Country Diary

With Wales on the brink of banning humane snares, why are those who protect habitats and control predators still seen as the villains?

Studies conflict over how to help curlews

Research from the RSPB has concluded that habitat work combined with predator control did not lead to increased curlew productivity

Appeal launched to support Chris Packhanzr’s legal action

A crowdfunding page has been set up to raise money for the BBC presenter’s case against Fieldsports Channel, amassing over 100,000

Gamekeeper

The importance of doing our bit for waterways, and a visit to a nature reserve to discover how the RSPB is managing precious bog and heath

Country Diary

The barnacle goose is the subject of a new study as bird flu continues to rage, and rabbits will become more numerous due to a 2023 act

Magic in a tiny stream

The first catch is always thrown back and the fish are small by some standards, but little dappled trout are irresistible

In search of the best pigeon B&B

The woods are full of birds until you decide to go and shoot them, laments Blue Zulu

Don't let greys make April fools of you

As the weather warms up and trees come into leaf, grey squirrels will be looking for drey sites — now is the time to get them

Enjoy shooting for all the right reasons

Defining what fieldsports really are gives us cause to reflect on our motivations for being in the field in the first place

A fine Italian import

David Tomlinson investigates the unusual Crufts-winning gundog breed that is now better known for truffle hunting in its own country

The dogs are on song

It’s the wonderful memories that make shooting such a great sport and JEF Rawlins recalls four particular pheasants that he will never forget

Keep clam and carry on...

Hiding in the sand, clams make a tasty reward for the forager but extracting them often requires some effort,

See you later, my ally Gator

Strong they may be but rabbits are no match for a big polecat hob,

For the love of the curlew

In making wader scrapes on his new field, Soldier Palmer unearths some interesting clues to a long-forgotten land

SHOTGUN TEST Longthorne Berkley £69,161 plus VAT

This over-and-under is not only beautiful to look at, but its titanium barrels really make it something special to shoot,

The pick of the litter

While choosing the perfect gundog puppy often comes down to luck, David Tomlinson is a strong believer in trusting your gut

A sporting life in Africa

A chance meeting brings back memories of an Englishman and his dog in Yemen

Can Spanish prize buck the trend?

Many dream of taking a gold-medal roebuck but for one hunter it is the pinnacle of all his stalking ambitions,

Quick, quick, sloe

Fruity, home-made sloe gin is a classic but there are plenty of options for something warming to fill your hip flask,

Double the danger lurking for lambs

With the lambing season in full swing, foxes are on the prowl and a pair on his patch is proving particularly challenging for Mark Ripley

Taking stock: utility, tradition or beauty?

With more choice than ever when it comes to stocks, Graham Downing asks whether plastic, wood or laminate is best for a long day in the field

The need for clarity

A predawn stalk in damp, murky conditions is the ultimate test of your equipment particularly the optics. ZEISS’s latest riflescope and binoculars get top marks

It's a game of two halves

A pair of sika hinds are just the job to fill Barry Stoffell’s freezer as he traverses the South Kerry Mountains on the last day of the season

Does a 100-year-old calibre have a place?

Launched in 1923, the 270 Win quickly gained a following but as Will O’Meara seeks a new rifle, will the calibre stand the test of time?

Adventure is part of our caveman DNA

When stalking deer with a close friend, there’s often no need for discussion, says Will O’Meara, everything is a case of instinct

Odd dogs, new tricks - any breed can do it

From terriers to teckels — and even a miniature poodle — any breed can make a good deer dog with the right training

Stalkers are simply pupils of the trail

An incident-filled morning spent guiding a stalker in pursuit of a muntjac buck reminds Miles Malone of what bonds man and beast

Something a little bit different, sir?

Most of use a .243 or a .308 rifle but there’s no reason that more unusual calibres can’t make a good go-to

Plagues, pests and regionalism

Our attitude towards individual deer species is greatly influenced by our location within the British countryside

Country Diary

While grey seals might appear lovable to some, a brutal morning scene is a stark reminder that they are extremely efficient hunters