Innholdsfortegnelse for 18-May-2016 i Shooting Times & Country

Iain Watson’s article on feral goats in this issue (p.38) goes to the heart of some of the important issues shooters consider on a daily basis. Ideas on what defines sporting quarry, animal welfare, respect for the quarry, the debate around native and non-native species, local community, environmental impact and the aesthetic and intrinsic value of wildlife in the landscape are all in the mix, in considering the approach to the few isolated groups of feral goats on these islands. Whatever your take on this particular case — and there will, of course, be differing opinions — it is a good example of how much the shooting community cares about our wildlife, recognises the changing nature of our environment and is constantly grappling with its complexities and finding the right…

Essex police force has made significant changes to its licensing system, including the introduction of a postal renewal service, in a bid to reduce the time that is taken to process firearms licence applications and renewals. The changes come as a meeting was held this week, chaired by Essex Deputy Chief Constable Matt Horne and attended by BASC, the National Farmers’ Union and the Countryside Alliance, to discuss a rise in complaints about the force’s performance. Gary Ashton, BASC’s director of firearms operations, said: “The delays experienced by certificate holders in Essex have been unacceptable and this was acknowledged by DCC Horne. I am satisfied that Essex Police understands the frustration amongst certificate holders and the impact it has on people’s legitimate business interests and they are now putting in…

Rural business growth at risk Government must give clearer guidance on co-ordination between devolved authorities if the Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine deals are to unlock rural business growth, the CLA has warned. Charles Trotman, CLA senior rural business adviser and economist, said: “There are more than 600,000 rural businesses in England and Wales, employing 3.4million people and playing a vital role both in the wider economy and also in the vibrancy of rural communities. The devolution deals create a real opportunity for central government, devolved authorities and rural businesses to work together to harness the great potential for economic growth in rural areas.” Kent wildfowlers continue expansion Around 25 acres of river washes and sea bank in Cambridgeshire have been bought by the Kent Wildfowling and Conservation Association (KWCA).…

You have worked with some very famous chefs, including Marco Pierre Whiteand Gordon Ramsay. What did the experience teach you? There are so many things you take from working with top chefs. Firstly, every single one of them is passionate about what they do. It’s all about attention, consistency, and the drive to get better and better. You’re learning new things every day. How challenging was it when you first opened your own restaurant? It’s the hardest thing I have ever done! But by far the most rewarding. You transform from being a chef to leading a whole team overnight. The Churchill Arms is a 17th century building which is so beautiful but it comes with its own problems. There are days when the electricity doesn’t want to work! It’s…

“Could I tempt the salmon with an orange and blue-throated Sir Richard, or perhaps a Posh Nosh?” The trouble with having an open invite to fish a bit of river whenever you want is that it’s easy to put off going. Well, that’s what I find, and several keen flyfishing friends concur. In the past, I haven’t been disciplined enough to make the most of it. I’ve suffered from that famously Spanish “mañana, mañana” attitude — “tomorrow, tomorrow”. Then as the trout fishing season draws to a close, I curse myself for not having spent enough time fishing. It’s the knowing that the gorgeous little river Ebble and its beautiful dappled wild brownies are always there, ready for when I’m not quite so busy, that seems to keep me away.…

WHAT TO LOOK FOR Barrel:This should be cut away but not pegged or blocked Action: Including the bolt there will be eight cutaway sections Weight: 5¾lb Maker: RSAF Enfield, also a modest number in the gun trade Value: Circa £300 and rising for a completely original example 1 BARREL Shortened and cut away in front of the receiver to expose the chamber and the barrel thread into the receiver ring. 2 DECORATION None, but an original RSAF version will carry an SKN-prefixed serial number, broad arrow and inspector’s stamp. 3 ACTION Lee Enfield No. 4, cut away to show various aspects of the workings. 4 STOCK Cut away to expose the stock bolt. Many of those who did military service will be…

With the arrival of the warmer weather and the welcome sunshine that comes with it, thoughts turn to the barbecue and the delights of eating al fresco. Follow Rachel Green’s recipe for venison burgers, which you can cook on a griddle or on the BBQ. A farmer’s daughter from Lincolnshire, Rachel comes from a family that has been farming in the county for 14 generations. “I grew up helping to collect eggs, lamb the ewes and vine the peas. so I have a huge respect for producers,” she said. “I know just how much hard work has gone into their product.” Still based in Lincolnshire with her family and son Ollie, Rachel now spends her time writing cookery books and working on cookery projects, demonstrations and campaigns. VENISON BURGER WITH…

“The results are very encouraging. We will now start lobbying those PCCs whose position isn’t known” More than half of the newly elected Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) for England and Wales have declared their support for shooting. Their backing for the sport comes in response to a direct approach by members of BASC and others who lobbied candidates via a campaign website launched prior to the elections taking place. The questionnaire, sent out to candidates in an email, asked if they supported shooting according to the law and current codes of practice and if they were committed to improving the firearms licensing system. Twenty-five out of the 40 PCCs elected responded in support, while none of those elected were classified as “neutral” or “anti”. Among the 25 PCCs who…

Police are investigating after three newborn lambs were found shot dead at a farm in Highclere near Basingstoke, Hampshire, on Friday 6 May. It is believed the lambs were shot with an airgun some time between midnight and 3pm. The farmer, who found the lambs with pellet wounds, described those responsible for the attack as “mindless thugs”. PC Stephen Rogerson said: “It appears the lambs were shot with an air weapon. They were only a day old and out in a field. We are keen to identify the person or people responsible for this cruel and heartless offence. Local officers are conducting reassurance patrols in the area and asking that any suspicious activity is reported to us.” Anyone who may have information is asked to contact officers at Basingstoke police…

Rangers and deer enthusiasts are hoping trials of white cloth will prevent hundreds of deer-related vehicle collisions a year. In the first experiment of its kind in the United Kingdom, white canvas bags will be attached to wood posts in Cannock Chase, in Staffordshire, in the hope of deterring deer from crossing. A similar study in Wyoming, in the US, saw deer-related vehicle collisions drop by a third when white bags were used instead of red reflectors. It is thought the bags fluttering in the wind mimic a deer’s white caudal patch, causing animals to avoid crossing the road. In Cannock Chase, where last year there were 167 deer-related accidents, researchers are hoping for a similar effect. They will compare collision figures on a monthly basis along the Penkridge Bank…

Great crested newts could be getting a boost in Surrey. Woking Borough Council has been granted an organisational licence, enabling it to take a “joined up” approach to conservation of this protected species when granting planning permission for development. Previously licences have only been granted on a site-by-site basis often resulting in newt populations beingsqueezed around developmentin disconnected patches. Martin Myers from Pembrokeshire and Luke Elliott (pictured left with festival organiser Clive Bramley) have been crowned overall High Guns at Broadlands Country Show clay shooting festival, earning them a place in the Midland Game Fair’s Champion of Champions final in September. They beat 200 other shooters and each took home £500 and a new Armsan 612 shotgun. Torrential rain resulted in the cancellation of the first day of the Royal…

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEW FAIR After a brief beautiful spell of gorgeous weather, last weekend we were pitched back into the doldrums. How lucky, then, that we have the new Field & Country Fair to look forward to, a bright spot on the horizon. The loss of The CLA Game Fair last year, for so long a fixture on the shooters’ calendar, was a major blow last season. I, and I’m sure many others, thought that was that. So I was delighted to learn of the new event, backed by the publishers of Shooting Timesand its sister titles and am looking forward to Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire, next month (10 to 12 June). I wish you a sell-out crowd and a permanent place in our dairies. C. Jackson, Wiltshire The…

“Nobody has the courage to make a decision when it comes to managing our flora and fauna” This month sees the culmination of 16 years of hard work which the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) committee and myself have been fighting for. It started when we were contacted by a keeper on the Outer Hebrides telling us that his waders were being decimated by hedgehogs and unless something was done the wader population would crash. When we passed the information on to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), it soon became obvious that without proof and science it would not be taking any action. Eventually, when all was nearly lost, it decided to remove hedgehogs from the island at a much higher cost: millions of pounds. If it had listened to the men…

WEIHRAUCH HW100 K, HW100 TK • Length: 96cm • Weight: 3.3kg with moderator WHAT IT OFFERS: This impeccably finished pre-charged air rifle combines refined performance with rugged build quality. The HW100 K features a simple, yet remarkably smooth and reliable, 14-shot magazine-fed firing system that’s operated by a silky side-lever mechanism. Specifications also include a fully-adjustable two-stage match trigger and manual safety catch. WE LIKE: The HW100’s stock is crafted from high-grade walnut and embellished with some crisp chequering – an eye-catching laminate model is also available. A 200BAR fill will return more than 50 consistent full-power shots, and the air level is displayed on a clearly marked gauge at the front of the cylinder. RRP: HW100 KS and HW100 KT both £839; KT Laminate £916 www.hullcartridge.co.uk AIR ARMS PRO…

“I tracked down the owner. He said he couldn’t sell me the gun — he gave it to me instead” I came across an old photo of a battered, ordinary-looking Browning Auto-5, with some equally ordinary decoys and a pair of duck. But the story of the gun itself and how I came to have it — and, indeed, the story of its first owner — is not so ordinary. My grandfather, Laurie Lanauze, moved to mainland New Zealand from the Chatham Islands following World War II. The Chathams is one of the most isolated locations in all of New Zealand, separated from the mainland by 700km of some of the roughest seas in the world, called the Roaring Forties. On his arrival from this comparative isolation, Laurie was naive…

“No one has given the retriever championship more support than HM the Queen” IF YOU ARE LUCKY enough to own a traditional sporting estate and would be prepared to host one of the four gundog championships, the Kennel Club (KC) would be delighted to hear from you. Some time ago, the International Gundog League reported on the difficulty of finding new ground and hosts for the retriever championship. This is hardly surprising, as this has become a major sporting event, attracting many hundreds of spectators. Though the other three championships might not attract quite the same numbers, they are still popular. The number of estates that have the infrastructure to support a championship are few, as are owners who are prepared to go out of their way to host it.…

THE ULTIMATE SHOOTING QUIZ TEAM BILL HARRIMAN BASC’s head of firearms and global authority on guns MAT MANNING Airgunner and journalist from the West Country BRUCE POTTS Shooting Timesrifle reviewer and stalker DAVID TOMLINSON Highly regarded writer and ornithologist LIAM BELL Shropshire gamekeeper and keen wildfowler GRAHAM DOWNING Shooting consultant and sporting author PAUL RAWLINGS Gundog expert and A-panel spaniel judge CHRIS DE CANI Riverkeeper, with specialist knowledge of chalkstreams TONY BUCKWELL Veterinary surgeon with a special interest in gundogs TONY JACKSON A game Shot, keen stalker and former editor of Shooting Times TOM PAYNE Professional shooting instructor and avid pigeon shooter SIMON WHITEHEAD Author, professional ferreter and rabbit controller IAIN WATSON Keen stalker and senior CIC international trophy judge…

Victorians were great butterfly collectors, but one species they took for granted was the pearl-bordered fritillary, as it was both widespread and common in the woods of England, Scotland and Wales. It started to decline at the end of the 19th century as coppicing went out of favour, but it remained common until the 1950s, when it became extinct in many places where it had once flourished. Today, scattered colonies survive in England and Wales, usually where the habitat is managed specially for it. However, it remains relatively common and on the wing in April, but now the first individuals should be emerging in Scotland. The flight period is brief, and is usually over by the third week of June. widespread in central Scotland, where its caterpillar’s favoured foodplant is…

“For all they profess to love Cyprus, some seem determined to bend it to their own attitudes” I was flying back from a short break in Cyprus recently when the chap across the aisle said: “Hello, Alasdair.” I was momentarily perplexed. He looked familiar. Various dire possibilities ran through my mind. Did I owe him money? Had I been rude about him in one of my columns? It transpired that he was a gamekeeper and I had met him many years earlier in County Durham. He had been on holiday in Cyprus with his wife. We had a pleasant chat about shooting issues and the state of the world in general. Speaking to a fellow shooter reminded me that Cyprus itself has a large shooting community. Away from the tourist…

“The overwhelming evidence is that EU membership has improved the UK’s approach to the environment and ensured that the UK’s environment has been better protected.” Mary Creagh, MP for Wakefield (Lab) and chair of the Commons environmental audit select committee. 62 The largest number of house martin colonies found by volunteers who took part in last summer’s House Martin Survey run by the British Trust for Ornithology in one of the randomly selected 1km2 survey squares. The house martin has declined by almost 70% since the early 1980s, leading to it being amber listed. To find out about this year’s Nest Study survey, visit www.bto.org/housemartins-2016.…

BUY Get your tickets to the Field & Country Fair at Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire from 10-12 June. Admission for under-12s is free, as is parking. Visit www.fieldandcountryfair.com to book and for more information. WATCH BBC4s’ Storm Troupersat 9pm, 23 May. The first in a new three-part series looking at the history of weather forecasting, its first uses and how it has developed over time to become a crucial part of modern-day life and the world economy. BID Bid for one of the 164 lots being sold in aid of the British Deer Society. The Internet auction starts at 5pm on 20 May and closes 1 June. Lots include stalking, grouse shooting and fishing items as well as photography, books and art. Download a catalogue from www.bds.org.uk or visit www.ebay.co.uk/usr/ britishdeersociety…

Two polices forces are investigating the shootings of three red kites in Yorkshire and Oxfordshire. In North Yorkshire, a walker found an injured red kite on farmland near Harrogate. The bird was taken to a vet, but it had to be put down. X-rays confirmed that it had been shot with a shotgun. The vet believed the bird had been shot while in flight and had survived, unable to fly, for up to two days before being found. PC Gareth Jones, wildlife crime co-ordinator at North Yorkshire Police, said: “Red kites are majestic birds that mainly feed on carrion and pose no threat to gamebirds, farmed animals or pets. It has taken many years to re-introduce red kites after their extinction from the UK by persecution. Thames Valley Police is…

The 90th birthday celebrations for HM the Queen made much of her love for dogs, and one of the most memorable of the official birthday photographs was that of her at Windsor Castle with her two Pembroke corgis, Holly and Willow, and her two dorgies, Vulcan and Candy. The first dorgies were a cross between one of the Queen’s corgis, Tiny, and a dachshund called Pipkin, belonging to Princess Margaret. I’ve never managed to discover whether this was a deliberate cross, or an unplanned liaison. At the risk of being sent to the tower, I suspect the latter. I haven’t seen any mention of the Queen’s Labradors or cocker spaniels, but as these are all kennel dogs, rather than animals that live in palaces or castles, this isn’t really surprising.…

Despite there being almost twice as many hedgerows in England and Wales in 1947 as there are today, it is estimated that their total extent across Britain currently amounts to around 700,000km; approximately the distance to the moon and back. Or, to put it another way, if all the hedges in Britain were put together, the area covered would fit into Devon nearly five times over. Among the most commonly found trees in a hedgerow are hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel, holly, beech, oak, and willow. However, an old hedge will contain many more species of tree than this and they all support a huge number of plant, animal, lichen and fungus species, thought to number into the thousands. Hedges have probably been a part of the countryside for the past 2,000…