'Have I remembered everything?'
'What shall I wear?'
'Who am I likely to be shooting alongside?'
'Will the dog behave?'
'Will the birds be there?'
These are all questions that might keep the Gun, the picker-up, the
keeper and anyone else connected with a day's game shooting awake the
night before a much anticipated day.
'Why did I say that?'
'Why did I do that?'
'Why did my dog do that?'
'Why did I think about the weather?'
'What was I thinking?'
These are all questions one might ask oneself the evening after!
Fortunately, you are not alone in your nightmares! If you've ever
encountered a particular incident or experience on the shooting field,
whether it be a formal day, or as a rough shoot with a couple of
friends, it's a fairly safe bet that others will have it too.
The Imperfect Shot illustrates in words and cartoons, light-hearted
errors and ill-judgment of those who have experienced minor faux pas
and misdemeanours on the shooting field -- and also glorifies those who
have got the better of a particular situation!
There are, among its pages, real pearls of wisdom; there is, though,
much advice written somewhat 'tongue-in-cheek'. All immediately bring a
mental picture to mind.
A mental picture is not, however, required. The illustrations, brought
to life by renowned country and field sports artist, Oliver Preston --
himself a shooting man of no ill-repute -- has negated the need for the
cry which otherwise might go out: 'Oh, if only I had a camera!' As if
the situation was not clear enough, Oliver adds more.
Some tales might, of course be apocryphal -- and I'll leave it for the
reader to decide which they might be!
