The imperfect shot - J. C. Jeremy Hobson

'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!