I have always lived in Suffolk and therefore have been privileged to have been raised in a
county that has access to some beautiful countryside and outdoor pursuits. From an early
age I was encouraged to enjoy an appreciation both fishing and shooting.

At age of 12 I was equipped by my uncle with my first air rifle and having access to local
farmland and with permission of the owners we were allowed to shoot rabbits and vermin.

I learnt a lot in those early days and the useful hints and tips I picked up are shared below:-

We always went through the same routine and as a result we enjoyed success on every trip.
I would always ensure that my gun was in excellent order and that the rifle and scope were
spot-on for accuracy by having a zeroing session in the garden before we set out.

When approaching our prey, normally rabbits, we would always head into the wind
ensuring that our scent is carried away from the rabbits, in addition being down wind you
will also carry away any small noises that you may make on the approach, you must always
be patient and take things slowly, especially on the final approach. Never attempt to shoot a
rabbit that’s more than 35-40 metres away.

More often than not we would have to approach the rabbit’s favourite grazing area through
a small copse. We always stalked slowly through the undergrowth as it was no good
wandering through the woods as birds would be startled and branches would break, rabbits
have big ears for a reason and will soon take cover if disturbed. We always took every step
as if it was the final one of our approach – silently, slowly and carefully.

As we would get near to the end of a wooded area, I used would use my scope to check
the fields. Once we had spotted the rabbits we would check the wind direction and on
occasions the only solution to approach unseen into the wind, was by working our way
down through the woods and then getting down on all fours. It was always important to
keep a low profile, I had to keep my body below the level of a nearby bank, getting lower as
I moved away from the bank towards the cover of some bushes.

For me this is what stalking is all about, there has been many a time when we have spent
several minutes stalking a rabbit only to missed the shot or find something else has spooked
them. But the excitement of the chase is one that only a few have experienced and why
sport shooting with and airgun is such good fun. There is little to compare with the feeling
you get when you finally arrive some 30 metres from a wild animal.

It was always the promise of delicious rabbit pie that strengthened our resolve. We would
always move as slowly as possible and on occasion we have taken several minutes to cross
just a few metres of ground.

Once covered and within range it was never a done deal, we always raised our rifles slowly,
too fast and you will spook your prey. Once we had spotted a rabbit some 30 metres from

our position; with the rabbit totally unaware, we would align our shot and drop him like a
stone. A successful stalk does not always produce the result – but on many occasions we
enjoyed the fruits of our labour……..a delicious rabbit pie.

I hope this short review of my shooting and stalking experiences will help you appreciate
that I love sport shooting and I am passionate about providing the right advice and support
for all of my customers, whatever their requirements.

Regards

Graham Crown

GC Airguns & Air Rifle Supplies Ltd