mushroom Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 the clue is in its title "Shooting Times" not coursing weekly or ferret fanciers monthly it does indeed have articles on gundogs as they are closely linked to shooting. I get it occasionally but if you are on the net then it doesn't have much new in it. As for the BASC bashing it did over lead and cages etc well I've mixed views on that. At the minimum they got the lead issue out in the open and got BASC to stand up for it rather than the fairly non committed position before. All that said it can get pretty samey Ok smarty so why do they have a minimal ferreting section already??? My point is they would have a larger readership if they expanded what they already have and added more catagories Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teal Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 It's quite interesting to read that people say ST is rubbish whilst The Field is excellent, both being IPC media titles they are compiled and edited just metres from each other! The one thing that surprised me is that the editing team for both (at the time I was in their offices) is overwhelmingly female, not that that's a bad thing of course and it is in part reflective of the demographic of that industry. The thing which concerned me was that there were varying degrees of interest in country sports and I did rather get the feeling that for some the ST or The Field were merely a stepping stone to a role within a more high profile magazine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 Did the female who does the stalking frequent those offices Teal as she is a big plus point for the magazine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scolopax Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 I have had a subscription for over twenty years now, it has changed for the worse in many ways, mainly by going all 'tabloid' and trying to spin stories to cause arguments within the shooting community, uasually at BASC's expense. I used to enjoy John H's ramblings, occasionally still do, but he seems to have lost his roots, now its all big bag driven days and salmon fishing on the Tay (or is it Tweed?), gets boring after a while, as do shoot reports from a succession of commercial pheasant shoots (although I will say they do seem to have more reports from typical DIY/ syndicate shoots recently). The best writer by some margin is Nick Fisher. Oh and the girl they send on the wildfowling trips, decent articles but please send her for shooting lessons, she never, ever, hits anything ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 Have to agree with al4x's initial post....I don't mind who takes a 'bashing' if they deserve it,and we're all big boys aren't we?MUSHROOM.....have you tried the Countrymans Weekly?Full of ferrets,terriers,lurchers and all sorts of unsavoury characters!Only joking,not a bad mag' at times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 I have to say Sporting shooter is about the best of the bunch at the moment actually quite a good read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossy835 Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 iv not bought the shooting times for years, i find it a waist of money not a lot in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wesman Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 ST is getting tired. Why not try some new articles - getting a new gun into the sport and following their progress from lessons to first days shooting etc. Same with a gundog - choosing a pup through to a weekly/monthly progress, first days training, first day shooting etc. How to start up your own shoot, how to gain permissions, clay ground reviews and visits, gear and equipment reviews, maybe an article on how to go shooting for the lowest possible price. A better recipe section is a must, I don't think the guy who does the recipes now is much cop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apache Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 I still enjoy ST. Some of the stuff does repeat, but it's a loss less high brow than 'The Field' or 'Shooting Gazette'. Not keen on the BASC bashing but they had to ban cages, there was no other option. I can't believe the RSPCA is paying money to have a fox's leg amputated and then release it back into the wild. Even if it doesn't get shot it would never be able to compete properly for food. That's more cruel than humanely killing it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apache Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 I often thought that Jeremy Clarkson would be a good article writer for one of the shooting mags. That's they type of person we need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richg Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 We seem to be covering quite a bit here, so i will add my 10 pence worth. Lets start with RSPCA, I used to help raise money for them untill in 1997 they donated millions to the labour party to help get them elected. Labour went on to attack our way of life at every opportunity,showing utter contempt for the countryside and everyone in it. The RSPCA bleats on about starving kittens and how they need money to care for them. Perhaps the should ask labour for their money back, because for me they can go to hell for it. The RSPB are total hypocrits doing one thing but saying another in order to con little old ladies and others out of their money. I'm fed up of their constant sniping at keepers and shooters, but never achnowledging the overwhelming evidence of the good conservation work they do. Now to Shooting Times, i have to say at the outset that i have an interest, both as a reader and an occasional contributer, having been featured once or twice, Shooting Times is not perfect, it is difficult to please everyone, but they have made up with BASC who now continue to advertise with them. I know some of the editorial staff personally and know they try very hard to keep the magazine topical and interesting to us all. I happen to think the letters page is one of the best things because they will print letters whether they agree with them or not. If you want to see more or less of anything in particular send an e mail to the editor and tell him, he will listen. The great thing for me about ST is that as a weekly, it gets the news first on important issues that affect us. I know that it will never appeal to the specialists out there who perhaps only engage in one area of our sport, but for me i like to know what is happening in all aspects of the countryside, including those i never participate in. But at the end of the day it's a free country, if you don't like it don't buy it, but for me it provides a good cross section of articles and opinions on a weekly basis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 I often thought that Jeremy Clarkson would be a good article writer for one of the shooting mags. That's they type of person we need. is JC a shooter? Or just happy playing with guns? Phil Spencer or Hugh Fearnly-Whotsit would be good (although does anyone remember him shooting doves with a .22 on his landlords estate?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kyska Posted January 13, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 (edited) I still enjoy ST. Some of the stuff does repeat, but it's a loss less high brow than 'The Field' or 'Shooting Gazette'. Not keen on the BASC bashing but they had to ban cages, there was no other option. I can't believe the RSPCA is paying money to have a fox's leg amputated and then release it back into the wild. Even if it doesn't get shot it would never be able to compete properly for food. That's more cruel than humanely killing it. I completely agree, what I don't agree with is the blatent, overt attack on the rspca, it just smacks of 'punch for punch' as the rspca can't decide on what cruel and whats not, the law decides that, any killing of animals is their business, to make monitor its legality and effectiveness. The welfare laws, as you and me both know Apache, are there to be adhered too whether its home killing, large scale killing, shooting, laboratory animal legislation etc they are proactive. Edited January 13, 2011 by kyska Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrispti Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 I buy 2 copies of Shooting Times every week 2 X copies of Shooting Times = £4.40 Multi pack bog roll = £5.50 No brainer really Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mightymariner Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 I used to buy ST but it has lost its way a fair bit, in that it is now much more of a country magazine than a shooting magazine. Sporting Gun is much more enjoyable and has a good balance of news, features and Q&As. Back in the day, Colin Willock was a great contributor to ST, and he could write really well for the audience. JH possibly googles himself a bit too much, it comes through his writing! I have a great number of STs from the 1960s, they make brilliant reading. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 I often thought that Jeremy Clarkson would be a good article writer for one of the shooting mags. That's they type of person we need. Agree....he would certainly get some responses!Or Alexander Armstrong,he's a shooter . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kes Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 Am I wrong or was the shooting times formerley called the Shooting Times and Countryside Magazine? I, (like many others, I suggest) dont mind the RSPCA and RSPB criticism but its linked to a bit of YA BOOH journalism and others have said the quality of journalism and ethics of the mag have struggled. I would like the magazine to find its way again and liven up its weekly coverage of other sports and do more in depth articles about the RSPCA and RSPB from an incisive and factually detailed approach - just better journalism. Others have proposed new content and new approaches which I very much agree with. Finding a way to make its greatest strength work for it is what is needed. It can be newsy because its produced weekly, yet it atill looks laboured. Maybe a regional flavouring would work as BASC has. Certainly a look at rifles, vermin, and fox control, ocassionally detailed reviews of elements of fox control would be good and then tag on to it what RSPCA does and its release policy and compare their 'ethics' with the needs of the rural communities. A very clear focus on conservation work, timely articles about cover crops, pigeon patterns etc., would work well. I dont like the current elitism which I think is simply the editorial staff focussing on driven shooting and trying too hard to 'belong'. Some journalists are tired and need a rethink on their format and content. Maybe they have become used to the cheque for their contribution and dont feel they need to work hard for it these days. I dont mind them publishing fair criticism of anyone, BASC included, which of these two organisations doesnt subsidise shooting for its officers? I want ST & CM to remain and prosper - it has a long and proud history but its like Darwin said it has to adapt and evolve or ....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartB Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 (edited) Jeremy Clarkson gets my vote too. I hope someone repeats the Christmas show from about 2 years ago:Top gear meets ground force or some such title. Jeremy's weeding and branch trimming with a shotgun, was the best laugh over that Christmas. I think that ST does a fair job considering it has to find something to put out each week. I enjoy Sharpshooter's column most weeks. Also the Classic gun section. For the last few years I have simply cut out the bits I enjoyed most, or thought might be useful for reference in the future and kept them in a scrap book. That way, given the way my memory is these days, I always have something interesting (and new) to read! :blink: Perhaps ST ought to bring out a 'best of ST' book for next Christmas. They only need to look at this website to see what readers want (or don't want) included. Actually it would be good if they had new guest writer's occasionally too. Come on Alastair, you must know someone who knows Clarkson! Edited January 13, 2011 by MartB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ireland's Finest! Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 I have to agree Shooting Times is pretty brutal, its just full of politics and laws all thats in it is things like, lead shot shot debate people giving out about buzzards etc and them telling us what such and such a politician said..boring. I think Sporting gun is far better, yes sometimes it can be a bit dull but at least it gives you interesting storys about lads out wildfowling, pigeon shooting, pheasant shooting and I particularly like Andy Swallows section which sometimes can be very interesting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ireland's Finest! Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 I have to say Sporting shooter is about the best of the bunch at the moment actually quite a good read. On a par with Sporting Gun in my opinion! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apache Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 The welfare laws, as you and me both know Apache, are there to be adhered too whether its home killing, large scale killing, shooting, laboratory animal legislation etc they are proactive. I'm not sure I get your point? I am saying that the RSPCA have done a wild animal a disservice dragging it to a vet, removing one of it's limbs and then releasing it into the wild. With three legs it has a major survival disadvantage. What I am suggesting in a roundabout way is whoever* released the 3 legged fox compromised it's welfare be releasing it. This could be against the AWA 2006. *not saying it was the RSPCA, but if it was I feel it's abhorrent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inshallah Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 I often thought that Jeremy Clarkson would be a good article writer for one of the shooting mags. That's they type of person we need. Clarkson: "James May will be showing vegetarians how to shoot driven pheasants, Hammond will be shooting a 4 bore shoulder mounted punt gun. At crows. And I will shoot the biggest bag of pigeons. IN THE WORLD." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anser2 Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 For over 30 years I uesd to get the Shooting Times every week , but in recent times a succession of editors ( most are much to young to have had much experiance of real shooting ) who seem to know little about shooting , bias articles against anything that does fit the editorial line and articles that are in the main as poor as ditch water have made me cease to buy it. The last decent editor was Johathan Young and its been going downhill ever since he left for the Field. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blunderbuss Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 All specialist weekly publications have the same problem, a limited number of ways to repeatedly cover the same subjects. I occasionally read MCN - motorcycle news, or "More **** the News" as many know it. All the accusations levelled at ST in this thread apply to it, sensationalist coverage, association bashing, journos with boring writing styles and limited knowledge of subject matter and an entirely predicable annual cycle of stories. Its probably the same with pig sexers weekly or cottaging monthly! But.... I still read it, and ST because its a mid week distraction from the monotony of work and takes my mind off the hum drum and onto the stuff I really enjoy. I do have to wind my **** filter up to max and I particularly hate the BASC bashing - the one thing that could drive me to stop reading it. I also dislike the rabid RSPA and RSPB bashing, sure those organisations have their faults but they do more good than harm IMHO and the frothing at the mouth ranting that goes on must make us look like a bunch of muppets to any non shooters who ever pick it up. It's a comic, it could do a lot better but it's a weekly fix of shooting news I wouldn't otherwise get. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenshooter Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 Managed to get out of the office at lunchtime today. Picked up copies of Shooting Times and Sporting Gun. Managed to read all there seemed to be of interest in Shooting Times in a few mins so it went back on the shelf, but bought Sporting Gun. What an excellent mag. I'm taking out a subscription to it tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.