THE PIGEON SHOOTER: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO MODERN PIGEON SHOOTING. By John Batley.

1996 1st edition. 4to (193 x 252mm). Pp140. B/w photographs, illustrations. Brown boards, spine titled in gilt.

"John Batley is a leading authority on the subject of the woodpigeon and this book explains every aspect of pigeon shooting". . . Chapters include; What; Where; When; How - reconnaissance, hides and hide building, decoys and decoying, shooting, equipment, care and handling of birds; The legal and ethical position. Appendices deal with lead poisoning and pigeon shooters, and guns and shooting, by Chris Cradock*. This copy has an original pencil sketch by Ashley Boon to the title-page, showing three wood pigeon in flight. The half-title verso is inscribed by the author to Phil Pugh, BASC, "To Phil, Your consistant moral and physical support, has been a great source of inspiration to me over the years, many thanks, with best wishes, John. 01/09/96, Chatsworth". The Phil referred to is Phil Pugh BASC, as page 5 states: "Ashley Boon, a young wildlife artist with an enormous future, was introduced to me at Chatsworth Country Fair by Phil Pugh of the BASC, and the moment I saw his work I knew that he was the right man to illustrate the book. Ashley is a hunter, with raptors, the rod and the gun and through his love of hunting he brings this passion for wild quarry to the pages of this book". The letter says "Dear Phil, here is your copy of The Pigeon Shooter signed and scribbled in. May I take this opportunity to thank you properly for your efforts in getting my work involved. ...Best wishes, Ashley and Linda. PTO. The pencil sketch will smudge if you touch it".