News
Buzzard licenses ‘not for shooting’
Natural England issues first buzzard control license to a game shoot
Join the GWCT in saving the Grey Partridge
Join the GWCT on 20 June for a free event on helping to boost grey partridge numbers
UK Wildlife ‘struggling’ and in decline
Wildlife survey reveals up to one in three species has halved in number of the past 50 years
SGA speaks out on snaring
The Scottish Gamekeepers’ Association has condemned the setting of illegal snares
Viewpoint
Where Europe leads
David Taylor attends a European conference on the use of lead shot, and finds a political
tug-of-war played out in the corridors of power
Shooting leads conservation way
Editor in Chief Peter Carr looks at a conservation success story, and says shooters shouldn’t be disheartened by negative press – they’re a worldwide force for good
Coast mortem
Last year Alan Edwards had a unique opportunity to compare and analyse wildlife trends across the country on the coast to coast walk
Prospective problems
Glynn Evans says that while year was tough for wild birds, careful and considerate management with an eye on the future can help in the long run
Food for thought
The recent horsemeat fiasco should bring home to people juts how important it is to know what you’re eating, says David Taylor, and game is a big part of that
Features
Repair and reward
Game Farmer Mike Wood gives extra thought to some of those years-old techniques that are helping make the most of a comparatively lean laying period
Soil structure and sampling
Clive Wood explains how getting to know your soil can give your game cover crops the best start this year
NGO Annual General Meeting
Modern Gamekeeping went to the NGO’s annual general meeting at JCB’s World Headquarters, to find out what’s in store for the future
A little light reading
Legal expert David Barrington Barnes says guidebooks aren’t just for novices – they can be a useful reference for keepers of all types
Frequent Flyers
Following the elusive woodcock can be difficult, but Morag Walker reveals how satellite tags are helping researchers track these birds as they migrate across
Vets
Cushing’s disease
Tricky to spot but easy to treat, Cushing’s disease is a hormonal problem that Harvey Carruthers says is easy to miss
Danger in the home
Harvey Carruthers looks at some of the most common household poisons that can affect dogs, and what can be done about it should it happen
Work alert
Harvey Carruthers explains some of the hazards to dogs that can be found in their working environment
Influenza influx
Last year Avian Influenza – or bird flu – turned out to be less of a threat than first supposed, but that’s no reason not to be careful, says Alan Pearson
Survival strategies
Newcastle disease is thankfully rare, but Alan Pearson says it is wise for gamekeepers to be aware of what might have to happen should an outbreak occur
