Most readers will be acutely aware that the unholy trinity of Covid, Brexit and bird flu has cast a perfect storm over game shooting, dragging the availability of days down while pushing costs up. For decades there has, of course, been an alternative, but simulated game has often been considered a poor substitute for the real thing. Cheap ’n’ cheerful but rarely very satisfying.
Until now, that is. With the game industry in such a woeful state, there’s never been a better time for sim shoots to shine, to reconsider the dubious appeal of gigantic bags and strive for quality and authenticity instead.
Few appreciate this better than Andy Brown, owner of Cotswold Fieldsports. “The biggest compliment I get,” recalls Andy, “is when experienced game shots and gamekeepers come up to me at the end of a day and remark: ‘It really is just like a game shoot.’ Some start the day a little cynical but almost everyone is won over by the end. The other phrase I hear a lot is: ‘I forgot it was a sim day.’ Wonderful!”
Andy organises regular shoots on local land
