RAT & GunBuck News Page
Sunday 10 September 2023
A trio of Hatsan AT44-10, all zeroed and ready to go for our experiences today.
Friday 8 September 2023
A quick strim at the range today, extremely hot! Getting ready for the weekend air rifle shooting experiences.
Sunday 13 August 2023
A very enjoyable Sunday afternoon at the range and some good shooting was achieved. Both the Hatsan AT 44-10's performed well as did the shooters using them!
Saturday 29 July 2023
A couple of air rifle experiences today, very rewarding to see novice air rifle shooters perform so well. A great afternoon introducing clients to shooting sports!
Sunday 23 July 2023 Practice Shoot
Varied weather today, gazebo up helping to avoid the showers. Some good shooting was seen with a brand new CROSMAN MAG-FIRE MISSION in .22, took a little while to zero but once done, handled the targets well. The next practice shoot is on Sunday 20 August 2023.
Sunday 16 July 2023
Sunday 16 July 2023: Despite being a grim, wet and blustery day our clients achieved remarkable results! With a little instruction, before shooting commences, it is surprising what first-time shooters can shoot at twenty-five yards. Looking at their reviews on [https://ratbookings.setmore.com/reviews] I think they enjoyed their experiences! Well done guys!
Next Practice Shoot Sunday 23 July 2023
https://www.rapidairguntraining.net/book-online
Sunday 9 July 2023
A great day at the range, weather was fantastic and luckily all the equipment was packed away before the heavens opened! The two-hour lesson and practice shoot saw three new rifles from Hatsan, Webley & Benjamin and all performed well.
Saturday 1 July 2023
Some impressive shooting at the range today from the first-time shooters on experience sessions. The wind was against them but nevertheless really good results!
Next Practice Shoot Sunday 25 June 2023
Sunday 11 June 2023 Practice Shoot
No thunderstorms today (BBC was wrong again!). Brilliant sunshine which gave me time to test out all the range pistols ready for a forthcoming pistol experience. The SMK Artemis PP750 performed exceptionally at twenty-five yards using a red dot sight. The next practice shoot is on 25 June 2023 and experiences available from Sunday 16 July 2023.
Sunday 11 June 2023 Good to go!
The range is good to go for this Sunday's practice shoot. Strimmed & splatter targets have been repaired. Only two lanes are left.
The next practice shoot is on Sunday 25 June 2023.
Redhall Clay Club
Having spent three hours photographing at Redhall Clay Club this morning, I’m impressed not with my photography but with the shooting ground itself. I can’t believe I have a clay shooting ground so close to home and my own airgun range.
Wow, what a ground, fabulous countryside, well organised, credit to the shoot owners Lee and Kyle. The ground only recently opened it can only go from strength to strength. Definitely be back to shoot it with my shotgun and not my camera! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088388107311
Gun Trade News, subscribe today!
Road trip Sunday 28 May 2023
Today was a road trip to Black Rock Sands, Porthmadog. Six hours driving, three hours on the beach with glorious sunshine. What better way to catch up with the Gun Trade News! #guntradenews
Sunday 21 May 2023
Glorious weather today for the two air rifle experiences. Maybe the weather helps, but our clients achieved some fantastic shooting. The next practice shoot is on 11 June 2023 and experiences are available from Saturday 17 June 2023.
Saturday 20 May 2023
Think summer has arrived early, brilliant sunshine all day at the range, great for the clients on experiences. All shot to a high standard and on the second extended session, the Hatsan AT44-10's performed well. two more experiences tomorrow! .
BASC Press Release 18 May 2023
Unlawful changes to interim gamebird release licence, challenged by BASC
Changes to an interim gamebird release licence in England risk throwing hundreds of shoots into financial turmoil, risking jobs, businesses and ongoing conservation projects, according to the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC).
BASC, the UK’s largest shooting organisation, has called for an urgent response from Defra over its decision to make a major change to GL43 – the interim general licence which covers gamebird release on or within 500m of European Protected Sites in England.
The association has been informed that a significant change to the licence by Defra will come into effect on 31 May 2023, meaning that from that date, releasing on or within 500m of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) will no longer be authorised under the general licence in England due to a risk of released birds spreading avian influenza to wild birds.
The decision’s timing comes when shoot preparations are well advanced, with payments and deposits for gamebirds, feed and shoot days already made and drilling of cover crops and hours of conservation work already undertaken.
Those wishing to release on or within 500m of a SPA after 30 May 2023 will need to apply for an individual licence from Natural England or move their release activities away from the 500m buffer zone limit.
Releases on or within 500m of a special area of conservation (SAC), will remain as before subject to the requirements of the new general licence or an individual licence. Gamebird release outside of these areas is not subject to this interim licensing regime and is not affected.
Glynn Evans, BASC’s head of game and wildlife management, has heavily criticised Defra’s decision.
He said: “BASC is challenging Defra’s decision as unlawful, and doing everything in its power to overturn this unevidenced, disproportionate and potentially disastrous decision. There is no evidence that releasing gamebirds has had any impact on spreading avian influenza, this point has been made at the highest level of Defra and legal avenues are being explored.
“This last minute announcement and lack of stakeholder engagement clearly shows Defra has no idea how the individual licences will work and that they have not fully comprehended the consequences of their actions.
“With just days before these licences are to be brought in, Defra has thrown hundreds of shoots into uncertainty for the coming season with absolutely no benefit to the environment. Significant investment in preparation for the release of gamebirds will have already been undertaken by those shoots impacted, to continue in this direction and have such a drastic change in approach at the 11th hour will have catastrophic consequences on businesses, jobs and conservation projects.”
Range time Sunday May 14 2023
Good afternoon at the range, good weather, good company, good pasta, good shooting and a good array of air rifles!
Sunday May 14 2023
Loading up early for a busy day at the range, seven lanes, seven shooters and the weather forecast look's to be very reasonable!
Next practice shoot 11 June 2023
Hatsan AT44 -10's ready to go!
Hatsan AT44-10's ready for zeroing and checking before they will be ready to be introduced to the experience sessions giving clients a greater choice of rifles to use.
6 & 7 May 2023
A little wet and windy at the range yesterday for the experiences nevertheless good results were achieved. Today Sunday, was sunny and dry, great for shooting the range. The sun always brings out clients' competitive nature as demonstrated today. On both days, great company and brilliant shooting.
14 May 2023
Just one lane left for Sunday 14 May 2023, book online early to avoid disappointment!
Racknload APP!
Sunday 30 April 2023
Rain did not stop play, gazebo up, four shooters stayed reasonably dry, the fifth got wet (me)!
I spent most of the range time testing out four air rifles that had been recently donated to the range for use on the experience days, giving future clients a choice of rifles. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the person concerned for his greatly appreciated donation and be assured they will be put to good use, promoting shooting to the wider public.
Another surprise was a practice shoot client arrived with an authentic Italian ‘fiery’ bacon pasta dish, prepared by his wife, enough for all! A really nice thought, thank you!
Despite the weather, a good time was had by all, I suspect.
The next practice shoot is on Sunday 14 May 2023.
Ready for tomorrow!
Just managed a quick strim in between work commitments, ready for tomorrow's practice shoot.
C3 Country Cover Club
Use the code RAPIDAIRGUN231 and get £3 off any new membership
https://www.ccc3.co.uk/home?exref=XB141
MeWe Page
After a short break, we are back on MeWe, Follow the page!
https://mewe.com/join/rapidairguntraining
MeWe Group
Practice Shoot 14 May 2023
New Racknload Group
Check out our group at https://racknload.com/community/groups/rapid-airgun-training/
22 & 23 April 2023
Nine people attended experiences at the range this weekend, a high standard of shooting was achieved by all that came. Saturday missed the rain but the gazebo was erected part way through the first experience on Sunday, not as lucky as yesterday!
Next Practice Shoot, 30 April 2023
Reopening
A pleasant afternoon's shooting despite the drizzle. The next practice shoot is on Sunday 30 April 2023.
Range fully booked this Sunday
The range is now fully booked for this Sunday. The next practice shoot is on Sunday 30 April.
Facebook Group up and running
Easter Sunday
An early start at the range today, Easter Sunday. Everything was packed up, the range set up, packed back up before lunchtime and three rifles zeroed. Roll on next Sunday.
Happy Easter!
Reopening!
By appointment only, book online at https://www.rapidairguntraining.net/book-shooting-online
Good to go on the 16th!
By appointment only, book online at https://www.rapidairguntraining.net/book-shooting-online
Almost ready!
Just the resetting targets to spray paint and then good for reopening on the 16th!
Getting there!
The final preparations, well almost, for reopening on Sunday 16 April 2023 for practice and the following weekend for experiences. Thanks to my helpers, it is really appreciated. Just a couple of lanes left for practice on the 16th. Book online to avoid disappointment. See you then!
BASC Press Release 28 March 2023
Winners of Eat Game Awards 2023 announced
This year’s Eat Game Awards winners have been crowned at a glittering dinner and ceremony in London.
The awards marked the culmination of a national search to find businesses and individuals championing the use of British wild game. More than 11,000 votes were cast by the public, with the shortlisted businesses and individuals in each category going forward to be reviewed by a panel of expert judges.
The Eat Game Awards are organised and run by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation’s (BASC) Eat Game initiative, which promotes the nutrition, taste and sustainability benefits of British wild game.
The awards ceremony, which was hosted by rural TV presenter Adam Henson, saw the winners of eight categories announced. Categories included best small retailer, best restaurant/pub and best game butcher.
As well as being named champion in their category, each winner received a £1,000 prize awarded by the category sponsors. An overall winner was crowned Champion of Champions in a category sponsored by BASC.
Annette Woolcock, Eat Game Awards co-ordinator and BASC’s head of wild food, said: “Huge congratulations to everyone involved in this year’s awards – our very worthy winners, all of our finalists and everyone nominated along the way.
“These awards are a highlight of our year and we were delighted to spend a wonderful evening celebrating game and the people and businesses who work so hard to champion it.
“We are truly heartened by the enthusiasm and the support for the awards and the positive feedback we have once again received.
“Thank you to all of those people who took the time to nominate the businesses and individuals who they thought should be recognised for doing an outstanding job in the game meat sector.
“And thank you to all of those who represent how British game can continue to grow and be celebrated.”
Adam Henson, awards host and Country Food Trust patron, said: “Once again, the Eat Game Awards have exceeded all expectations with some fantastic individuals and businesses being showcased. The standard of entries grows each year, reflecting and showcasing the progress achieved and success gained in the game meat sector since the awards were launched five years ago.
“I was delighted to once again play a part in giving those who have worked so hard the recognition they so deserve. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
The winner of the Champion of Champions category was The Clarendon Inn, Hebden, North Yorkshire.
On receiving the award, chef owner of The Clarendon, Inn Lionel Strub, said: “I couldn’t be more proud. I’m just so thrilled to win because I just want to show the world how amazing game is and how you can be successful using game and selling game. It’s such a sustainable food, nature’s table is everything.
“We are so proud. We are not just a pub in the middle of Yorkshire, we breathe game. We serve all game. We are really through and through a game pub. This pub in the middle of nowhere has for the first time been recognised for the work we do on behalf of every gun, every gamekeeper.”
The full list of winners can now be revealed as:
Best Game Restaurant or Pub – The Caddy Mann, Scottish Borders
Best Game Cook/Chef – Marc Humm, sous chef at Restaurant 43, Colchester
Best Small Retailer – Deer Box, Wiltshire
Best Multiple Retailer – Aldi
Best Game Butcher – Hanks’ Meat and Game, Ross-on-Wye
Best Game Added Value Product – Castle Game, Scotland
Best Influencer – Anna Rogers, Very Good Venison
Best Educator – Scott Rea, Worcester
Champion of Champions – Clarendon Inn, Hebden, North Yorkshire
For more information on the winners, those shortlisted, and the awards please visit the Eat Game Awards website.
Spring has arrived!
The range reopens on Sunday 16 April 2023, by appointment only, bookable online at
https://www.rapidairguntraining.net/book-shooting-online
NB: Please book at least three days before your preferred shoot date.
Spring has arrived!
The range reopens on Sunday 16 April 2023, by appointment only, bookable online at
https://www.rapidairguntraining.net/book-shooting-online
NB: Please book at least three days before your preferred shoot date.
BASC Press Release 15 March 2023
BASC gives evidence to government committee
BASC has given evidence on behalf of shooting and conservation to a government committee on post-Brexit environmental laws.
Dr Marnie Lovejoy, BASC’s head of evidence and environmental law, addressed the House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee following the submission of reports to government on how environmental law reform can promote shooting’s positive impact on nature and people.
Dr Lovejoy appeared as part of an expert panel alongside the National Farmers’ Union and Sustain.
“We are fighting for a level playing field for shooting post-Brexit and I was grateful for the opportunity to put our points across at such a high level,” Dr Lovejoy said.
“The questions focused heavily on the agriculture sector and also habitat protection and regulations post-Brexit.
“This was an excellent chance to advocate for the proposals and requests we made previously, which include a call for an end to the overly-cautious approach to Habitat Regulations Assessments when it comes to shooting activities.”
To watch the evidence session, click here.
To read a blog by Dr Lovejoy entitled ‘Shooting for a level playing field’ click here
BASC Press Release 10 March 2023
Peri and River sail to success at Crufts 2023
A Welsh springer spaniel has been crowned overall winner of the BASC Gamekeepers’ classes at Crufts 2023.
River, or Bowdonia Moon River JW to give her her full name, is owned by underkeeper Peri Burchmore from Peterborough in Cambridgeshire.
With entries to the BASC gamekeeper and other gundog handler classes up by almost 20 per cent this year, the event was hotly contested.
The top individual dogs owned by gamekeepers went head to head in a final show in the main arena, with Peri and River beating off competition from five other finalists to take the title of Best in Gamekeeping Class and the coveted Northesk Memorial Trophy.
Five-year-old River has reached the final for the past four years, finally taking the top spot yesterday.
Peri, who has recently taken over as working secretary of the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club, said it was “a dream” to have won with her “once in a lifetime” dog.
She said: “Winning the gamekeepers’ classes is something I’ve always dreamed of. River is an incredible dog. She goes beating and picking-up, she’s got a real can-do attitude.”
The gamekeepers’ classes are deeply rooted in the history of Crufts and BASC is proud to continue this strong tradition. BASC’s classes are unique to Crufts because they give handlers the opportunity to show working gundogs in their prime.
Peri and River, of Lenamore Gundogs, were presented with their trophy by BASC Council member Ian Grindy.
Mr Grindy said: “Well done to all of the winners of BASC’s gamekeeper and working gundog classes and thank you to everyone who took part. The day was hugely enjoyable and gave us a chance to show working gundogs to a huge number of people from all over the world.”
BASC’s head of game and wildlife management Glynn Evans said: “Congratulations to everyone who took part in this year’s event. It was great to see so many people taking part in our classes this year and we were delighted to have seen such an increase in the number of entrants.
“We are grateful to have once again had the chance to showcase how special working dogs are to tens of thousands of visitors and to have been given a platform by Crufts to show them on a global stage.
“Congratulations to all the winners of the Gamekeeper and Working Gundog classes and well done to everyone who took part.”
BASC’s three rings at Crufts were sponsored by Skinner’s, who also sponsor the BASC gundog program.
Find out more about BASC at Crufts here: https://basc.org.uk/gundogs/basc-at-crufts/
'Shop' restocked for the season. Buy online and collect from the range.
Only six weeks until the range reopens, book online early to avoid disappointment!
BASC Press Release 20 February 2023
“Ideal time” to install duck nest tubes, says BASC
BASC is calling on the shooting and conservation community to help with its duck monitoring project by building and installing nest tubes.
Duck nest tubes offer security and protection for breeding ducks, such as mallard, and have been proven to increase hatching success rates. Through the monitoring project, BASC aims to learn more about nesting successes and aid the conservation of the species.
Sophie Stafford, BASC’s science advisor, said: “Mallard nests are often destroyed before the eggs have a chance to hatch through predation, trampling from livestock or disturbance from dog walkers.
“Elevated off the ground and over water, nest tubes offer security from the elements and protection from predators and disturbance. These tubes have been shown in other countries to boost hatching success.
“With ducks soon to begin pairing up, now is the ideal time to build and install duck nest tubes.”
The project statistics from 2022 showed a 48 per cent occupancy rate from 225 nests, of which 98 per cent had signs of successful hatching.
Sophie said: “The significant hatching success highlights the role duck nest tubes can play in conserving mallard and other breeding ducks. Our priority now is to keep growing the occupancy rate through learning more about why tubes are taken up and increasing the number constructed.”
In the last year, BASC’s regional staff have hosted duck nest tube workshops for larger projects with wildfowling clubs, local groups and colleges.
Sophie continued: “Clubs, organisations and syndicates should contact their BASC regional office to enquire about workshop availability to help increase the number of nest tubes installed.”
Eight weeks to go until our first practice shoot of 2023!
A couple of hours of recovering targets today and tidy-up tomorrow, weather permitting.
Work has commenced on the range, only nine weeks until we reopen! Already over half the lanes are booked.
CPSA or CTSA?
The Clay Pigeon Shooting Association is asking for members' opinions on whether they would vote to change the association's name to The Clay Target Shooting Association. I have my opinion but not being a member I would not be eligible to vote. I wonder how many members will vote to change the name, hopefully not too many!
While the name change is considered, it gives The CPSA time to rename the various types of clay targets like springing teal, driven pheasant, bolting rabbit, crossing pigeon, dropping duck, etc. That will be interesting! LOL!
BASC Press Release 12 January 2023
Firearms licensing is in crisis, BASC tells Parliamentary Committee inquiry
A “largely unprofessional, overburdened and poorly resourced police licensing service puts public safety at risk”, BASC has told a Home Affairs Committee inquiry into policing priorities.
BASC’s written submission to the inquiry is a broad sweeping critique of the current situation across the 43 firearms licensing departments in England and Wales.
The inquiry is focusing on the state of policing in England and Wales, highlighting low public confidence and damaging high-profile cases. It will examine what a modern police service should look like and how to ensure the highest standards amongst police officers.
BASC’s submission, which has now been published, concludes:
“Firearms licensing is in crisis. The 43 licensing authorities in England and Wales are unable to manage their workload, with some refusing to process grants and many taking more than a year to process renewals. A largely unprofessional, overburdened and poorly resourced police licensing service puts public safety at risk.”
Bill Harriman, BASC’s director of firearms, said: “Although firearms licensing is only a microcosm of the total policing output, the issues raised by the Home Affairs Committee are reflective of the current licensing system we are witnessing.
“While the committee will most likely stick to producing higher level recommendations, BASC felt it necessary to feed its view of the current state of firearms licensing into the process.
“BASC’s written submission will make tough reading for many chief constables and firearms licensing managers. It highlights the current delays and significant inconsistencies across the 43 firearms licensing departments.
“BASC proposes the establishment of an independent regulatory body to oversee licensing departments. This will help begin to rebuild trust with the shooting community and boost performance and standards - key aims of the Home Affairs Committee’s inquiry.”
BASC Press Release 12 January 2023
BASC’s scholarship programme open for 2023 applications
Applications are now open for this year’s BASC Legacy Funded Scholarship Programme.
Now in its fifth year, the scholarship programme is one part of the BASC legacy package that helps support people who want to develop their knowledge of conservation, land management or gamekeeping.
The scheme is open to any college or university student studying, or wishing to study, conservation, land management or gamekeeping within the UK and the Isle of Man.
Each applicant can apply for a grant of a maximum of £4,500 a year for the length of the qualification or three years, whichever is longest, to help them continue their education.
Curtis Mossop, BASC’s head of education and outreach, said: “BASC continues to provide support by removing financial barriers which could otherwise halt a young person’s educational journey to their dream career. Given the current financial climate, the potential lifeline which the scholarship may provide is immeasurable. Since the programme’s launch in 2019, we have awarded close to £50,000 in scholarships to students across the country studying a range of courses from diploma level through to Master’s Degree.
“To date, the scholarship has supported study specialisms such as gamekeeping, conservation, ecology and fisheries management but we welcome applications from all land management courses.”
For more information on the scheme and to apply, visit https://basc.org.uk/training-and-education/basc-legacy-funded-scholarship-programme/
The closing date for applications is 2 August 2023.
Five Basic Airgun Safety Rules
Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
Always point your gun in a safe direction.
Never point your gun at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot.
Be sure of your target and what’s beyond.
The Range Reopens Sunday 16 April 2023
Practice from Sunday 16 April 2023.
Experiences & lessons from Saturday 22 April 2023.
The RAT Google Group
Join for free!
GunBuck Is Here!
GunBuck News Network Feed is now up and running on the new website and the domain has been redirected.
Range Preparations
I'm just about to start getting things ready for the range's reopening in April.
The first job is the repair the moveable targets, they got a little shot up in the bull's eye area.
Won't look as good as when they were new but hopefully look a lot better than they do now.
Can't believe it was 2 years ago when my daughter helped me make them!
BASC Press Release 3 January 2023
Young gundog handlers urged to enter Crufts 2023
Young gundog handlers are being urged to enter this year’s Crufts competition, with the event being described as ‘unforgettable’.
Thirteen-year-old Tallulah Dyson, who has successfully competed on multiple occasions, said she could not recommend Crufts more and was keen to urge other young gundog enthusiasts to enter.
Crufts 2023 will take place at the NEC in Birmingham from 9-12 March. The BASC classes will take place on Gundog Day, Thursday 9 March. There are two young handlers’ classes - under-14s and 14-18-year-olds - and entries are open until 23 January.
Glynn Evans, BASC’s head of game and wildlife management, said: “Crufts provides a window through which the wider world can see working dogs on a global stage. It gives the participants of the young handlers’ classes in particular an unforgettable experience and a great family day out. Enter this year’s Crufts and you will not be disappointed.”
Tallulah Dyson said: “I really enjoy picking up with our labradors and it is always exciting to have an opportunity to show them off at Crufts. I could not recommend the event more as it is such a fun day out for everyone. I really enjoyed seeing all the different dog breeds and it is nice to bump into other gundog enthusiasts outside of the shooting season. The dogs have a lovely day out socialising and eating lots of treats!”
Photograph: Tallulah Dyson, 13, & Fern at Cruffs in 2020
New Years Day 2023
Just called in at the range, took a quick photograph, weathering well!
Happy New Year!
Shoot safe, stay safe.
