Shooting Times & Country

Those last stubbles are worth the trouble

It’s been a bit of a strange harvest really. Last year was similar. Wheat has certainly been the crop of choice, from standing milky corn to old stubbles. My only theory is the timing that keeps them on the crop.

The first rape and barley stubbles didn’t shoot particularly well, not like they have in the past. Having said that, there weren’t a lot of rape stubbles. Peas are taking over as the break crop of choice in many areas.

The only reason I can think of for the early stubbles not being as productive is the early timing of the harvest. The standing wheat was still in the irresistible milky stage of growth, so why would birds leave it to scratch around for seed and grain?

Bag sizes have stayed consistent throughout the harvest, numbering from 75 to the 200s — nothing extreme but good and healthy nonetheless.

“The stubble was now a brown field but there were

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Shooting Times & Country

Shooting Times & Country4 min read
Seekins Precision Havak Pro Hunter 2 in .308 Win £2,770
Edgar Brothers is now the proud importer of the new hunting rifles from Seekins Precision in Idaho, USA — and we have the Havak PH2 on test in .308 Win. These are very striking sporting rifles, primarily due to the spiral-cut fluted barrels, three co
Shooting Times & Country6 min read
A Step Too Far?
I missed my fifth shot in a row. Meg the cocker whined and pulled at her lead. Pigeons were coming from all directions into the line of oaks behind me or straight over the decoys to the front. But could I hit them? Could I heck. The dog tried to jump
Shooting Times & Country5 min read
Two Bucks Before Breakfast
When the alarm went off at 3:30am, it felt as though my head had just hit the pillow. There was rain falling across the window, there was no light in the sky, and in the hall my spaniel pup was beating her tail against the side of her crate. I guess

Related Books & Audiobooks