Overview

Being an effective hunter with a modern precision air rifle requires: (i) being suitably well informed about the intended quarry species, (ii) have a wealth of knoweldge concerning different hunting methods, (iii) a detailed understanding of how their air rifle performs, and know how to maximise its attributes to optimise efficacy in the field, and (iv) a level of proficiency in shooting an air rifle. The Airgunners' Companion: A field guide to hunting with air rifles, provides the reader with the fundamental knowledge necessary to be an effective hunter. With detailed discussion about the different types of airgun and selecting additional shooting equipment (such as telescopic sights, moderators, laser range finders, etc). Chapters include how to use camouflage effectively, manage serious vermin control and conservation projects, stalking, lamping rabbits, how to decoy woodpigeon and corvid species to the ground, hunting around farmyards and woodland and a dedicated section on the effective control of grey squirrels. The book unites the latest developments in airgun technology, tried and tested methods for hunting, and the latest scientific knowledge concerning animal behaviour. AUTHOR: Growing up in the Lake District, JDJ Braithwaite s passion for hunting and conservation began as a small boy watching his father bring home rabbits for the table and the freezer. Thus began a life long journey into hunting humanely with airguns. As a published scientist, the author brings his scientific and analytical approach to hunting with air rifles to help ensure success in the field. A respected countryman, he enjoys the trust and support of many farmers and landowners. With over 35 years experience of hunting with airguns, the author provides an authoritative insight into how to maximise the weapon in the field to help ensure optimal results. colour photographs

Full Product Details

Author:   J D J Braithwaite, PhD, BS(hons)
Publisher:   Quiller Publishing Ltd
Imprint:   Quiller Publishing Ltd
ISBN:  

9781846893018

ISBN 10:   1846893011
Pages:   208
Publication Date:   18 July 2019
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

Introduction My background Airgunning and me 2 Why Choose an Airgun? The ‘good ole days’ of airgunning The philosophy of the airgun hunter Advantages of the airgun The frustration of hunting with airguns Hunting with airguns: It’s not for the faint-hearted Airguns in the 21st century Airguns: Myths and misconceptions 3 Getting Started Know the law: Airguns, vermin, and general licences Associations that support airgunners Learn about wildlife species Spring-powered and Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) airguns Buying an airgun for hunting Which calibre for hunting? Establishing the sweet-spot (PCPs) Custom and tuned air rifles The best pellets for hunting Telescopic sights (scopes) Sound moderators Getting to know your combination Zeroing your rifle for optimal performance My own hunting combinations Point of impact (POI) on live quarry The importance of continued target practice Shooting technique: Some basic tips 4 Hunting: Permissions Gaining permissions Shared permissions Listen to the landowner Doing your research: Assess the challenges posed by the land Develop a strategy Shooting alone or with partners 5 Hunting: Equipment Getting serious Knives and knife-sharpening kits Shooting sticks and bipods Shooting seats Rucksacks and backpacks Laser rangefinders Lamping kits and night vision Thermal spotters Camouflage and hunting apparel Footwear Camo-netting and hides Wildlife, trail and surveillance cameras Decoys (deeks) A big freezer Miscellaneous items 6 Hunting: Fieldcraft The importance of fieldcraft Observation How to use your camouflage and environment effectively Stalking The art of ambushing Hunting in woodlands Shooting around the farmyard Lamping Feeding and baiting An optimised feeder-based approach Decoying Use a broken rhythm Handling culled animals 7 Hunting: Fur Rabbits, grey squirrel, wild mink, rats 8 Hunting: Feather Woodpigeons, collared doves, feral pigeons Corvids: blue-jays, magpies, crows, rooks and jackdaws 9 Hunting: Things to Consider on Every Trip Challenging weather and wind conditions Distance to target Incline and decline Checking the zero 10 Case Studies Some of my own hunting and conservation projects Stately Estate (I): Squirrel project Stately Estate (I): Rabbits Woodland: Grey squirrels, rats Farm (I): Rabbits Farm (II): Rabbits Stately Estate (II): Rabbits and grey squirrels A farewell, thank you and happy hunting Acknowledgements Index

Reviews

Another high-quality how to publication from Quiller Publishing in A4 size with sturdy binding - suitable for being taken out to the field if required. The number of high-quality photos throughout the book add significantly to the descriptive text. Braithwaite writes with an easily read, flowing style - sharing his extensive knowledge of the technical side of air guns and associated accessories as well as his obvious passion for hunting with this type of firearm... I think the summary on the back cover sums up the book very well: The Airgunner's Companion provides you with the fundamental knowledge necessary to be an effective hunter. -- Gary Creighton * British Country Sports *

Author Information

Growing up in the Lake District, J.D.J Braithwaite’s passion for hunting and conservation began as a small boy watching his father bring home rabbits for the table and the freezer. Thus began a life long journey into hunting humanely with airguns. As a published scientist, the author brings his scientific and analytical approach to hunting with air rifles to help ensure success in the field. A respected countryman, he enjoys the trust and support of many farmers and landowners. With over 35 years experience of hunting with airguns, the author provides an authoritative insight into how to maximise the weapon in the field to help ensure optimal results. -- J.D.J Braithwaite

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