Bear68

I thought my season had finished a fortnight ago, but I had an unexpected invite for an afternoon walkabout yesterday. Two of us shot 8 pheasants between us, which was a good way to end it.

Well, I've got soaked several days this season (my Barbour waxed jacket is now replaced with a Deerhunter Pro Gamekeeper which is more weather proof). I shot some fantastic wind-driven birds during the various storms, and missed plenty of easier ones in normal weather, I've used a side-by-side exclusively for the first time in 20 years, and enjoyed watching my little lab bitch doing a couple of great retrieves. Above all, the craic with old friends has been a real delight. I feel I've done enough days now, but will miss it all by the end of February. Apologies if this post is a bit over-sentimental but I've been involved in game shooting for over 40 seasons now, and I still love being out with a dog, gun (or a stick) and like-minded people.

Happy New Year to all PW members; may we enjoy health, happiness and good sport in 2025....and the politicians leave us alone.

Shuttlesocks are good.

Thanks for the replies. I'll keep an eye out for one, but another AYA is also an option.

I'm enjoying using a side-by-side again after having used OU's for 20 years. There are few Gunmark Crown's online, and I like the polished silver action and the minimal engraving. Prices seem to go up to around £2,000+; this seems a lot for a 40 year old Spanish gun which is no longer made. Are they worth the premium, particularly as spares could be hard to find?

Thanks, Conor.

Is this £400 per licence? Which means I'll be charged £800 for my SGC and FAC, plus the medical certificate as well.

I trust BASC will be lobbying hard on this. A 10 year license should be a reasonable request, and it would significantly reduce the amount of work for FEO's. But I'm sure the Government will not want to do anything other than penalise us.

I've just seen a Winchester 5500 28" multi choke for sale locally, which might fit the bill for walked-up and small driven days.

Thank you.....I'll have a look on Guntrader.

I've been seriously thinking about buying a Browning 525 with 28" barrels; an older Winchester might be a more affordable option....not least because I prefer fixed chokes.

@enfieldsparesI know BASC wanted a voluntary move away from lead shot over 5 years, but have they also called for a ban on lead? Sorry, its probably a moot point anyway, as the this will be legislated by our virtue signalling politicians in any event.

Oh dear.....more temptation!

Thanks all, I have a look at the various suggestions.