Forget clays, the real thing is better

At the beginning of the new year we often start to reflect on the season and the performances we’ve put in: the good, the bad and the ugly. A season can bring many highlights and an equal number of outings you’re keen to forget, no matter who you are. One of the joys of spending as much time in the field as I do is that I’ve had the privilege — if you can call it that — of seeing some of the country’s very best Shots falling apart.

I always think keen Shots should make sporting resolutions that involve getting better. The better we shoot, the more we enjoy it and good shooting is ethical shooting. Wounding birds should be minimised. Shooting lessons, getting a