In defence of fieldsports
HE joy of limb-weary, mud-splattered contentment that comes from a day spent in the field is the essence of what we do. In my particular den it runs along predictable lines: something stew-like bubbles on the warming plate; kit is cleaned amid ribbing about the day (missed birds, sketchy hedges, the outwitting by a trout). Sometimes there are resident smalls learning about parts of the gun as it is stripped down, or scrubbing at tack sitting on the floor with the gundog hustling in for an occasional pat. Debate is has been telling the story for 167 years; in print, in person and more recently online, for everyone who wants to be a part of it. I am privileged and honoured to take on that responsibility, as the 14th Editor of .
