Sporting Gun Magazine

Guest edited by Olympic gold medallist Nathan Hales, the May issue
of Sporting Gun reflects a modern shooting career shaped by
competition, dedication and a lifelong connection to the sport.
Bringing together experience from game shooting, pest control and
elite clay shooting, Nathan offers a perspective that balances high
performance with a genuine appreciation for time spent in the field.
In his guest editor’s foreword, Nathan reflects on how shooting
has given him direction and purpose from a young age, writing, “It
gave me purpose, something to focus on and something to work
towards.” He also acknowledges how the sport evolves as it becomes
a profession, noting, “You still love it, but the pressure is
real.” Looking to the future, he highlights the need for shooting
to adapt and promote its strengths, adding that “shooting
contributes a huge amount to conservation, to rural communities, to
the economy… these are the stories we should be telling more
often.” His words set the tone for an issue focused on progress,
responsibility and encouraging new people into the sport.
Inside this issue, readers will find a varied mix of competition
insight, field sports and practical advice. From Olympic Trap
technique and high-bird shooting to roosting, habitat management and
equipment reviews, the edition reflects both elite-level performance
and everyday shooting, showcasing the breadth of the sport and the
people who shape it.
Also in this issue
A first clay shooting lesson with Phil Gray

A look inside Nathan Hales’ gun cabinet

Geoff Garrod enjoys an evening flight in his favourite wood

Old Long Mountain: A renowned high-bird shoot in mid-Wales

BASC: Conor O’Gorman on the latest policy developments

Managing habitat and corvid pressure on a hill farm

Jasper Fellows shoots at Lady’s Wood Shooting School

Olympic Trap Masterclass: Nathan Hales shares technique and mindset