Published by Time Inc. (UK) Ltd The Field is a monthly glossy magazine dedicated to those brave souls who shoot, fish and hunt way beyond the call of duty. Since 1853, its staff has selflessly brought its readers the cream of rural life, be it pheasant shooting, dry-fly fishing or the distinct merits of Cheval Blanc. If you love field sports, errant terriers and very foxy friends at hunt balls, The Field is for you.

The Field

A rallying cry for 2021 • Our way of life is under threat from politically motivated activists, says Lord Botham. This is the year for us to come together to defend it

Field in focus

BRIEFING

Defra to issue new general licences

SPORTING COMPANIONS

One good deed…

FIELD CHAMPIONS

Social spotlight

To do this month

Working dog thefts increasing

Fighting the corner for curlew

Kit to covert • Our monthly guide to everything noteable in the field for sporting enthusiasts and those keen on country life

Letters

Deliverance from upheaval • When moving to the country some things just cannot be left behind, says Rupert Bates, such as next-day delivery – presenting an unlikely use for those unwanted outbuildings

Memories and migrations • While Neil Cross savours times past in his boot room, surrounded by vintage treasures, Serena is glued to Woodcock Watch and the thought of sport to come

The simple things in life • There’s no denying that 2020 was a challenging year. However, as Eve Jones points out, pleasure and laughter are never too far away

Many happy returns • Still on the peg or poised behind the line, these staunch retrievers in every colour complete the scene. Where quarry goes, their eye follows…

Angmering Park West Sussex • Sheila Flavell takes the first of the day, a sublime high partridge, and soon all the guns are in action, latching onto challenging birds that set their wings at distance.

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The enduring appeal of the side-by-side • Often considered a ‘traditional’ sporting weapon, a relic from a previous era, the side-by-side still has plenty to offer the modern gun – once you’ve busted the myths

Anatomy of an auction • Today, there’s no need to visit an auction room to bid for a shotgun. But is internet bidding better than raising a paddle? Or visiting a shop?

Out of the traps • Whether you are looking to polish the moves, teach a young gun some new tricks or enjoy the ultimate at-home action, here’s The Field’s guide to clay pigeon traps for personal use

Picking up the perfect bottle • A decent beer is a wonderful thing but perhaps not a serious enough libation to salute every shoot day. So which are the best wines to uncork for lunch?

Heading out on an Oregon rod-trip • With a tick-list that included bluegill, cutthroats, smallmouth bass and crabs, autumn on America’s West Coast was an adventure not to be missed

The best of days across country • Occasionally, the elements combine to turn a good run into a brilliant one. These are the days on which treasured hunting memories are made

Painting the cave • For thousands of years man has surrounded himself with the things he values. So how do you adorn your sanctuary?

Keeping the faith of our fathers • Reformation, repression, recession – just some of the obstacles faced by the owners of historic houses with private chapels

Ring out the old, ring in the new • Deeply rooted in our culture and heritage, church bells are the sound that welcomes in the New Year

BRITISH SPORTING ART TRUST

Country queries • Send queries to Rosie Macdonald, Country Queries Editor, The Field, Pinehurst II, Pinehurst Road, Farnborough Business Park, Farnborough,...