Myths and legends

Mark Ripley separates fact from fiction and considers the evidence for and against the presence of big cats in the British countryside.

Interview with a Vegan

Emily Damment has been locked in fascinating daily discussions with her new colleague, and the content of the conversations makes interesting reading

To eat or not to eat?

Rabbit health is an important topic for hunters.
Patrick Hook explains all about the diseases and parasites that can afflict your quarry – and if it is safe to eat

Small shoot, great fun

Mike Powell uncovers the unique charm and appeal of small – very small – pheasant shoots, where each bird taken is a cherished victory

Hold fast

Liam Bell explains the steps you can take to keep hold of your poults and ensure the birds don’t wander off before the season gets going

Accurate Assessment

Jon Snowdon on the mix of art and science required to accurately survey deer numbers

A hard day's night

Devotion and sleep deprivation can be a necessary part of a keeper's lifestyle, as Adam Smith's career in poult protection often showed

Should we breed from caught-up gamebirds?

Dr Kenny Nutting BVetMed MRCVS of St David’s Game Bird Services explains how a different approach could help safeguard the industry’s future.

DEFRA creates confusion over gamebird releasing

The expiration of GL43 makes it illegal to release gamebirds on European Protected Sites without securing an individual licence... for some!

Upland conservation: cease fire, cease progress!

Joe Dimbleby takes a look at a ground-breaking new report, which shows that the abandonment of heather management in the Peak District threatens both rare birds and peatlands.

WIN a Seeland smock and shirt worth £245!

A decent smock and a good shooting shirt are essential bits of kit for any gamekeeper, beater or picker-up. Read on for your chance to win two great items from the good people at Seeland!

Total wipe out – the impending plight of South Uist’s deer

An upcoming community vote could see the complete eradication of South Uist’s deer, the loss of jobs, and the end of a blossoming venison processing project.

Do wildfowling clubs really aid conservation?

Wildfowlers are used to making the most of the conditions, and when it comes to conservation, Kent Wildfowling and Conservation Association has the same approach.

“Burnt plots absorbed twice the amount of carbon as mown plots”

The mid-way findings of a 20-year study into moorland management - measuring carbon storage, water tables and species biodiversity on burnt, mown and unmanaged areas - have been published.

Can UK game shoots be more self-sufficient?

If bird flu taught us anything this year, it’s that our industry is too dependent on overseas birds. Tim Weston looks at the ways some game shoots are future-proofing their sport by becoming more self-sufficient.

Conservation: Save the capercaillie!

The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) is calling for urgent policy and practical action as the extinction clock approaches midnight for Scotland’s iconic capercaillie.

The Great Moorland Debate: Anti-burning or anti-shooting?

Greenpeace picks a side with a petition calling on a complete ban of all heather burning, while existing petitions seem to be driven by a hatred of shooting, rather than concern for the environment. Emily Damment takes a closer look...

Three shooting estates win Redlist Revival awards for conserving hen harriers, lapwings & black grouse

Three Moorland Association estates - all of which provide grouse & game shooting - have been awarded ‘Life on Land’ awards from RedList Revival for work conserving rare birds.