Game shooting in this way is carried out all over the British Isles on many different scales; ranging from the small group of friends who all help to run the shoot to the largest estates, which may employ eight gamekeepers or more. It is a valued rural industry, which provides income and employment for a vast range of people both directly and indirectly. One of our supporting organisations once tried to compile a list of all the services and businesses that benefit from field sports – it was considerable in length!
I understand that plenty of people totally disagree with my chosen way of life. I respect their opinions; it is unfortunate that many of them fail to respect mine! Human nature I guess. Whoops, I promised not to get political here!
I justify my activities to myself, and am ever aware of what I am doing. I liken game shooting to an inefficient form of free-range farming, which also happens to greatly benefit wildlife in general. Of the number of birds we release, commonly no more than 40% are shot. Of these, guests and helpers are free to take home what they like and the rest are sold to a game dealer. Eventually, the finished product is a healthy and versatile food source that can be purchased in markets throughout Europe. If I had to choose between being a chicken living in a shed facing certain slaughter, or a Pheasant living wild and free I know which it would be!
So that is a typical year in the life of your average gamekeeper. It is a great way of life, one that offers the opportunity to observe nature closely, to stay fit, to follow one’s personal interests and be paid for it at the same time. It is a lifestyle that demands total commitment, and because of the responsibilities which it carries, if does very much limit the time one can spend on outside interest’s. However, so long as you can handle the ties to the work, you are free to manage your own time; and with each month bringing new priorities, the potential for getting bored is very limited.
Click on the thumbnails for a closer look at the pictures, or try the links to visit websites that offer more information of British field sports and Gamekeeping. |
