The Imperfect Shot: Shooting Excuses, Gaffes and Blunders

''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!