How Gundogs and Fieldsports Can Benefit Wildlife and the Environment

Fieldsports are activities that involve hunting game animals, such as pheasants, grouse, deer, foxes and rabbits, often with the aid of trained dogs and firearms. These activities have a long history and tradition in the United Kingdom, and are often seen as part of the rural culture and lifestyle. However, they also have a large…

3 Essential Training Focuses for Gundogs in 2025

If you’re a gundog owner you’ll know how rewarding it is to see your dog thrive in the field. Whether you’re preparing for a shoot day or just enjoying walking your dog in the countryside, training is the key to success. In 2025, here are three areas to focus on that will make your gundog…

How Shooting Boosts the UK Economy and the Countryside

Shooting is a widely enjoyed and diverse activity throughout the UK, encompassing various types of firearms, targets, and settings. This multifaceted pastime appeals to a broad audience, ranging from recreational enthusiasts to serious competitors. It is not only a means of sport but also a cultural tradition for many. Alongside its recreational aspects, shooting can…

Nurturing a Young Gundog: An Essential Guide to Gunshot Introduction

Bringing up a keen hunting partner and faithful companion in the form of a gundog requires skills, patience, and time. Of the many necessary aspects of their training, one crucial component that must be managed effectively is the introduction to gunshots. The initial exposure to gunshots can significantly influence your young gundog’s performance in the…

How to Make Fried Duck: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Fried duck is a dish that can be enjoyed all year round, but especially in the colder months when you crave something warm and comforting. Fried duck is crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and full of flavour. It can be served with various sauces, sides and salads, depending on your…

Gundog Training Equipment: What You Need to Get Started

If you have a gundog breed, you might be interested in training them for field work. Gundogs are bred to assist hunters in finding, flushing and retrieving game, such as birds and rabbits. Gundog training is a great way to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated, as well as strengthening your bond and communication….

The Importance of Pigeon Shooting for the UK: A Conservation Perspective

Introduction Pigeon shooting, often a topic of debate and controversy, plays a crucial role in the UK’s conservation efforts. While some may view it simply as a recreational activity, it is important to recognize the significant impact that pigeon shooting has on the country’s agricultural industry, biodiversity, and habitat preservation. In this blog post, we…

What is Wildfowling?

Wildfowling is a form of hunting that involves the shooting of wild ducks, geese, and other waterfowl. It is typically carried out in coastal areas, where these birds migrate to during the winter months. Wildfowling is a popular activity in many countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and parts of Europe. Like other…

Picking-up Training Day

So, this weekend we attended a picking up specific training day. This was a day catered around getting young dogs used to the atmosphere and excitement of a real shoot day. The day was really for our springer who we have only managed to get out on some pigeons this year and not out picking…

General Licences GL40 GL41 GL42 Reissued

No major change in the general licences this year, they have also reissued them for another 2 years until 31 December 2023 Below are links to the relevant shooting licences https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wild-birds-licence-to-kill-or-take-for-conservation-purposes-gl40 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wild-birds-licence-to-kill-or-take-for-public-health-or-safety-gl41 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wild-birds-licence-to-kill-or-take-to-prevent-serious-damage-gl42

Winchester SXP Waterfowl Hunter

I recently purchased myself a Winchester SXP Waterfowl for some pigeon shooting and hopefully some duck shooting this year. I have had the gun out now on a number of really quite successful pigeon shoots. This gun is a brilliant sub £400 gun, dipped Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades camo, back-bored, Invector Plus chokes, hard…

AYA No4 Side by side shotgun

The Nº 4 is a mechanically very simple boxlock ejector, it’s a durable, dependable, and easy to service gun. This side by side has disk set firing pins, a double trigger and automatic safety. Aesthetically the gun has some nice simple engraving, some colour hardened finish and grade 2 oil finished walnut stock. The gun…

General Licences Reissued

Six of the general licences have been reissued for the control of wild birds The licences have been reissued on a temporary basis ahead of new licences coming into force on 1 August 2020 As of Wednesday 12 February 2020 Defra announced that six general licences for the control of wild birds will be reissued…

Pest Control Identity GL36

The new general licence GL36 allows the killing or taking of the following pest bird species for the purpose of preventing serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber, fisheries or inland waters: Carrion crow – Corvus corone Jackdaw – Corvus monedula Magpie – Pica pica Pigeon, Feral – Columba livia…