The GunsOnPegs Podcast

The Grouse Whisperer Episode

Steve Colmer was a grouse moor headkeeper for twenty years before retiring from full time keeping in 2020. He is widely regarded as one of the best grouse keepers of his generation.In this fascinating, touching, inspiring episode he joins Chris and George to share his passion for moorland management, some tales from his time on the moors, and his desire to share the wealth of knowledge that he amassed over two decades. If the tale of A1 Jockey doesn't make you laugh and cry, you're probably dead inside.(oh, and there's some of the usual silliness too).

The Land Agent Episode

For this episode Chris and George are joined by a titan of the shooting community, Mark Osborne of William Powell, William Powell Sporting and JM Osborne Rural and Sporting. Over a long career in shooting Mark has been involved in everything from setting up and running shooting grounds, gunmaking, grouse moor management and more besides.In a wide ranging discussion Mark helps to solve a listener's urgent query, shares his take on what is needed to run a successful grouse moor, discusses the future of lowland shooting and much more.

The Game Changer Episode

Louisa Clutterbuck is our special guest for this episode. She helps us to tackle an email from a listener who disagrees with some of the discourse of the last few episodes on the topic of the sustainability of shooting, and another on the rights and wrongs of double gunning.We also discuss Louisa's hard work with British Game Assurance and Eat Wild. We debate how to get more game onto restaurant menus and supermarket shelves, as well as the challenges, threats and opportunities that face the game meat market in the UK. We also look to the future and how a change in approach might help to make game more of an everyday option for UK consumers.

The Postbag Episode

In this episode we delve in the GunsOnPegs Podcast Postbag to answer some listener queries that don't quite fit into the regular segments, with a bit of a focus on making your first steps into the game shooting world.
 
Matt Kidd, fieldsports photographer and writer, former International Fly Fisherman and one-time First Class Cricketer joins us to share his wisdom and offer sensible(?) advice on those topics, plus tackle an HR question in Whose Bird is it Anyway and share his views on an Unpopular Opinion that puts Chris and George's choice of words under the spotlight. 

The Vintage Guns Episode

Vintage gun enthusiast and side-by-side clay shot extraordinaire Simon Reinhold joins the podcast to share his fondness for old guns, sticky drinks and why he thinks competition clay shooting is ripe for a shakeup.
 
Simon is one of shooting's deep thinkers, and we explore how the worlds of mathematics, psychology and even Oriental philosophies can act as a lens through which to look at game shooting, as well as helping listeners with the challenges of having tough conversations with syndicate members and how to resolve a family feud. PLUS is it possible (or even desirable) to complete a Macnab on one's wedding day?

The Chaotic Episode

What's the right thing to wear for hot September partridge days? What would you do if your partner was sneaking off to shoot without you? Is shooting overpriced? Do shoots make money? Is Stella still a good beer? Why are there so many craft beers? How can we redefine what a great shoot looks like? Discover the answer to some of these questions in this rambling and chaotic episode of The GunsOnPegs Podcast, with special guest Jonny Carter of TGS Outdoors.

The Woodcock and Watercolours Episode

Renowned wildlife artist and woodcock aficionado Owen Williams joins us for a blather over a glass or two. He shares his theories on the link between the pre-historic people who painted animal figures and hunting scenes on cave walls and contemporary sporting artists, holds forth on the topic of his beloved woodcock.
He also helps to offer some advice to a listener in need of a way to spice up a shoot day, and opines on the merits of pre- or post-shoot day dinners.PLUS, there's big news about the season ahead and a wonderful opportunity for members of the Most Noble Order of the Garters.

The Purdey Episode

Chris and George venture into the Big Smoke to visit the hallowed and historic Long Room at James Purdey & Sons' Mayfair HQ, Audley House. 
Dan Jago, Purdey's Chairman, lets them fiddle with perhaps the most priceless gun in the entire Purdey collection, and explains why it is that so many people the world over desire a gun made in the company's London factory more than any other, and why so many dogs are named Purdey.
Dan also sets a new bar for What's That You're Drinking, and helps the boys to debate the tricky topic of over-eager pickers-up, how to avoid being a 'greedy gun' and reminisces about a forgotten drive.

The Obscure Fieldsports Episode (Live from the Game Fair Theatre)

Chris and George take over the stage at the Carter Jonas Theatre at the Game Fair and welcome Charlie Jacoby back to the podcast. Showing the effects of being on stage for two days straight, Fieldsports Channel's Charlie Jacoby tells us about fishing the alphabet, shooting Cabbage White butterflies with dustshot, and ferreting mice with bumblebees(?!?). We also discuss the Unpopular Opinions of a harrumphing Colonel, how to paint a more positive picture of shooting in the fieldsports press and media, as well as  offering a listener advice on how to get their friends psyched for their annual shooting trip by trying something different.

The Episode of Smoke and Fire

Once again, George hits the road to go on an adventure. This time he travels along the south coast to meet Nick Weston, better known as Hunter:Gather:Cook, at his HQ in a stunning 200 year old barn deep in the Sussex countryside.
Nick's journey from archaeology student to wild food and fire cooking champion is a fascinating one, and he shares his passion for wild food, whether that be furred, feathered, finned or fungoid. Today he hosts corporate groups, families and other parties for wild food workshops in Sussex, as well as taking his skills on the road to festivals around the UK.
Along with Weber's Head Grillmaster, Dan Cooper, Nick cooks up a feast over hot coals, and the pair share top tips for cooking game over flame.Follow Nick here