SHOOTING FROM SCRATCH. By Michael Paulet. Illustrations by 'Biffy'.

1987 1st edition. 8vo (140 x 223mm). Pp239. B/w illustrations by "Biffy", bibliography. Blue boards, spine titled in gilt.

"Shooting from Scratch is a highly readable book for everyone who wants to take up shooting with a shotgun, but who doesn't know how to go about it. ...The book covers all forms of the sport, from clay-pigeon shooting, through rough shooting and wildfowling, to what is still regarded as the pinnacle, driven-game shooting. The author describes the shooting scene, the language and, perhaps most daunting of all to the new shooter, the questions of safety, sportsmanship and etiquette. From there the reader is taken naturally through guns, cartridges, kit and what to wear, to the principles of shooting and of how to shoot, the seemingly impossible problem of hitting cleanly a distant, fast-moving target. As well as dealing with the various forms of shooting different species of game and other quarry, the author discusses the cost of shooting and of runnings shoots, the law affecting guns and game, and conservation. There are appendixes on close seasons, legitimate quarry, vermin and pests, and useful addresses. Finally, the book is rounded off with a delightful tailpiece, in which the author shares some of his experiences of a fascinating and highly satisfying sport". Chapters include:- The scene; The language of shooting; Safety, sportsmanship, etiquette; Gun, cartridges and kit; How to shoot; Clay pigeon shooting; Shooting driven game; Rough shooting; A shoot for all reasons, and what it costs; Conflict and conservation; The law.