Craigenputtock House has been sitting in the rural splendour of upland Dumfriesshire since the 11th century. Once the home of Thomas Carlyle, one of Scotland’s most influential authors, it has…
Shooting Times
Mycoplasma or ‘bulgy-eye’ disease is on the increase in pheasants. Here’s what you need to know about it.
Game farmers are being advised by vets to be extra vigilant this year in the battle against mycoplasmosis, commonly known as bulgy-eye.
How to mark pricked birds
It’s not always easy to spot a wounded bird — and it may fly on for some distance after being shot — so do keep your eyes peeled, advises Ian
Dealing with birds you see coming from a long way out – and snapshooting
How do you deal with a bird you see coming from a long way off and, conversely, ‘snap shooting’? It’s all about composure and timing. How to become the Shot…
Curing common shooting mistakes
How to become the Shot you’ve always wanted to be: Episode 5
Wind, wigeon and heritage
At last, the wildfowling season has begun. My jacket steams in the shed, waders are caked in mud, a faint odour of samphire and salt lingers over the computer as…
The art of hand-crafted firearms
One of the most common statements heard when referring to famous engravers of the past is that they were “ahead of their time”. Engravers such as William Caslon, William Palmer…
The origins of driven shooting
Throughout the UK and Europe, driven shooting has become one of the most popular facets of our sport. According to BASC, of the 600,000 people who hold shotgun certificates, more…
Isuzu D-Max Utah Huntsman Plus reviewed out in the field
I was waiting eagerly for the Isuzu Huntsman to turn up, and at first glance it has the air of a stealth fighter about it, particularly in this colour with…
Air rifle pellets or slugs?
Q) Can you explain the difference between air rifle pellets and airgun slugs? Both of these were stocked by hardware and sports shops more than 60 years ago, but now…
How expensive is stalking red stags?
One of the country’s most majestic animals, the red deer is Scotland’s largest native land mammal and one of its most sought-after sporting trophies. But how much does it cost to shoot a stag?…
What’s the best shot size?
The best shot size has been debated for as long as guns have been throwing clusters of small lead balls at flying birds. We have two key issues to address.…
Lamping rats with airguns – what you need to know
After-dark rat shooting in the farmyard
How to practise your gun mount at home
There is no substitute for regular gun mounting practise to achieve a smooth, fluent and efficient mount — bringing the comb up under the gun sight, aligning your shooting eye…
English boxlock shotguns for under £5000
If you are looking for an individual, well balanced side-by-side that is good to shoot, then inexpensive English boxlock shotguns always represent value for money. They represent a great way…
Does choke matter?
The degree of choke in your gun barrel is the difference between the size of the bore — the barrel diameter — relative to the constriction at the muzzle. For…
English and Welsh Roe Review 2018
English roe had a good year in 2018. After reporting an increased number of heads presented for measuring in 2017 — the best on record — we were prepared for…
How long will it take my gundog bitch to get used to the whelping box?
Step-by-step instructions on how to build a whelping box to make a safe birthing environment for your litter
A proper countryman’s recipe for bullshot
Nick Weston prepares a feisty cocktail to revive your spirits out in the field
Scottish Roe Review 2018 – the CIC tables
More than half a century ago, when Shooting Times started publishing annual reviews, if you stalked a roe north or south of the border that was felt to have made…