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'They don’t just want game: the great ones burn. They want it not because of lessons but because it’s who they are. They’re not robots following orders, but arch-predators listening to voices we will never hear. Sometimes that makes them seem arrogant. Watch them when they hit scent and it’s clear that they work in a trance, the instinct of generations unfolding without thought. The truth is, the great ones are difficult and demanding. All we can do is put some structure to it once the genie is … [Read more...] about In the eyes

Shadow on the wall of a very old kraal, Zululand. The settlement was ancient, long abandoned, but you could tell from the trackers that they were impressed - very quiet and respectful of the 'old people' who had once lived there. Zulu, or isiZulu, is a lovely, liquid language to listen to - full of clicks and pops, subtle and expressive. This time the tone was full of respect and awe. Peter P. Ryan www.faraway.co … [Read more...] about Off the wall

Life in the Southern Alps with son James, 10.   'In the distance an avalanche sweeps down one of the high valleys, a gentle cloud billowing upward as the vast rush settles. I'm glad we're not quite that high.    The bulls are feeding into the wind, high on the flank of our mountain. A breeze is blowing down the valley, straight into them, so the only stalk is a long detour to approach from behind. The route is up through a boulder-strewn creek bed, then higher still through … [Read more...] about In the wind

'An hour later the old dog is sleeping nose to tail, content and snoring. His soft ears are full of blackberry rips and here and there a few thorns will need to come out. Not right now though, he’s worn down but warm and wants to sleep. Fair enough. There’s a casserole slowly ticking away on the stove, a bubble or two here and there, shoulder of fallow just right for the long slow treatment. Some Agrias from the garden too, for a creamy garlic mash. Might even melt a little cheese into that. … [Read more...] about At day’s end

'When shall we live, if not today?' As a young man it became clear to me that I could dabble in outdoors subjects in New Zealand and Australia, but to understand the big picture would mean going further afield. It was daunting. These are huge and often sketchy destinations, I was travelling solo and completely uninsurable. But once the first trip was done it was like a drug. I went a little crazy, clocking up nearly a million air miles in the first 15 years. There were good things, some bad … [Read more...] about Starting out

Central Otago, New Zealand A fine combination - the first frosts, a lovely Beretta double and big coveys of California quail. They are hard work and you'll cover ground. 'Ladies and gentlemen I put it to you that field gunning is not a rational sport. If you think it is, try adding up all your spending – guns, ammo, truck, fuel, clothes, gundogs, dog food, vet bills – to get a cost per kilo for game birds on the table. Then destroy all the evidence because that way lies madness. The fact is we … [Read more...] about A fine combination