kn

Credit where it is due, to Devon and Cornwall Police Licensing Department, especially in these difficult times. More, especially, to FEO Mr Jimmy Clitherow. He phoned twice regarding my Applications to Renew my FAC, SGC, Black Powder and also Variati

Editor Patrick Galbraith Deputy editor Ed Wills edward.wills@ti-media.com Brand assistant Sarah Pratley 01252 555220 Group art director Kevin Eason Art editor Rob Farmer Picture editor Max Tremlett Group chief sub-editor Di Cross Chief sub-editor S

I must sympathise with M Grant’s sentiments (Letters, 13 May) on stalking. Over the past 30 years I have shot or seen shot in excess of 1,000 deer, plus dozens of other large game on three continents. As a North London lad of immigrant stock, getting

During lockdown I have been walking the same ground with my dogs on a daily basis. It’s debatable whether the walks have been for the benefit of the dogs or me, but I suspect that we have all enjoyed and benefited from the routine of daily outdoor ex

The long layoff from shooting during lockdown has been a frustrating time for many of us. Most of my shooting entails the control of grey squirrels, and it seemed difficult to justify a drive of 10 or so miles to keep my feeding stations going when w

If you’re looking for an all-round game gun with great handling and looks, then Chapuis Armes has designed a gun that might interest you. Chapuis Armes started life in the 1930s in the St Etienne gunmaking region of France, with Tean Louis Chapuis ma

I do like the handling of Chapuis Armes guns and this was no different. On test on the towers at the shooting school, the handling was a delight using a variety of cartridges. Starting on the 40ft tower and working up to the 130ft tower, the handling

Manufacturer Chapuis Armes Model C35 Super Orion Classic Action Over-and-under round-body boxlock Chokes Five, cylinder to full Calibre 12-bore, available in 16, 20 and 28 Barrel 30in, other options available Weight 7lb 5oz Price £3,245 RRP, 2

Spending so much of my time in the countryside with rabbits, I get an instinctive feeling. This is based upon what I was always led to believe when I was younger: that if you get into the mind of the animal you are managing, you will be far more succ

BASC’s head of firearms and global authority on guns Airgunner and journalist from the West Country Vintage gun expert, firearms dealer, author and journalist Shooting Times rifle reviewer and stalker Highly regarded writer and ornithologist NGO

A famous Dee fly that was invented by Charles Akroyd in 1875, according to his book, A Veteran Sportsman’s Diary. It soon became one of the most used patterns on the River Dee and has been a favourite of fishermen ever since. There is apparently some

Latin name: Fragaria vesca Common name: Wild strawberry Other names: Alpine strawberry, fraise des bois How to spot it and where to find it: You might have to look hard for the wild strawberry, as it tends to nestle amid taller plants and grasses.

Widely touted by commentators as the most versatile cartridge in the world, the .375 H&H was minted in 1912 and is still one of the most popular chamberings for the larger medium game rifle. Today, .375 H&H is the minimum specified calibre for big ga

The walrus is a giant seal — only the elephant seal is bigger. A bull can weigh up to 2,000kg, which is more than six times heavier than even a big grey seal bull. Perfectly adapted to life in cold Arctic waters, the nearest breeding walruses to Brit

Recently, a 57-year-old man and his 19-year-old son were killed, and his daughter injured, by a water buffalo in Wales. The animal in question was reported to be of the Mediterranean breed of water buffalo — a strain developed in Italy, where its mil

Should every fisherman aquaint themselves with the joys of a split cane rod? A pigeon shooter’s perfect holiday. Why the .17HMR is becoming more popular than the .22. Why is the springer spaniel falling from favour? ... AND MUCH MORE! ■