THINK OF THE CHILDREN

With Team England celebrating its most successful Game Fair Home International win in 2018 a debate is growing about how best to build on the legacy and inspire the younger generation of gundog handlers.

There’s no doubt gundog clubs and shoots nationwide engage with all ages but are we doing enough to involve young people in gundog training, working tests and scurries?

Some clubs around the country offer junior handler working tests and various game fairs include scurry events, but numbers are low and options seem to be limited.

Last year several junior handler events were cancelled due to a lack of interest, including the Kennel Club Junior Handler Working Test at Chatsworth House.

With young people’s lifestyle patterns changing and shifts in participation of some sports there is a concern that our numbers for the next generation of junior handlers are declining. Perhaps there is a need to broaden the range