Frogs have become incredibly conspicuous over the past few days, and it seems like every ditch and burn is filled with wriggling bodies. American cartoons gave us an exaggerated idea of what a croaking frog sounds like, and while it may be true on the other side of the Atlantic, it does not really apply Continue reading

The past few days have really seen spring come into its own. While snowdrops and crocuses have been up for a few weeks, I always prefer to look at wild animals for a sign of change. Boxing hares and battling pheasants have been a major feature since the second week in February, and I am Continue reading

Heading out and about this morning in the miserable sleet, I spotted four familiar brown shapes in a stock field behind the house. Pulling the car to a standstill, I wound down the window and peered at them. Last spring was the first time I have ever seen boxing hares, and it is not a Continue reading

The conflict between grouse shooters and conservationists has traditionally centred on hen harriers. Many conservation charities blow this friction out of all proportions by describing it as the “widespread destruction” of this beautiful raptor species by a shooting community which jealously protects its quarry species. From my limited perspective on grouse shooting and conservation, it Continue reading

Moles are becoming more active at the moment, and they provide a welcome boost to my wallet in the cold, dark days of early spring. I have been catching moles for the past eight years, and I am gradually getting better at it. Even the most experienced mole catcher is still learning every time he Continue reading

The last week has brought tantalising signs of spring, and the most noticeable change has been the sudden appearance of fox moth caterpillars throughout the heather. Fox moths were evident in March last year, and from the blog entry which remarked upon it, I seem to have been quite surprised at how early they were Continue reading

The last few days have brought with them a new feeling. Despite the continued frosts and icy fog, the very first signs of spring are in the air. Walking around my traps on the Chayne this morning, the sky above the farm was alive with croaking and cackling. Ravens are some of the first birds Continue reading

Over the past two decades, I must have shot several thousand rabbits. In recent weeks, ferreting has upped that toll even more, and I like to think that I have now handled enough dead bunnies to know when there is something wrong with one. Aside from the inevitable black, white and creamy varients on the Continue reading

The month long shooting ban placed on wildfowl comes to an end at midnight tonight, and from where I’m standing, it has never looked like a better time to be a goose shooter. Thousands of birds have been sitting on the fields around my house, and the clamour is almost constant. Heading out to the Continue reading

It’s now beyond a joke. With shooting wild birds in Scotland provisionally banned for another fortnight as of tomorrow, it looks like there is going to be no let up in this relentless cold weather. It’s outstaying its welcome, particularly since I am having to walk a five mile round trip to the Chayne every Continue reading