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The move from lead to steel is likely to force Guns to rethink their range, says Mike Swan
The switch from lead to steel could lead Guns to rethink their limitations on range with high birds
Could the ruling on lead mean the end of high birds? In the early 1990s, when we had a voluntary phase-out of lead for shooting over wetlands, my old mate Charles Nodder and I had a little try with some steel cartridges out on the Medway mud.
Being young and keen, we hit the road from Dorset at about 2am, with a view to being out on the Kent shore for morning flight. In those days, with wigeon and teal the main quarry, I usually used 28g lead 7s and my first 14 shots at dawn put five birds in the bag. From then on, I changed to steel, following the conventional advice to go up two sizes, and ended up shooting another 10 ducks, including a single pintail, for 32 burned.
What to consider when diversifying into pheasant rearing >More in
Gamebird rearing can provide a good secondary income for farmers looking to maximise the value of farmland.
Pheasant and partridge can be produced on a small acreage and, as it is seasonal, rearing can offer a good balance to other farming activities.
The pandemic has led to contraction in the market since it has restricted the activities of shoots but, as the industry has been on an upward trajectory for two decades, demand is likely to return in the long term.
What land area do you need?
It is possible to rear pheasants and partridges on a small plot.