Gamekeepers have to evolve or face extinction. While the job itself has changed dramatically in some areas, a lot of the attributes required to be a good keeper have stayed the same since my father’s day — and long before. But holding the title of gamekeeper doesn’t mean someone is any good at it — as with all professions, you have the top drawer and the also-rans. I have come across part-time keepers who are class acts, do fantastic work and put in a huge amount of effort. I have also seen professional keepers who aren’t fit to wash the boots of the former.
Let’s talk about one thing that hasn’t changed in gamekeeping — commitment. You have to be committed, whatever type of shoot you work on. When you’re sitting at home having your tea and you can’t remember shutting that release pen gate or switching on that electric fence, it’s that commitment that nags you and you can’t
