The frost finally arrived, and with it a frank look at what winter really means for working countryside life. We open with frozen offices, hungry pheasants, and a social media landscape that keeps shifting under the boots of anyone who mentions fieldsports. Then we settle in at a Perthshire kitchen table with farmer and comedian Jim Smith to talk roots, resilience, and why a good laugh sometimes saves the day.

Jim’s story starts with bales, tatties, and Young Farmers’ stage nights, then leaps to five nerve-shredding minutes at The Stand and the improvisational chaos of Scott Squad. He explains how sketches turned into tours, how he retooled the farm to handle gigs, and why diversified work only sticks if it respects the seasons. We compare the soggy springs and scorched summers that define modern arable, the quiet power of long northern daylight, and the culture shift as estates consolidate, tenancies shrink, and small farms fight to keep a foothold.

We also go where Instagram rarely does: the money and the mind. Sheep margins, beef prices, supermarket strategies, and the hard math behind expensive kit get stripped back to the basics. Jim shares a plain-spoken take on mental health, spotlighting RSABI, Farm Strong, and the slow-burn stress of a job you can’t switch off. Along the way, we dig into provenance and food miles, the role of venison and game in everyday kitchens, and why teaching simple butchery skills can stop pheasants becoming landfill.

By the end, you’ll hear why farm humor travels—across borders and accents—because the truths are universal: weather swings, stubborn yows, and bills that don’t wait. If you care about real farming, rural culture, and stories that stick, this one’s for you. Listen, share with a friend who needs a warm, honest laugh, and leave a review to help more folks find the show.

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A sweltering rut, empty glens, and stalks that end at dusk set the scene for a conversation that goes far beyond weather woes. After a season where deer hid high and hill walkers crowded car parks at first light, we pivot to what really drives outcomes: honest numbers, smart tools, and hunters willing to share what they see. That’s where Nick comes in—a German hunter from a family nearly a century deep—bringing a grounded view on management, tradition, and why public trust depends on what we do when we’re not pulling the trigger.

We travel from Scotland’s hills to southern Germany’s crop edges and up to Austria’s 2,500-meter ridgelines, where tree stands are built by hand and 100-kilo stags take a team to get home. Nick explains how foxes, farming intensity, and hedgerows reshape small game; how fawn rescue won press and public support; and why roe in the Alps behave like restless sentries, not field grazers. In Africa, he breaks down the economics too few headlines cover: trophy fees funding anti-poaching, mandated meat for local communities, and quotas that turn wildlife from a poaching target into a renewable asset with real value.

Technology plays the quiet hero. From legal gray zones in Germany to full adoption in Austria, thermal optics reinvent night hunting. One-handed focus and improved rangefinding cut through fog and guesswork, letting us identify sounders cleanly and avoid orphaning piglets. The result isn’t just cleaner shots—it’s measurable change. Boar numbers fell so sharply after thermal adoption that Nick’s group scaled back pressure in forests to keep the population healthy, focusing only on field raiders. Along the way, venison demand rises among young buyers who want traceable food without industrial baggage, and a new wave of hunters enters—some seasoned by mentors, some needing them more than they realize.

The throughline is simple and urgent: better data, better choices. Whether it’s challenging “a million deer” narratives with hill counts and lowland reports, protesting policies that erase wildlife in the name of trees, or training dogs to recover what we start, this is hunting as stewardship—lived, measured, and shared. If that resonates, tap follow, share this with a friend who debates conservation, and leave a review with the one insight that changed your mind. Your feedback keeps thoughtful hunting stories in the spotlight.

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Every ethical hunter's worst nightmare is taking a shot that doesn't result in a clean kill. What happens next can make all the difference between a successful recovery and a deer lost forever. In this candid conversation with Al Haynes of the UK Deer Tracking Recovery (UKDTR), we dive deep into the realities of what to do when things don't go according to plan.

Al shares invaluable insights drawn from years of tracking experience, revealing why immediate pursuit of a wounded deer is often the worst action you can take. Learn how to properly assess the shot site, interpret deer reactions, and set up conditions that maximize recovery chances. His specially-trained tracking dog can follow trails 24 hours old with minimal blood sign, demonstrating capabilities far beyond what most stalking dogs possess.

The discussion challenges common misconceptions about using technology like thermal imaging for recovery, explaining why even the most sophisticated drones can't match a dog's nose when it comes to finding wounded game in thick cover. We explore the controversial topics of head and neck shots, copper versus lead ammunition, and why there's still such stigma around admitting when things go wrong in the field.

Whether you're new to deer stalking or a seasoned professional, this episode offers practical wisdom that could prove essential the next time you face uncertainty after a shot. The UKDTR's non-judgmental approach to tracking provides not just assistance in finding animals but also peace of mind for the ethical hunter who wants to do right by the quarry they pursue.

Ready to improve your tracking knowledge and ethical hunting practices? Listen now and be prepared for that moment we all hope never comes, but should always be ready for.

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Frustrated by the constant shadow bans and content restrictions on mainstream social media? You're not alone. In this eye-opening conversation, Rachel Draper reveals the journey behind creating Stile Country, a revolutionary social media platform built specifically for those who love field sports and countryside pursuits.

Growing up on a Warwickshire smallholding and later working in the shooting industry, Rachel witnessed firsthand how major platforms increasingly censored legitimate outdoor activities. The turning point came when she and her gunmaker partner found themselves constantly battling arbitrary community guidelines that failed to understand the nuances of rural life. Rather than simply complaining, they took action – creating a digital space where hunters, shooters, and countryside enthusiasts could share without fear of censorship.

Unlike the dopamine-driven algorithms of mainstream platforms, Stile prioritizes quality connections over endless scrolling. The app's innovative features include location filtering to help users connect with like-minded people nearby, interest categories to customize content feeds, and a philosophy that encourages putting your phone down to actually enjoy the outdoors. Most refreshingly, Stile hides follower counts from public view, combating the harmful comparison culture that plagues conventional social media.

The platform has already attracted 1,500 users since its December launch, with support from organizations like the British Deer Society and a surprisingly balanced gender ratio approaching 50/50. While still in its early stages with plans to add video capabilities and other enhancements, Stile represents something increasingly rare in the digital landscape – a community-driven space that reflects the values of those who use it.

Whether you're tired of having your hunting photos removed, frustrated by arbitrary restrictions on firearm content, or simply seeking more meaningful connections with fellow countryside enthusiasts, Stile offers a refreshing alternative to the mainstream. Download the app today and join a growing community that celebrates rather than censors your outdoor lifestyle.

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How do you capture the perfect image of a white bird against a snowy landscape when you can barely see them with your own eyes? For Magnus, a wildlife photographer living at the edge of the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden, the answer lies in embracing both cutting-edge technology and ancient survival techniques.

Magnus's story begins with burnout. After devoting over a decade to his mining industry business, working 12-16 hour days, he reached a breaking point. "I realized I'm not growing as a person anymore," he shares with disarming honesty. A forced business setback became the catalyst for rediscovering his passion for photography and the natural world. What began as personal rehabilitation transformed into a thriving business offering guided photo tours through pristine wilderness areas virtually unknown to outsiders.

Unlike heavily promoted destinations in neighboring countries, northern Sweden's vast national parks—collectively larger than Belgium—remain largely undiscovered by international photographers. This offers Magnus and his clients the increasingly rare opportunity to capture truly unique images of untouched landscapes. "Everyone's searching for something that hasn't been taken yet," he explains, describing the photographer's ultimate quest.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Magnus reveals how thermal imaging technology has revolutionized wildlife photography. Originally developed for industrial applications and later adopted by hunters, thermal devices allow photographers to locate and approach animals without disturbance. In the challenging Arctic environment, where traditional optics fail against the blinding white landscape, thermal vision reveals hidden wildlife through their body heat. "With the thermals, you can look for hours if you want. You don't get tired in the eyes, and you have so much more easy to find the birds," Magnus explains.

Perhaps most thought-provoking is Magnus's nuanced perspective on using traditional fur gloves and clothing in extreme Arctic conditions. Facing criticism online, he thoughtfully explains how these materials come from sustainably hunted local animals used primarily for food. "The skin is a leftover product. We try to use everything from that animal," he notes, challenging simplistic views on this complex topic.

Ready to experience the Arctic through a different lens? Follow Magnus's photography journey and discover how he captures extraordinary images in one of the world's most extreme environments. Whether you're a dedicated photographer or simply fascinated by human adaptation and natural beauty, this conversation will transform how you see the wilderness.

https://www.winbjork.com/

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A refreshing conversation from the tailgate of a pickup truck at the Scottish Game Fair reveals both the challenges and triumphs shaping rural Scotland today. Fresh off remastering the entire podcast back catalog for better listening quality, Peter shares concerning news about devastating wildfires that recently swept across moorlands, burning over 10,000 acres of land.

Most striking is the story of dedicated gamekeepers who spent 72 continuous hours battling these blazes, yet received virtually no recognition in media reports. Even when local fire crews openly acknowledged they couldn't have managed without the gamekeepers' crucial expertise, national parks and official bodies initially failed to mention them in public thanks. This erasure highlights the ongoing struggle for recognition faced by those working in traditional land management roles, despite their irreplaceable knowledge becoming increasingly vital as climate change intensifies fire risks.

The episode's centerpiece is an energetic conversation with Sarah from Spent Shells, whose sustainable crafting business transforms shooting byproducts into beautiful, handcrafted items. What began as a creative project with her young daughter has evolved into a thriving enterprise now featured in the prestigious House of Bruar. Sarah's philosophy—"kill it, cook it, eat it and use as much as you can"—extends beyond her crafting business to encompass an eco-farm, butchery, and caravan site all operating in perfect symbiosis. With infectious enthusiasm, she describes creating over 1,000 handcrafted baubles annually, each containing 70 individually cut feathers, and her pride in building strong community connections within the rural business circuit.

Whether you're interested in sustainable rural enterprise, the challenges facing land management in changing times, or simply enjoy stories of passion-driven small businesses, this episode offers rich insights into how traditional rural activities are adapting to contemporary challenges while maintaining their authentic character and community spirit.

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Why does venison remain a niche product despite its impeccable ethical and environmental credentials? The Stalking Show 2025 brought together a diverse panel of experts to tackle this persistent market paradox and explore solutions to bring wild venison into mainstream consumption.

From the opening moments, it becomes clear that the venison market faces multifaceted challenges. Game dealers like Tristan Kirk explain how logistical complexities and processing costs create pricing pressures that ripple through the supply chain. Unlike cattle operations where transport and processing achieve economies of scale, venison collection involves numerous small pickups from chillers across the country, dramatically increasing operational costs per kilogram.

Quality standards emerge as the critical factor for mainstream market acceptance. David Hooten presents the British Quality Wild Venison scheme, designed to address buyer concerns about traceability and handling between the field and processing. Simon Gibson, representing major hospitality buyers, confirms these concerns are legitimate – chefs worry about what happens before the carcass reaches approved handlers, creating hesitation about featuring venison on mainstream menus.

Education plays a pivotal role in expanding venison's market reach. José Suto shares his groundbreaking work at Westminster Kingsway College, where he's integrated comprehensive venison education throughout the culinary curriculum, even establishing the UK's only deer larder in a catering college. His approach positions venison as the "fourth meat" alongside beef, chicken, and lamb, with graduates taking this knowledge into professional kitchens nationwide.

The Open Food Network offers a promising distribution solution, creating a free registration service that maps venison sellers and connects them directly with buyers. This platform particularly benefits smaller producers and helps solve distribution challenges for smaller deer species that don't fit well in traditional game dealer supply chains.

Perhaps most compelling is venison's environmental advantage. When major hospitality venues like Celtic Manor discover that beef consumption represents their largest carbon footprint contributor – exceeding even energy usage – substituting venison becomes an attractive sustainability strategy.

Whether you're a stalker, chef, retailer, or simply a curious consumer, this discussion illuminates the path forward for this underappreciated, sustainable protein. Join us in exploring how coordinated improvements in quality, distribution, and awareness could finally help venison realize its mainstream potential.

Subscribe to hear more perspectives on sustainable food systems and wildlife management that benefit both ecosystems and communities alike.

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The question of effective deer management has never been more pressing across the UK landscape. In this special panel discussion recorded at the Stalking Show 2025 for the British Deer Society, we bring together an extraordinary group of experts to tackle the contentious question: are our current deer management strategies fit for purpose, and do our training standards meet modern demands?

Our diverse panel offers fascinating perspectives from different regions and approaches. From the Netherlands, Floris Lassie shares insights from a highly regulated system where training is mandatory and culling permits are government-issued. Louise Farmer from NatureScot discusses Scotland's increasingly aggressive biodiversity-focused approach, contrasting with England's more fragmented, landowner-led system. Meanwhile, Sandy Williams reveals the success of collaborative landscape-scale management through coordination between neighboring estates.

The conversation delves into critical tensions within modern deer management: the balance between voluntary and mandatory training, the economics of culling versus venison prices, and the challenge of maintaining high welfare standards while meeting growing pressure for population control. With fallow deer populations showing a 75% female bias in some areas and "sanctuary" properties complicating management efforts, the panel explores practical solutions like WhatsApp coordination groups and partnerships with food poverty organizations.

Perhaps most compelling is the debate about whether England should adopt a centralized deer management strategy similar to Scotland's. The panel weighs the benefits of coordinated approaches against concerns about one-size-fits-all regulation and the risk of ignoring regional differences in deer populations and their impacts.

Whether you're a professional stalker, landowner, conservationist, or simply interested in wildlife management, this episode offers crucial insights into the complex challenges of maintaining healthy landscapes while ensuring ethical treatment of deer populations. Join us for this thought-provoking discussion that raises as many questions as it answers about the future of deer management in the UK.

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A humble fleece from a sheep's back holds the key to a more sustainable clothing industry—if only we'd reconnect with this remarkable fiber. In this episode, we journey deep into the world of wool processing with Fiona, founder of The Shire Mill, a small independent operation breathing new life into British wool.

The disconnect between sheep farmers and the true value of their wool tells a troubling story. What once provided a farmer's annual rent now fetches less than the cost of shearing, pushing many to discard fleeces rather than sell them. Yet as synthetic fabrics fill our landfills, the natural performance benefits of wool—breathability, water resistance, warmth even when wet, and complete biodegradability—remain unmatched by modern alternatives.

Following a fleece's transformation reveals the craftsmanship behind quality wool products. From the initial "skirting" to remove debris, through washing, fiber separating, carding, drawing, spinning, and plying—each step demands skill and patience. The process preserves each fleece's unique character, whether from soft Bluefaced Leicester sheep or hardy Herdwick breeds whose wool excels in carpets and outerwear.

Most fascinating is Fiona's personalized approach, processing individual sheep's fleeces separately to return "Dave yarn" or "Steve yarn" to farmers with named animals. This connection between animal, processor, and end product represents what's been lost in our fast-fashion world, where a 75p synthetic beanie becomes garbage while a £75 wool hat could serve for decades before harmlessly returning to the soil.

Have you considered the origin story of your clothing? Join us in celebrating this remarkable renewable resource and the skilled artisans working to preserve traditional wool processing in Britain. Follow us across social platforms to continue the conversation about sustainable natural materials and share this episode with anyone interested in reconnecting with the authentic materials that clothed humanity for centuries.

The mill can be found at https://www.shiremill.co.uk/

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Darren from Kirkbourne Spaniels, a two-time UK Gun Dog Trainer of the Year winner, shares his journey from farming background to professional dog trainer, revealing practical techniques and philosophy for effective dog handling and training.

• Building a career from a lifelong passion for working dogs and field sports
• Matching dog breeds to specific purposes and activities
• Understanding "imprinting" - how handlers transfer their energy to their dogs
• Common training mistakes like overusing verbal commands
• The impact of COVID on dog breeding and training
• Essential training techniques for recall and retrieving
• The importance of well-timed, measured discipline
• Supporting new generations in field sports and dog work
• Preserving field sports traditions through community support

If you want to learn more about Darren's training methods or join his gundog club, visit his website or find him on social media.

https://www.kirkbournespaniels.co.uk/

 _____________________________________________________________________________________

 Thinking about doing the PDS1 or PDS2 use the link below.

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Using this link above you will get a Free PDS1 Shooting assessment with myself in scotland   

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