The keeper’s view
Twelve months ago, on the Petworth estate, we were faced with three choices when lockdown was first announced: proceed with business as usual, reduce the number of birds we released or close the shoot, either permanently or for the season. We ended up with a much-reduced season; November and January were a great loss but at least we got to shoot, keep our syndicates, gamekeepers and beaters together and enjoy a much-limited sport.
“The consequences
