Sporting Gun Magazine Aug / 312 Retour à l'édition précédente

Welcome to the August digital issue, where we hand the reins - and the leads - to our gundogs. This month’s cover package serves everyone from first-time puppy owners to field-trial veterans, with Ben Randall’s no-nonsense fitness regime, troubleshooting tips for stubborn retrievers, and a ringside report from The Game Fair’s keenly fought scurry events. By the time you close your laptop, you’ll know exactly how to keep your four-legged partner sharp and ready for the busy season ahead.

Of course, the shooting calendar never stands still. Geoff Garrod heads to the linseed for a master-class in summer pigeon decoying, blending hard-earned fieldcraft with that trademark Garrod grit. Gunroom aficionados get a double treat: Jonny Carter puts a storied Holland & Holland side-by-side through its paces, while Bruce Potts delivers a cool-headed verdict on the Zoli’s One - an Italian all-rounder courting serious attention.

Our regular columnists weigh in, too. Mike Powell offers more straight-shooting wisdom in his Countryman diary; BASC and the Countryside Alliance spotlight the policy shifts every responsible shooter should track; and our kit testers present the season’s top shooting coats - tried, soaked, and mud-splattered so you don’t have to.

Looking beyond the muzzle, land-manager Max Stuart shares habitat tweaks that benefit wildlife and sport alike. Then we pivot to deer: estate manager Chris Rogers sets the stage for autumn stalking, and Jon Snowdon explores the roe’s uncanny knack for thriving in changing landscapes.

Pour yourself a brew, settle in, and let’s get ready for the months ahead.