I recently spent 10 days in the forests of Finland. I was there as part of a research trip to understand a bit more about curlew breeding habitats, but within a…
Patrick Laurie
What can be done to help curlew?
Curlew have returned to their breeding grounds for the spring, but each year there are fewer on the fields below my house. It’s widely understood that curlew are dying out…
The decline of Scottish red deer
For thousands of years, deer were the foundation of human existence in Scotland. Hunting them provided us with food, clothing, tools and a rich cultural imagination that is hard to…
Are curlew numbers declining? The suggests they are
Where I farm in Galloway, curlew numbers seem to be declining every year. There are a number of drivers for this collapse, not least the rapid expansion of commercial forestry…
Are British fieldsports the best in the world?
British fieldsports are famous throughout the world. Despite being a small island, we punch well above our weight across an astonishingly wide range of sporting disciplines and there can be…
Pine martens are thriving – which poses some interesting dilemmas
Pine martens are making a comeback in Galloway. Driven to extinction in the 19th century, these enthusiastic predators were released into the Galloway Forest Park as part of a reintroduction…
Why tweed is the original performance clothing
Ten years ago, I was invited by a Scandinavian clothing brand to cover the launch of a new range of shooting clothing. The grand unveiling would take place at a…
The mighty stags of the English lowlands
Lockdown has been a time for daydreaming. Trapped indoors for days on end and confined to barracks during a beautiful spring, thoughts have now begun to return towards sporting ambitions.…
How to buy a shoot on a shoestring
Many sporting folk dream about owning their own shoot. The idea can become a constant, niggling temptation and it is a recurring topic of discussion at shoot lunches. We all…
Is the capercaillie slipping out of our grasp forever?
Something is stirring in the depths of the ancient pine forest. As spring creeps north, creatures are emerging from the trees to strut and prowl. Capercaillie are substantial birds; the…
All about the fox
I thought it was time to do a piece all about the fox. Let’s address some of the various questions that the fox shooter often encounters. Can you eat fox?…
Lyme disease symptoms – what you need to know
A growing prevalence of tick-borne diseases – including Lyme disease – has put them high on the list of public enemies. Unfortunately, ticks now pose a direct threat to humans,…
How to make a complaint about a shoot
Our sport is possibly one of the most evocative of any pastime, and good memories from the season linger throughout the summer, sometimes enduring for years when a chance reminder…
Partridge and pheasant shooting at Bowhill, Scottish Borders
Shortly before the first drive started, a sparrowhawk emerged from the highest cluster of oak trees and twinkled her wings in the bright sunlight. Against a cloudless blue sky, the…
Boar hunting in Croatia with Basswood Sporting Agency
Boar hunting in Croatia: In the depths of a wintry Croatian forest, Patrick Laurie is consumed by the primal thrill of wild boar hunting with sporting agent Frank Ille from…
Craiganour Lodge: Sporting hotels in Perthshire
Craiganour Lodge: The private Craiganour Lodge has some special touches.
Night patrol in Dumfries & Galloway
While lying in wait for a dog fox our author enjoys the magic of nature at night.
Pink-footed geese shooting in the morning
Pink-footed geese: A fantastic morning on pink-footed geese was an unforgettable experience.
Protecting wild birds
The black grouse blog does his bit for those in need.
Banning shooting not the answer
The black grouse blog gets cold under the collar.