Emerald Newsletter - December 2008
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Transcript of Emerald Newsletter - December 2008
December 2008 Volume 1, Issue 1
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
CAI Board Elections ................ 1
Casting For Recovery .............. 3
Shine a Light on Poaching ...... 3
Making Most of Your Game .... 5
Fishing Roundup .................... 6
Beagling Update ...................... 7
Spotlight on Belle Isle ............. 8
Christmas Game...................... 9
Naul Clay Pigeon Club ............ 10
Wanted .................................... 10
CA UK Update ......................... 10
Presentation to Ken Taylor ..... 11
The Vanishing Goose .............. 12
Heard on the Grapevine ......... 13
Sporting Oddities .................... 14
Courtlough ............................. 16
Emerald Newsletter
All-New Irish National Country Fair
Announced
The all-new Irish National Country Fair will be staged in the magnificent grounds
of Ballinlough Castle, County Westmeath over the weekend of 18 & 19 July 2009.
Organisers, Derek Lutton and Bill Beckett are no strangers to organising big
events having organised the hugely successful National Countrysports Fair in
Northern Ireland for the last fourteen years.
The encouragement and local support that Bill and Derek have received from
sportsmen in the Republic to run a quality event there has spurred them on to
organise this fair south of the border. This will be a sister event to the National
Countrysports Fair at Moira Demesne and it is already shaping up to be a big
country sports weekend in the South, with a huge amount of interest already
generated.
Working with the Nugent family who have lived at Ballinlough Castle for almost
400 years, the duo have already invested eighteen months in the planning of the
Irish National Country Fair.
(Continued on page 4)
A MESSAGE FROM LYALL PLANT
A s another year
comes to an end we
cannot help but look back
and analyse what has
been happening in our
economy and look ahead
to the challenges that will
face all of us involved in
country sports and our
rural communities in
2009.
Both the UK and Irish
Governments have
developed di f ferent
strategies for their economies with the aim of bringing us out of
recession. These strategies have been far ranging and are
unprecedented in our history and will have different impacts
North and South of the Border.
The UK Government has reduced VAT by 2.5% to try and
stimulate growth among small businesses many of whom are
rural enterprises trying to survive in these difficult times, while
the Irish Government has increased VAT and taxes to raise the
necessary finance in order to reduce borrowing. We will have to
wait and see which strategy will work best.
We have two vacancies arising on our Board in 2009 and I would
urge any member that can bring relevant skills and support to
CAI to apply for a nomination form now (see below).
We have been inundated with calls and emails regarding the
Minister of Justice‘s recent statement on handguns and we are
taking his comments very seriously indeed. However, the new
firearms licensing procedures are welcomed by all shooting
organisations and will bring a level of security showing that the
Minister wants to instil confidence in the public.
The Department of Justice Firearms Consultative Panel are still
waiting on the publication of the Miscellaneous Provisions Bill
and we as a group are not aware of its actual content as yet.
In Northern Ireland we are awaiting the outcome of the Review
of the Wildlife Order and the Proposal to ban Lead Shot from
September 2009. It is our intention to publish an information
leaflet prior to the 2009 season for our members on the aspects of
when and where to use non lead shot.
With the Northern Ireland Executive now in place and the
prospect that Policing and Justice will be devolved to Stormont ,
the opportunity arises for a combined submission from all
Country Sports Organisations that will allow for Young Shots to
carry out country sports.
Please check our website regularly for all our latest news and
updates.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our
membership, for your continued support over the past twelve
months. Together we can make a difference by ensuring we can
continue to carry out our country sports activities, as well as
fighting for our rural communities and what they value most.
With very best wishes for the Festive Season
Lyall
2
NI office: Countryside Alliance Ireland, The Courtyard, Larchfield Estate, Balliesmills Road, Lisburn, County Down, BT27 6XJ
Tel: 028 9263 9911 Fax: 028 9263 9922 Email: [email protected] Web: www.caireland.org
RoI Office: Countryside Alliance Ireland, Courtlough Shooting Grounds, Courtlough, Balbriggan, Co Dublin
Tel: 01 6903610 and select the relevant option Fax: 048 9263 9922 Email: [email protected] Web: www.caireland.org
Presidents: Northern Ireland—Mr Bert Carlisle, Vice President: The Lord Dunleath Republic of Ireland—Lord Waterford
Chairman: Mr Paul Cran, Vice Chairman: Mr John Clarke
Board Members: Mr Harry Boyle, Mr Richard Johnson, Ms Madeleine Kelly, Mr John McBride Lord Meath, Mr Johnny Vance,
Chief Executive: Mr Lyall Plant, General Manager: Mrs Ashley Graham, Membership Administration, Mrs Liz Brown and Mr David Agnew
Are you interested in becoming a member
of the Countryside Alliance Ireland (CAI)
Board? Would you like to play your part in
shaping the organisation‘s future work?
Any member of CAI is entitled to stand,
whether you are based in Northern Ireland
or the Republic of Ireland.
CAI would encourage any member who
feels they can contribute to the work of the
organisation to consider standing for
election to the Board. There are two
vacancies to be filled and nomination forms
for candidates must be returned by
midnight on 7th March 2009.
For further information and nomination
forms, please telephone: NI: 028 9263 9911
or R of I: 01690 3610, option 5.
ELECTIONS TO THE BOARD OF COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE
IRELAND
THERE ARE TWO
VACANCIES ON THE CAI
BOARD TO BE FILLED IN
2009
C ountryside All iance Ireland in
partnership with the British Deer
Society (Northern Ireland) and The Wild
Deer Association of Ireland (Republic of
Ireland) have launched a campaign to ―Shine
a Light on Poaching‖.
The word poaching has for many generations
been associated with the illegal taking of
pheasant or salmon. In terms of deer, it can
mean unnecessary injury or suffering to the
animal, or even worse, death or injury to a
person, as this illegal and dangerous activity
usually involves the incorrect use of
firearms, used in unsafe conditions, with
little regard for the safety of others.
Recent reports of poaching both in Northern
Ireland and the Republic have shown that
this illegal activity has been on the increase
and through our joint campaign we aim to
raise awareness and the procedures to be
carried out if someone suspects a wildlife
crime is being committed.
For further information on reporting wildlife
crime visit our website at www.caireland.org
BE VIGILANT BE AWARE AND BE
SAFE
SHINE A LIGHT ON POACHING EXCEPTIONAL YEAR
FOR CFR
Casting for Recovery, the unique fly
fishing programme for women who
have, or have had, breast cancer, has
just completed its first full year of
retreats in West Sussex, Devon,
Powys and Northern Ireland and next
year they plan to hold additional
retreats in Scotland and the Republic
of Ireland.
Feedback to the organisers from the
women involved has been incredibly
positive where the blend of good
company and gentle exercise offered
by casting helps the way in which
sufferers deal with this disease.
More information on Casting for
Recovery is available at
www.castingforrecovery.org.uk and
the organisers hope that more women
can take advantage of the scheme in
2009
3
ALL NEW COUNTRY FAIR FOR WESTMEATH CONT FROM FRONT PAGE
The Fair organisers have secured the
services of some of Europe‘s best
demonstration teams and will link in with
local clubs, sponsors, and a number of
major Irish sporting associations to stage
the event in this 300 acre estate which is
located on the main Ardee to Mullingar
Road, just two miles from the village of
Clonmellon.
The site at Ballinlough Castle has been
chosen for a number of reasons, not least of
all because it is serviced by a wonderful
road system, is accessible from all parts of
the country and there is a long-established
tradition of country sports in the area.
Interest in the event is significant with a
number of local and cross-channel
exhibitors having already booked trade
space. Interested traders should contact the
organisers directly for trade packs which
are now ready.
Speaking about the new fair, Bill Beckett
said it was the natural progression for his
organisation whose success in Northern
Ireland has been well documented. He
went on to say, ―Visitors to Ireland's
National Country Fair will be spoilt for
choice with the variety and quality of stands
we have attending the event at Ballinlough
Castle. Lined up are not only the best Irish
suppliers and producers but also the best
from the game fair scene in Britain.
Our years of experience in organising game
and country fairs and visiting the largest
events in UK and Europe will be brought to
this event which truly is the place to shop
for all things country‖. Like its Northern
Ireland counterpart, the Irish National
Country Fair will have a very distinctive
family emphasis with something for every
member of the family to enjoy.
The simple layout of the Irish National
Country Fair will also make it easy for
families to stroll around, visiting the stands,
attractions, displays and competitions. The
hard road system at Ballinlough Castle
makes walking around most pleasurable.
Attractions will be located in themed areas
such as Shooter's Row with its displays of
guns and shooting equipment retailers,
game and rearing equipment, gundog
training aids, decoying equipment and a
quality selection of country clothing and
footwear.
For the angler, Fisherman's Row is a ―must
see‖ with the top manufacturers
represented. Game, sea and coarse fishing
equipment, fishing holidays, boats and
boating equipment, fly dressing materials
and displays and a plethora of special offers
on rods, reels, nets, waders and tackle will
all be there.
The Ballinlough Food Festival is another
attraction not to be missed with over thirty
local and cross-channel food producers
housed in a specially designed food festival,
complete with kitchen and game cookery
demonstrations from professional chefs.
The Country Crafts Village brings together
for the first time a range of hand crafted
items and traditional Irish trades such as
farriers, wood turners, basket and coracle
makers. Add to all this the ancillary stands
and a superb Children‘s Area and it all
makes for a great weekend of competitions,
shopping and entertainment for all the
family.
Competitions include the All Ireland
International Gundog Challenge, spaniel
and retriever working tests, terrier and
lurcher events, horses and hound events,
angling workshops, casting and accuracy
competitions, a comprehensive clay pigeon
shooting layout, archery, air guns and
falconry events.
The main arena will be up to the quality
that we have come to expect at events
organised by Bill Beckett and Derek Lutton.
Commentary will be provided by some of
Ireland‘s leading sportsmen and women.
Countryside Alliance Ireland is delighted to
be working with the organisers and have
designated this event as their main
membership event in the Republic.
More details about this will be released in
the next newsletter along with the special
competitions laid on for CAI members. The
Irish National Countrysports Fair website is
located at www.irishcountryfair.com
4
The organisers can be contacted
at [email protected] or
by telephone on
+44 28 4483 2775
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR GAME
Autumn is one of the best times of year to enjoy delicious, seasonal foods and top of the list
is Wild Irish Game. November kicks off the new partridge and pheasant season, so now is
the time to think about including all these delicious wild game flavours in your cooking or
looking out for game on the menu when you are
eating out.
You will find an exciting range of convenient cuts
from your local butcher and in most supermarkets so
now you can get creative in the kitchen and treat
family and friends by making game a regular feature
on the table and your weekly shop!
Also new from Game-to-Eat is a stunning recipe
booklet which is out now. This year Sophie Wright,
member of the Culinary Academy Team, has
developed a range of delicious, mouth-watering
recipes to excite your taste buds and provide
inspirational cookery ideas for any occasion.
The booklet includes recipes to impress, like Pan
Seared Pheasant with Bacon and Figs. Tasty Spiced
Plum and Venison Salad, for a lighter option, or for that family favourite to please a hungry
crowd, the Game Pie is perfect.
This free recipe leaflet is available from Countryside Alliance
Ireland.
To obtain your copy send an A5 Stamped Addressed
Envelope (55c for RoI and 1st Class NI)
to our Courtlough Office (RoI Members)
or Larchfield Office (NI Members)
and we will send you one out by return.
SUPPORT YOU LOCAL
SHOOTING GROUNDS
AND TARGET CLUBS
As the Credit Crunch grip on our
economy tightens Countryside
Alliance Ireland urge you to support
your local shooting grounds and
target clubs throughout Ireland and
make use of their facilities in order
that they survive and are available to
us in future years.
Many Shooting Grounds are offering
special deals to clubs and syndicates
over the winter months and at the
minimum of cost.
Courtlough Shooting Grounds for
example are offering 50 clays and
cartridges for only €27 per person
and a fantastic 100 clays and
cartridges for only €50 per person.
This is exceptional value and is ideal
for a Christmas day out with all your
friends.
To book at Courtlough
Phone 01-8413096.
We wish to inform our members that
following representations from Countryside
Alliance Ireland, Irish Ferries have changed
their policy on the carriage of firearms on
their routes to the UK.
This change in policy means that firearms
are now allowed to be transported as long
as they are locked in a vehicle and out of
sight of the general public.
We must emphasise the carriage of
firearms will only be allowed in vehicles
and is not applicable to foot passengers.
This change in policy now allows our
members to have a choice of Ferry
operators when they wish to travel to the
UK.
Members are also reminded that they must
inform the operator when they are booking
their passage that they intend to carry
firearms and make themselves known when
they arrive at the terminal for boarding.
Countryside Alliance Ireland would like to
thank Irish Ferries for this change in
policy as it will benefit all responsible
firearms holders that wish to use their
service.
No ammunition will be allowed
on board any
vessel
CHANGE OF POLICY ON THE CARRYING FIREARMS
5
N ow that the game fishing season has come to an end for
2008 it is a time to reflect on how this year‘s season faired.
The fishing on the Loughs has been near on disastrous due to the
torrential down pours we have received over the months,
resulting in mass flows of fresh water entering the Loughs
bringing the water levels to such a height that some jetties have
been overwhelmed preventing boats from being launched, and
putting the fish off.
May did not get much of a respite from the weather, with a
noticeable drop in the catches especially on Erne and Melvin.
Rivers did not escape the deluges and the likes of the River Lagan
was constantly seen in spate during the season.
One Lough that stands out for me is Lough Sheelin, it is steadily
progressing in its recovery form the years of abuse from pig
slurry, and the Lough Sheelin Trout Preservation Society has
done tremendous work over the past few years to bring this
magnificent Lough back from the brink. This has been mainly due
to the guidance of Eamon Ross the club Chairman organising the
yearly boat competition that raises greatly needed funds to enable
the continuing restoration work on the feeder streams and the
restocking programme.
The River Mourne still suffers from unnecessary fish kills from
the Hydro-electric generator at Sion Mills. Historical archived
information is being gathered and collated this year to enable a
review of fish kills over the past few years and hopefully a report
will be produced quantifying the substantial losses of fish and
disruption to one of Ireland‘s premier fisheries.
Anyone interested in the preservation of fish stocks in areas
where Hydro – electric schemes are being proposed can visit the
fish tech report web site to see the latest report on safe passage of
migratory fish.
The Loughs Agency Angling Fair in Prehen saw modifications to
the floor lay out in the marquees enabling visitors greater ease
around the fishing stands. The guest fly tiers were situated in a
dedicated marquee that enabled the public to watch them
demonstrating their fantastic skills.
The highlight of the fly tying show was the presence of Ted
Malone accompanied by his good lady tying his version of the
daddy long legs.
A.P.G.A.I. (Ireland) carried out casting tuition on the lawns at the
car park and Arthur Greenwood A.P.G.A.I. fly dressing instructor
demonstrated his magnificent skills and tying his Shuck Raider.
The Loughs Agency carried out several festivals during the year,
The Carlingford Salt Water Festival, the Pike Festival at
Baronscourt, and the last of the season the Salt Water Festival at
Ballykelly, which produced an astounding number of fish on the
Sunday competition.
All these events were well attended and expert tuition was
available from tying rigs to beach casting, fly dressing to fly
casting. Not forgetting the staff of the Loughs Agency that thrilled
the audiences with their presentations and knowledge of river life
including the life cycles of fish and invertebrates.
The Loughs Agency certainly put a lot of hard work into this
year‘s events resulting in magnificent weekends for all anglers
and visitors. Lionel Knobbs and his dedicated team should be
congratulated for all the work they have carried out during this
season.
The game fairs this year were at the mercy of the weather yet
again with Ballywalter and Shane‘s Castle having more that their
fair share. But this did not deter the public and especially the
demonstrators in the main arena.
Glenda Powell of the Blackwater Lodge and A.P.G.A.I. Instructor
gave her usual expert demonstrations on how to cast the double
handed Salmon rod at Shane‘s and Birr Castle.
Brookhall Trout Fishery must be one of the best success stories of
the year for fishing. Owners of the fishery Kenny, Cathryne and
Marty have totally transformed this fishery into a fisherman‘s
paradise. Manicured lawns offer perfectly safe access all round
the lake and there are picnic tables, shelters and resting styles,
not to mention the fishing lodge, tea room and yes even a rest
room, for the weary angler. No wonder they hosted this year‘s
first ever Northern Ireland Casting for Recovery.
―A perfect venue and week end for this event‖ was the comment
made Sue Hunter and Sue Shaw of Casting for Recovery.
A sadder note is pollution and poaching which is still a major
factor for the loughs and rivers around the island of Ireland. With
incidents such as the massive pollution incident on the Six Mile
Water earlier in the year, anglers are advised to check water
courses even during the closed season as incidents still occur
during the closed season.
Lastly a topic that is close to my own heart is A.P.G.A.I. (Ireland).
A.P.G.A.I.(Ireland) has now been recognised by the Central
Fisheries Board as the qualified body for game angling
instruction and has been accredited to level 6 (Advanced
Certificate) by the Further Education and Training Awards
Council.
Workshops will come into place early in 2009 for the whole of
Ireland.
A.P.G.A.I. will be at the Ballywalter and Moira Game Fairs next
year, where expert casting and fly tying instruction and
demonstrations will be available from the instructors.
To name just a few who will be there; Tom Woods, Sam Andrews,
Joe Stitt, Patrick Trotter, Liam Duffy, Arthur Greenwood,
Lawrence Finney and Pat Mulholland.
Congratulations to Mark Corps, angling advisor to the C.F.B who
passed his single handed casting qualification in October and is
the newest member to A.P.G.A.I. (Ireland).
Also a big welcome to Ted Malone who was made an Honorary
A.P.G.A.I. member in recognition of his immense contribution to
game angling over the years.
Lawrence Finney
6
END OF SEASON FISHING
ROUNDUP
BY
LAWRENCE FINNEY
B eagling continues to grow in strength in Ireland, with a new
pack based in the west of County Limerick, the Cragg
Beagles, being welcomed to probationary membership of the Irish
Masters of Beagles Association at their AGM, held in early
summer.
The new pack was greatly facilitated by the Pallaskenry Beagles
who agreed to the use of some of the Pallaskenry‘s former hunt
country, and also by many other old-established packs which
have drafted hounds to the newcomers, enabling the Cragg
Beagles to commence the season with a viable pack. Indeed this
pack has already enjoyed some success in the show rings, having
won several rosettes during the summer.
Also at the AGM, representatives of beagle packs from all over
Ireland enjoyed an illustrated talk by Prof. Ian Montgomery
about the Irish Hare and the research into the species being
conducted throughout the Island by the Quercus group from
QUB. The audience welcomed the Professor‘s assessment of the
impact of hunting on the hare population as being so low as to be
statistically irrelevant.
Hunting is now in full swing, with packs reporting the usual
variety of scenting conditions in the early stages of the season, as
the weather and ground conditions changed. The Sunnyland
Beagles in Northern Ireland recently enjoyed a day of
celebrations to mark an unbroken 50 seasons of beagling in the
Craigantlet area of County Down. The day started with a Service
of Thanksgiving for Beagling, held in the historic Kilmore Parish
Church in the Folk Museum at Cultra, followed by a meet on the
adjoining lands at Ballygrainey Road.
This special meet commemorated a hunt conducted by Terence
Grainger with a small pack, comprising just two couples of
beagles, belonging to Dick Wolsey of Bangor. Although the
Sunnylands pack originated in 1915, they were disbanded at the
outbreak of World War Two, and it was only as a result of Terence
and Dick enjoying the 1958 Ballygrainey Hunt so much that they
decided to set about reforming the Sunnyland Beagles Hunt Club.
Fifty years on, the pack still regularly meets at Ballygrainey. In
the evening 150 members and supporters of the Club (including
several of the local Craigantlet landowners) enjoyed a celebration
dinner in Cultra Manor House at which toasts were raised to the
hare and the hounds.
This season will feature a number of other special meets in
various parts of the country. These include a visit by the Per
Ardua Beagles from Lincolnshire to Counties Armagh & Louth in
early January, and a beagling festival to be held in County
Westmeath later in the month, hosted by the Balgarrett Beagles,
which will have two visiting packs – the Goldburn from County
Dublin and the Stokesley Farmers‘ Beagles from the north of
England, who will hunt the IMBA National Meet.
This event will be closely followed by the well-renowned annual
festival of beagling hosted by the Woodrock & Blackwater Valley
Beagles in County Cork in early February.
As yet there has been no indication as to whether Minister
Gormley will grant a licence to permit beagling in the Republic in
the month of March. Last year‘s early termination of the season
brought much frustration and so packs are lobbying their political
representatives to try to gain an extension this time.
Liz Brown
Hon. Sec. Hunting Association of Northern Ireland
BEAGLING UPDATE
7
Countryside Alliance Ireland
Members get 10% off the cost of
accommodation when booked with
a course
Belle Isle Accommodation
In 1992 the Garden House (now the cookery school) was the first
cottage to be converted as a holiday house. The conversion of the
Castle wing, which sleeps 14, was completed in 1994, followed by
the Coach house in 1996 and the Courtyard in 1998. The
Courtyard was awarded ―Best Cottage‖ in Northern Ireland for
2001 and ―Best Cottage‖ in County Fermanagh for 2002 by Rural
Cottage Holidays Ltd, and won the British Airways Award for
Best Accommodation in 1998. The Courtyard was Highly
Commended by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors for
Best Regeneration Project in 1999.
As early as 1995 during the initial development of the courtyard a
cookery school was considered as part of the plan. In 2003 the
Estate found the perfect person to run the school. Having worked
as a freelance chef throughout Europe, Liz Moore returned to
Ireland 7 years ago to work. She found herself cooking one
weekend for the Duke of Abercorn at Barons Court, his
permanent residence in neighbouring County Tyrone. The
celebrated chef Michel Roux was staying at Barons Court at the
time and realising Liz‘s potential said to the Duke – ―if you don‘t
make use of Liz, then I will take her to work with me in England!‖
The idea of a cookery school was revived, the suggestion was put
to Liz and the rest is history. The cookery school won four
marketing awards.
The Belle Isle School of Cookery opened its doors in November
2003 in the grounds of Belle Isle Castle on the magnificent Belle
Isle Estate in County Fermanagh. This purpose-built state of the
art cookery school, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, plays
an important part in the life of this holiday destination and
vibrant working Estate. The Walled Garden, which has lain
dormant for a number of years, is coming to life again. Fruit,
flowers, vegetables and herbs are being grown but instead of
going to the ‗big house‘ it now makes its way to the cookery
school.
Chef Liz Moore
Belle Isle Chef, Liz Moore, exudes warmth and enthusiasm in the
kitchen. Her passion for anything and everything to do with food
began early in childhood, making experimental cakes for her
patient and appreciative parents. It‘s a passion that she shares
with her good friend Michel Roux, a firm supporter of both Liz
and the Belle Isle School of Cookery. Growing up in rural Ireland
with a garden full of fruit, vegetables and herbs instilled in Liz an
early appreciation of good quality organic produce and the
importance of seasonal cooking. These still form the basis of her
approach to food today.
Liz is one of the new generations of young Irish food
ambassadors, concentrating on Irish food with a lighter and more
modern twist. Now in her early thirties, Liz learnt her skills and
developed her unique style during many years cooking
throughout Europe. As a tutor, this means she knows all the
pitfalls and how to get around them, as well as understanding any
slight feelings of trepidation that new guests may be experiencing.
While working as a chef in Northern Italy, Liz discovered that the
true essence of successful cooking lies in simplicity, so well
demonstrated by the Italians in their vast repertoire of small,
simple yet delicious courses produced at every meal.
Liz brings a fresh approach to teaching cookery skills. Her
expertise and easy-going manner combined with a wonderful
sense of humour make for fun-filled sessions in the cookery
school. Liz didn‘t choose cooking – cooking chose Liz. Now
however, she will admit that she can‘t get enough of it. Her
insatiable appetite for food knowledge is both inspiring and
rewarding.
Courses
Courses run throughout the year and you can choose from a 1 day
or 2-3 day residential course. Courses are very varied and very
hands-on with the emphasis on fun for the beginner or the more
experienced cook. As well as day courses, during the year there
are a number of demonstrations also running. This is a chance for
you to sit and relax and let Liz do all the work.
Shop
The cookery school shop is open all year round.
For further information contact Belle Isle on 0044 28 6638 7231
BELLE ISLE SCHOOL OF COOKERY
8
Serves 6
Ingredients
500g/18 oz puff pastry
600g/1 lb. 5 oz loin of venison, trimmed
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 shallots, finely chopped
1 clove garlic
50g/2 oz fresh breadcrumbs
200g/7 oz field mushrooms
Salt/pepper
Handful fresh parsley
50g/2 oz butter
Olive oil
6 crepes or thin pancakes
To glaze:
One egg beaten
For the sauce:
2 shallots/1 onion, finely chopped
25g/1oz smoked bacon lardoons
½ bottle red wine
2 tbsp. red currant jelly
2 tbsp. apple jelly
600ml/1 pt good game stock
50ml/2 floz Marsala
110g/4 oz cold butter
2 tsp. raspberry vinegar
Method
Preheat oven 220C/425F/Gas 7.
Heat the butter and add the shallots.
Sauté for 2-3 minutes then add the finely
chopped mushrooms. Cook for 5-6
minutes, add the garlic and stir well.
Season. Transfer to a food processor and
processor for 1 minute. Reheat in the
same pan and cook for a further 2-3
minutes or until the liquid evaporates
from the pan.
Pour a little olive oil into a separate frying
pan and fry the breadcrumbs until golden.
Add to the mushroom mixture along with
some parsley and if it needs it, a squeeze
of lemon juice. Allow to cool.
Season the venison and brown all over in
olive oil and allow to cool.
To assemble the dish:
Roll out the pastry. Make it is big enough
to wrap the meat in. Place the meat on a
layer of crepes. Brush all over with the
mustard. Spoon a layer of the mushrooms
on top. Neatly wrap the crepes round the
venison (trimming where necessary) and
then wrap the pastry around the whole
meat parcel, folding in the sides to form a
neat parcel. Seal the sides with egg wash
and then brush all over with egg also.
Chill until 20 minutes before cooking.
Cook for 20-25minutes or until golden
brown. Venison can be served quite rare.
For the sauce:
Sauté the shallots in a little butter, add the
bacon and cook until they start to brown.
Add the wine and reduce by ½. Then add
the stock and again reduce by half. Stir in
the red currant and apple jelly. Season if
necessary and strain into a clean pot.
Finally pour in the Marsala and whisk in
the cold butter, adding the raspberry
vinegar just before serving.
To serve, slice into thick pieces and serve
with the piping hot sauce.
Serves 8
Ingredients
500g/8 oz puff pastry
2 pheasant breasts
720g/1½ lb peeled potatoes, thinly sliced
150g/5 oz butter
3 shallots, finely chopped
75g/3 oz cooked chestnuts
25g/1 oz cranberries
2 egg yolks, lightly beaten
250ml/8 floz whipping cream
Salt & pepper
Method
Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4.
In a large frying pan, melt half the butter
over a low heat and cook the potatoes
until just tender, do not allow them to
brown or they will stick to the pan. This
will take about 10-15 minutes. Transfer to
a dish and allow to cool.
Cut the pheasant into thin strips. Add the
rest of the butter to the pan and sweat the
shallots gently with a little salt. Add the
pheasant and cook over a medium heat
for 2-3 minutes. Cool and mix gently in
with the potatoes, chestnuts and cranber-
ries. Season well.
Roll our half the pastry into a circle about
36cm in diameter and place onto a lightly
buttered baking tray or baking mat. Brush
the edges lightly with some egg yolk and
then spoon the pheasant and potato mix-
ture onto the middle of the pastry disc.
Roll the rest of the pastry into a slightly
larger circle and use it to form a lid for the
pie. Crimp the edges of the pie inwards to
seal it. Cut a circle from the middle using
a scone cutter but do not remove it. Brush
the entire pie with egg yolk.
Bake the pie for 50 minutes but do not
allow to brown too quickly (cover with tin
foil, if this is the case). Heat the cream
gently and remove the lie from the oven.
Remove the small lid in the middle and
pour in the hot cream. Return to the oven
for 10 minutes. Serve hot in slices with
cranberry sauce.
VENISON EN CROUTE
9
CHRISTMAS PHEASANT AND POTATO PIE WITH CRANBERRIES
Belle Isle offers specialised
courses and events throughout the
year with wine producers and
wine ‘personalities' giving talks
and tastings. Wine and good food
go hand in hand.
Belle Isle works in partnership
with the leading wine experts of
Direct Wine Shipments. Belle Isle
also offers specific courses where
wine will be the main focus and
attention, with winemakers and
wine 'personalities' giving wine-
specific talks at Belle Isle.
At Belle Isle we can also offer a
personalised wine-specific
programme for you and your
friends/colleagues/clients. All you
need is a minimum of 8 like-
minded people; we will provide
everything else
THE NEXT GAME
COOKERY COURSES ARE
BEING HELD AT
BELLE ISLE
ARE
23rd to 25th Oct 2009
20th November 2009
27th to 29th Nov 2009.
Book your Course Now!
Phone
NI: 028 6638 7231
RoI: 048 6638 7231
W e a re seek i n g th e
whereabouts of the above
Perpetual Trophy, which was in
circulation in the 1980‘s and was
presented on an Annual basis to
the Field Sportsperson of the Year.
It is the property of the Game
Conservancy and the Countryside
Alliance (formerly the BFSS). It
may be in the custody of the last
recipient, however, we have no
record of who that worthy person
was and we are anxious to relocate
it so that we may bring it back into
circulation.
If you have any knowledge of its
whereabouts or if you do have it in
your collection we would be
eternally grateful for its return.
Please contact Lyall on 028 92 63
9911 if you can be of help.
SPOTLIGHT ON NAUL CLAY PIGEON CLUB
10
T he Naul Club is located on the Dublin
– Meath border just 1km outside the
Naul village on the Ballyboughal Road.
The Club and its 40 members are all
affiliated to Countryside Alliance Ireland.
The members enjoy top class facilities on
the grounds, with an English skeet layout
(perfect for beginners as well as
experienced shooters), an automatic
balltrap layout for trap shooters and of
course being a sporting club, there are 20
automatic traps throwing a great variety
of sporting targets.
At the end of a shoot the log-cabin
clubhouse is great for food and
refreshments.
The club‘s members vary from those who
simply enjoy a few shots at the weekend to
shooters who are competing at national
and international level.
With the club‘s support and access to such
practice facilities it‘s little surprise that
many of our members have enjoyed great
success in these competitions in 2008.
Alan Clarke, Peter Hannifin, David Dillon,
Eddie Wilson and Shane O‘Toole were
part of the Meath team which won the all-
Ireland championships during the year.
Both David and Peter went on to
represent Ireland for the first time at the
sporting home international in Scotland,
where Peter had a fantastic outing and
was Ireland‘s high gun of the match.
Ciaran Whyte, a junior from the Club, also
had a great year winning the Irish Open
sporting junior championships as well as
becoming the youngest person to win the
s e n i o r I r i s h O p e n F I T A S C
Championships. Ciaran was also a leading
member of the Irish junior team who won
bronze medals at the world sporting
championships held in England.
The grounds are owned by Edward Whyte
who is also a factory appointed dealer for
Hull Cartridge Company and a full
selection of game and clay shooting
cartridges are available on the grounds.
The club‘s practice days are Saturday &
Sunday and new shooters are always
welcome on the ground. For information
call 087 263 63 65.
Photos: courtesy of Irish Shooters Digest
T he Countryside Alliance's quarterly
membership magazine Update is now
out. In this issue Alliance President Baroness
Mallalieu QC looks at the nature of protest in
"Fighting for your rights", Roger Wilson
introduces The Countryside Alliance
Foundation and Marcus Armytage celebrates
the racing community. Additionally, there are
pages of news, events, questions answered and
features on the Countryside Alliance Awards
and National Shooting Week. Read Update
online at www.countryside-alliance.org
WANTED UPDATE—CA UK
G algorm Resort and Spa was the
venue for Countryside Alliance
Ireland‘s annual Dinner Dance and
Sporting Auction.
The event was a magnificent success, with
over 110 people in attendance on the
night. It was also an ideal opportunity for
the Chairman of Countryside Alliance
Ireland Mr Paul Cran to present the out
going Chairman Mr Ken Taylor with a
limited edition David Carlisle print, a
small token of appreciation for his
services to the CAI Board and its
members.
Mr Cran also presented Jean Taylor with a
bouquet of flowers.
It was a wonderful evening much enjoyed
by all with excellent food, wine, music,
dancing and the fun continued well into
the early hours!
The auction was expertly conducted by
James Armstrong M.F.H. and we wish to
thank all those who kindly donated items
on the evening.
More photographs from the evening:
T he 84th National Coursing
Meeting will take place in
Powerstown Park, Clonmel on the 2nd,
3rd and 4th of February 2009.
This great national sporting and
cultural event will again draw huge
crowds to enjoy the top class sport
provided on each of the three days.
Last year Powerstown Park saw huge
crowds; in excess of 30,000 came to see
coursing at its highest level.
Visitors come from all over Ireland, the
UK, Europe, the USA and Australia to
experience the joy of watching the
World‘s most experienced greyhounds
showing their paces behind the
legendary Irish Hare.
For further details contact the Irish
Coursing Club on +353 (0)52 72481
Fax: +353 (0)52 26446 Email:
Pictures: Courtesy of Mr John Kelly
(Clonmel)
CAI DINNER AND SPORTING AUCTION
ALL ROADS LEAD TO CLONMEL
11
The dates for the 2009
J.P. McManus Irish Cup are
Fri, Sat, Sun 27th, 28th
February and 1st March 2009
L iving in the heart of rural Cambridgeshire was to me, a daily
joy. The village of Offord in those days was almost a throw
back in time where the older locals often related old time stories
over a pint of ale and still played bar skittles in front of the pub‘s
large open fire. There were never any periods or seasons where
boredom ruled the day. Summers were spent casting a line for a
wily fish or shooting pigeons on the local Lenton Estate. I was
fortunate enough to become firm friends with one Stanley
Robbins Esq. who was the estates keeper. Stan was one of the old
school and dare I say it poacher turned very good keeper. My late
father would often say he would take a bet that Stan would catch
a rabbit in the middle of Piccadilly Circus and few would have
taken him on. I spent many wonderful hours with Stan, which
caused a certain amount of chagrin amongst my other shooting
acquaintances. Stan had always been much of a loner and when
one day he asked in his very distinctive Cambridgeshire accent
what I was doing on the approaching Saturday, my reply was,
'Shooting with you I hope.' From that day on a bond was
formed between us and the time I spent under his tutelage will
never be forgotten. Stan was a brilliant shot and at that time shot
a Damascus barrelled hammer gun. I always joked that the
barrels were longer than any Howitzer but he was deadly with it.
During the early part of the year the maintenance of the pheasant
pens were a priority along with planting fresh cover and all that
goes with the general upkeep of a shooting estate. Mr Lenton, the
'gentleman' farmer who owned the area was a wonderful
character in his own right. Several evenings a year he would take
to the wheel of his Subaru truck. Stan and I would sit on a bale of
straw in the back with a huge box of cartridges and a lamp.
Rabbits were the target and we shot lots of them. None were
wasted as a shot rabbit then would fetch 50p at the local market
with ferreted rabbits making a £1.
My other regular 'sparring' partner was Roy Wood. Roy owned
Carters Boat Yard which was also in the village and it was where I
kept my six berth cruiser. The relationship between Roy and I
was somewhat different to the one I had with Stan. Although we
were the best of friends there was always a rivalry between us
when it came to sporting matters. When it came to angling Roy
was what I refer to as a dabbler. He enjoyed it but was not very
good at it. Put a gun in his hand and things then became very
different. At that time Roy shot a 20 bore and boy could he use it.
I had the pleasure of his company on several very good driven
shoots and Roy invariably 'wiped my eye,' and when he did so I
wasn't allowed to forget it. The good humoured rivalry often
spilled over into the local pub much to the amusement of the
regulars in the bar. Over a pint one evening I began to berate the
use of what I called his pop gun and asked why he didn't use a
proper man‘s gun. He made the point that he was a better shot
with his pop gun that I was with my 12 bore. A challenge was set
and it was decided that the following evening we would attempt
to shoot a couple of geese.
The Canada's in the area had bred to such an extent that they had
become a serious problem amongst the local farming community.
The damage being done by them had gained them no allies and
thinning them out was very much welcomed. A large flock of
them had begun to graze on the field which was situated between
my house and Roy‘s boat yard. On either side of it were two
channels of water where the Great Ouse split. Behind the boat
yard was a huge gravel pit where the geese settled every evening.
Their flight path took them directly over the boat yard and this is
where we lay in wait for them. Behind the old granary there were
several luxury caravans. These were not the kind you tow behind
your car but huge, 30ft plus jobs that cost the owners a large
amount of cash.
As we watched the birds moving across the field which was
situated some 200 yards away I joked that small people (Roy is
only 5ft 4 tall) with small guns shouldn't be out at night on their
own. Roy growled back with words which are somewhat
unprintable. I took up my position by an adjoining fence and my
partner concealed himself close to the granaries towering walls.
The light began to fade very rapidly and the greedy birds just
carried on devouring all in front of them. Just as I began to think
they would never get up, as if by a starters signal they all lifted off
amongst a cacophony of sound. In the gathering gloom the birds
veered right, circled around and then headed straight towards us.
Against the now almost black back drop I picked out my bird. It
was high and had now picked up momentum. 'If I miss this, he'll
never let me live it down,' I thought. I swung the gun and took
my shot. The bird instantly folded and with a thump hit the
ground on the far side of the fence. As I vaulted over to retrieve it
I distinctly hear two bangs. I picked up my goose and climbed
back to see Roy wandering around in the darkness. 'I got mine.
Where is yours,' I asked. 'It's here somewhere,' was the reply. 'You
had two shots and missed with both,' I said. 'I had one shot and
the bird was dead in the air,' came the reply. 'Where is it then,' I
said with a grin. 'It's b----y here, I'm telling you,' came the very
indignant reply. Ten minutes on we were still searching for the
vanishing goose and my knife was well and truly stuck in. I asked
why we were wasting out time and the pub would be closed and I
wouldn't be able to tell all how he had taken two shots and missed
with both of them. Suddenly my mate grabbed my arm, uttered
several unprintable expletives and told me to wait where I was.
Roy ran off to his cottage and came back with a large bunch of
keys. He opened the door of the 'poshest' van on the site and
turned on the light. As we looked up there was a large indent in
the roof which now sagged down some 18 inches. A stepladder
retrieved the very dead bird from the roof of the caravan. The van
was owned by a very snooty lady who would definitely not be
amused by her van‘s accidental alterations and more to the point
she was due to visit the following day.
In desperation we collected from the granary work shop two of
the very largest sweeping brushes, the type with a head on them
about a yard across. We strategically placed them on the inside of
the roof and I said, 'One two three push.' As we heaved on the
handles there was a resounding 'booing' and the roof
miraculously returned to it's original shape. As we walked away in
total darkness all my companion would say was,' Told you I had
hit the b----r and you are buying the first round.'
Geoff Cooper, Journalist (Roscommon)
THE CASE OF THE VANISHING GOOSE
12
On the Mend
Patrick Keating, who has been hunting the
West Waterford Foxhounds since 2002 is
currently recovering from a double break
of his collar bone sustained in a crashing
fall. In his absence the hounds are being
hunted by Donnach Brown.
HANI Re-Elects Office Bearers
The following office bearers have been re-
elected by the Association
Chairman Mr J Vance MH.
Vice Chairman Mr T Fulton
Honorary Secretary Mrs J S Brown
Honorary Treasurer Mr B Dougan
Beagles Stolen
The Irish Masters of Beagles Association
is asking anyone with information about
the theft of beagles from the kennels of
the Riverstown Beagles to get in touch
with any official of the Association.
The Beagles, one couple of dog hounds
and two and a half couple of bitches, were
stolen from the kennels at Glanmire, Co
Cork, on Saturday 22nd November 2008
and the Hunt is anxious to have them
returned safe and sound.
Around the meets
The Killultagh Old Rock and
Chichester Hunt’s meet at Wits End
Farm, Stoneyford was preceded by the
presentation of a new whip to huntsman
Tim Taylor from amateur whipper-in Mr
Chris Berry. Chris who does so much for
the Hunt had ordered a new whip for
himself and was, allegedly, so ashamed of
the huntsman‘s old whip that he ordered
one for him too.
The presentation over, Tim took his
thirteen and a half couple mixed pack to
the first draw duly assisted by amateur
whippers-in, Chris and Master Patrick
Grinter. A twenty strong mounted field,
under joint masters Mr Graham Duncan
and Mrs Frank Boyd, followed their
huntsman along Moss Lane to Lowtown
Road and out to Derrykillultagh townland.
The Iveagh Foxhounds meet at
Silverford Mills outside Banbridge Co
Down was held on a bright but cool day
which made everyone forget that the end
of November was coming near.
Mr John Porter MFH had on a twelve and
a half couple mixed pack which included
one and a half couple of Welsh Foxhounds
which drew some interested questions
from the members and spectators more
used, as they are, to the Scarteen type
hounds for which the Iveaghs are so
famous. They had been drafted in by
kennel huntsman Neil Keery who also had
some Modern English blood on view to
give the pack a positively cosmopolitan
look!
An eventful hunt continued throughout
the day and the hounds were lifted and
John Porter blew for home.
At Ballyalton, near Downpatrick, the East
Down Foxhounds met in the village
and huntsman Declan Feeney had on a
sixteen and a half couple mixed pack on
what proved to be a day of patchy scenting
conditions. Declan was assisted by Mr
Craig Caven MFH now into his thirty first
season.
A small but hardy field followed the
hounds all day . Among the mounted field
were local sisters Gail McEwen and
Donna Quail who had put a lot of work
into organising the meet.
The North Down Foxhounds suffered
one of the worst scenting days of the
season so far at Girvan‘s Lane Ends
outside of Ballynahinch.
Huntsman Tom Haddock had twelve and
a half couple mixed pack and was assisted
by amateur whipper-in Ms Ann Magill
and Mrs Cynthia Dorman MFH was in
charge of the small mounted field. After a
long day home was reluctantly blown with
neither huntsman nor hounds having
anything to show for all their hard work.
OBITUARY
Mrs Elsie Morgan MFH 1913—2008
It is with much sadness that we have to
announce the passing away of Mrs Elsie
Morgan MFH at the age of ninety five.
Elsie literally was a giant of the Irish
Hunting world.
Born in Wales, Mrs Morgan came to
Ireland in 1949 with her husband Captain
Tom Morgan when he retired and they
began hunting in Co Waterford. They
were joint masters of the West Waterford
Foxhounds from 1953 and Elsie hunted
hounds until 1984 while her husband
remained in the mastership until 1989.
Elsie possessed the tremendous ability to
handle hounds, horses and indeed all
sorts of animals. Elsie had hunted an
Army pack of hounds before arriving in
Lismore. In addition to hunting she
represented Ireland at show jumping to
Nations Cup level and also achieved some
one hundred and fifty wins on the track.
The late, great, Ikey Bell was such a
confirmed admirer of Elsie Morgan‘s that,
acting as a mentor to the Morgan's, he
told Elsie that he would breed her 2a pack
of hounds worthy of her talents. He also
advised her to use College Valley and Fell
blood which she did, to breed a wonderful
pack of hounds.
Having retired from the mastership at
seventy years of age this remarkable lady
rejoined it at ninety and resumed her role
at the helm from where she directed the
construction of the current kennels at
Tallow.
This much loved and wonderfully able
lady was laid to rest after a service at
Conna Church of Ireland, outside Tallow,
and former Waterford Foxhounds‘
huntsman Nigel Cox blew ―Home‖ on a
very old hunting horn which had been
given to the Morgan's by Ikey Bell.
A fitting tribute to a giant of our sport.
Tom Fulton
HEARD ON THE GRAPEVINE
13
The branches of country sports can be subdivided into active and passive varieties
Why does the sportsman enjoy hunting,
shooting and fishing? It is undoubtedly
due to a whole variety of reasons
including enjoyment of nature,
successful deception of prey, time out
from busy modern life, as well as the
satisfaction of some deep genetic
hunting urge stemming from ancient
times. Success comes from deep down,
and from base instincts. These pursuits
force you to slow down, to ease off to a
more natural pace and live only for the
here and now.
Take shooting for example. The
branches of this country-sport can be
subdivided into active and passive
varieties. Pigeon shooting, wildfowling
and driven game shooting all require
some degree of physical effort to get in
place, but the actual shooting is usually
done from a static position. Rough
shooting, and walked up game shooting
require the shooter to be on the move,
and therefore require a greater degree of
physical effort during the time a gun is
loaded.
Most people will take part in both types
of shooting, but will specialise in one.
My speciality is sitting on my backside,
in a duck hide in winter, and in the
pursuit of crows and pigeons on crop
protection forays at other times. This
gives me time to think. I think of my
decoy pattern, where flight line may be,
the effect of tide and wind direction, as
well as more mundane things from
modern life.
And so it was that I was standing in a
chest high drain during February,
thinking. As it happens at the time I was
SPORTING ODDITIES
14
wondering where all the crows had gone! Suddenly, from my
right, a brown bird hurtled into my decoy pattern at great speed,
swooping to one of my plastic decoys. It spun around and circled
over the pattern before swooping again. Without touching a decoy
it then left the field as quickly as it had arrived. At least I had
managed to fool one bird into thinking my decoys were real, even
though it was a Sparrow Hawk. I was surprised and delighted at
this interlude, and when I returned to my thinking, it was on a
new subject – that of Sporting Oddities, strange sporting
happenings.
I thought first of the day five seasons ago I scored a double
oddity. I had arrived early and set up hide and decoys in a new
position. It was a very dark night and I could barely make out the
decoy shapes when I returned to the hide. Those regular
wildfowlers reading this will realise that it is indeed rare to have a
night when it is too dark to see – usually moon and stars provide
enough light to see a surprising distance well before dawn. I had
just settled back into my hide when I heard the tell tale
―whispering wings‖ of ducks in the vicinity and was very
surprised to make out the shape of a widgeon dropping towards
my recently installed decoy pattern. I stood to shoot, confident in
the range as the bird was trying to drop into the landing zone I
had left in the pattern, and was delighted to see it crumple at the
first shot and float among the plastic deceivers. My ever-steady
Labrador was already half way to the duck as I pushed another
cartridge into the magazine of the semi-automatic, and he soon
returned with a beautiful hen widgeon.
I settled back into position, and tried to calm down Finn, but
unusually he would not calm down. He kept looking out to the
water, and refused to look at me. It took a while but it slowly
dawned on me that there was something else on the water. I sent
the dog again, and was staggered when he returned with another
hen widgeon – still warm, and killed by the same shot as the first.
As if that were not enough strange excitement for one day, the
geese started to fly over my position well after full daylight. The
skeins were either too high or too wide, but in anticipation of an
opportunity at geese, I had brought my trusty (and sometimes
rusty) 10 bore with me. As skein after skein of greylags flew over,
I resisted the temptation to ―have a go‖, and this paid off when
finally a skein flew over in range. Mindful of the fact that geese
are big birds and often fool wildfowlers into missing them behind,
I gave my selected bird huge lead, and then a bit more to be sure.
When I pulled the trigger I was staggered to watch as the bird in
front of the bird I was aiming at fell, stone dead, into the field
behind me.
My thoughts of sporting oddities then switched to a converse
situation which happened in January 2005 when shooting in
Fermanagh. A group of very high tufted duck flew over the
position occupied by my friend, and myself and while Andy
managed to score a double miss, I scored with the first barrel on a
very sporting bird. ―What a shot!‖ congratulated Andy, ―that was
the shot of the season!‖ My honesty got the better of me and I had
to concede that I actually shot at the bird in front.
Sporting Oddities extend to fishing as well. I once lost a tooth
when landing a trout – you see, I hadn‘t thought of opening the
landing net before I started, and with a decent fish on the line, I
resorted by using my mouth as a third hand. The resulting visit to
the dentist and crown meant that the trout (which I did secure)
was a pretty pricey one. I know a number of fishermen who can
boast two or else three trout on the same team of flies at the same
time, and I myself have hooked and landed two on the River
Bann. I have hooked and landed five mackerel at the same time
off the Co. Down coast near the mouth of Carlingford Lough.
I hooked a bat one night while fly-fishing the evening rise on the
River Bann. On the back cast, I thought I had hooked a tree
before the weight of the line pulled the unfortunate creature
down towards the earth. It released the fly and was fortunately
able to fly on.
The strangest piscatorial happenings have happened to me during
my pike fishing escapades. On one occasion, a pike of around 7 or
8 pounds which I had been playing leapt out of the water onto the
fishing stand I was on and knocked over my portable cooker we
had been cooking our lunch of sausages on. The pike was
eventually returned unhurt, but I‘m afraid the sausages didn‘t
make it … On another occasion, my fishing partner and I were
coming to terms with a fishless pike expedition, when I decided to
answer the call of nature. I turned my head to watch my floats,
and was horrified to see one bob and move off just as my body
passed its point of no return. I‘m glad my friend had no camera,
as I was required to land the pike from an unusually exposed
position.
On more than one occasion pike have also attacked the fish in
keep nets during coarse fishing sessions. I have had kingfishers,
herons and even owl land so close that I could make out every
detail of their delicate feathering. A snipe landed so close to my
dog and I one evening at a flight pond that I could have reached
out and grabbed it.
It fed for a few minutes before the dog‘s whining chased it away.
Alan Brown
SPORTING ODDITIES CONT’D
15