Sporting Gun is the leading monthly magazine for clay, game and rough shooters. With editorial offices in the Lincolnshire countryside, it can justifiably claim to be at the heart of the shooting community. Monthly features range from gundog training to pigeon shooting, game shooting to wildfowling – along with sound, practical, advice on equipment and techniques to help the beginner, intermediate or experienced shot get more enjoyment from their sport. Sporting Gun is a must for anyone who invests time in and money on their shooting.
Birth of Venus
Editor
SNAPSHOTS • All the month’s news, pictures and more
NEWS IN BRIEF
EVENTS
Ned & Ted
A price to pay • The way things are heading, shooting may once again become the preserve of the wealthy, says Robin Scott
Wild and woolly • Charles Smith-Jones on the trouble with rewilding
What we do • Tom Sykes reflects on why he believes fieldsports is the best pastime but that people involved in it need to spread a positive message
Hidebound by human logic • It took a while for Peter Theobald to realise that location matters a lot more than appearance when it comes to setting up a hide – as long as the birds can’t see you
Turf wars • Battle has commenced in the woods near Jon Snowdon as the young bucks challenge the old boys
Tasks in hand
That’s your Lotte
ANDREA’S RECIPE
Quarry guide Pochard Aythya ferina • Charles Smith-Jones looks at this sociable and colourful character of a diving duck that is a suffering a serious decline in numbers
POCHARD FACTS
Air commander • EdCook talks about the advantages of using an airgun to control rabbits and reminisces about his childhood experiences with one
Where to shoot SPORTING GUN’S CLAY SHOOTING CLUB DIRECTORY
Aim high at The Classic • Are you ready to compete for your place on the podium and win some prizes, asks Jasper Fellows
For more information
CLAY GROUNDS Coley sets the gold standard • Jasper Fellows discovers the wide range of clays and competitions on offer at Ian Coley Sporting in the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds countryside
WHO’S WHO
Go the distance • James Simon takes you through how to get through a long day’s shooting with a smile on your face and a spring in your step
Put eggs in several baskets • Rising costs and bird flu have added to the challenges keepers face so it’s a good time to take stock and assess what you can change, says Paul Quagliana
Mike’s top tips
Sim-ply the best • More clays than you can shake a stick at, good company and food – what’s not to like about the imitation game, asks Tony Bracci
All’s well that ends well • Geoff Garrod recounts a recent day that did not go quite to plan after an early surprise
Stubborn as a rule • Persistence pays off for Patrick Hook in his pursuit of some troublesome foes
Patrick’s top tips
Hedge hunting • It’s vital to have the basics in place before getting into the thick of it, says Fran Ardley
Adventures of Nick & Ted Age 74 months • Nick Ridley tries to keep things on the level with the boys with regards to the mating game and some working tests
The problem: Pancreatitis • “After several days of toing and froing, my vet has finally diagnosed my cocker with pancreatitis. What was so difficult?” MICK MANNOCK, NORTHAMPTON
Dave and some other tight spots • Nick Ridley has had his fair share of adventures in his old Landies and here he relates a few memorable tales
Letters • Send us your pictures, letters and pigeon hauls
Letter of the month
Letter of the month
Sporting Gun
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