Local butchers game for a new experience
Alasdair Mitchell recently wrote something of a call to arms (Sharpshooter, 5 August), in which he challenged readers to consider whether we are “freeloaders in our sport — those who enjoy their shooting but make no contribution to protecting its future”.
His words reminded me of the hunting ban of 2004; how it sought to end a whole way of life and destroy something loved by so many. I remembered the joy of following beagles with my maternal grandfather and of proudly watching my paternal grandfather riding to hounds — activities they adored that were made criminal overnight. Activities that my children will never — barring some miracle — now know.
I was not able to attend the Liberty and Livelihood March of 2002 and I wonder still whether I might have done more. Too late now.
I reflected on the general licence debacle, on the campaign of misinformation pursued by our detractors,
