The West of England Game Fair takes place 18-19 March, from 9am – 5pm both days, at the Bath & West Showground in Somerset. Read on to discover what’s in store for attendees...

The West of England Game Fair takes place 18-19 March, from 9am – 5pm both days, at the Bath & West Showground in Somerset.

This flagship event for the Westcountry creates a platform for countryside traditions and issues to be promoted and supported. Many high profile companies have been confirmed, together with top experts in field sports providing the demonstrations and advice areas. The event is sponsored by BASC, Countryman’s Weekly and Gunstar.

Gundogs

Graham Watkins from Gamegoer Gundog training has a wealth of experience and knowledge with Spaniels, Labradors and HPRs. He will be joined by Dave and Lex Rayner of Woodash Gundogs, based in Weston-super-Mare. Dave is a successful field trialer, having judged the cocker spaniel championships both here and abroad. Their demonstrations will include: Training the rough shooters dog; choosing the right puppy and early training; and hawks, dogs and ferrets in the field.

The British Association for Shooting & Conservation (BASC) will have four gundog scurries, part of the Chudleys Scurry League with prizes supplied by Chudleys. All have slight twists to better simulate shooting scenarios and test dog and handler to the full. Mercury Vets will also be on hand to give advice. M & M Gundogs will have a test for both Spaniels and retrievers on each day. This can be run as part of a competition or a training exercise.

Terriers & Lurchers

Once again the Coursing Crew will be putting on the ever-popular Terrier & Lurcher shows, plus a family dog show (sponsored by Countryman’s Weekly). There will also be Terrier, Lurcher and whippet racing and simulated coursing for Lurchers. Booking in will be available from 9am when the show opens.

Fishing

World and European casting champion Hywel Morgan will impart his passion, enthusiasm and knowledge of fishing and fly casting. The demonstrations will show that fly fishing is for all and is very easy to pick up. Hywel will put you on the fast track of becoming a good angler. He will show you the do’s and don’ts of fly casting and demonstrate some of the common faults.

In the outdoor arena, Hywel will take you on a journey from beginner to advanced casting showing you step by step how to improve your casting and ultimately your fishing. He will demonstrate both single and double handed rods as well as show tricky casts that will enable you to catch those tricky trout.

The fishing area in the Sedgemoor will feature a variety of companies selling fishing flies, rods, clothing and accessories, plus demonstrations and have a go fly tying. You can also have-a-go at fly casting!

Good Shot…

Bristol Clay Shooting will be providing a 50 clay competition shoot on both days with categories for ladies, open and novice. There will also be a have-a-go area.

High quality tuition and advice from BASC is offered on the shot gun coaching line, plus the air rifles.

A selection of guns and associated equipment will be available to purchase at the show. Gun companies include: Entwistle Guns; A1 Decoys; Riflemans Firearms; Valley Clay Shoot and more

Ferrets

Based near Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, Avon Valley Ferrets is a husband and wife team passionately dedicated to the welfare and wellbeing of ferrets and polecats. Their displays at the event are fantastically informative and entertaining. Their main objectives are to educate people and promote all aspects of welfare toward these much maligned and little known about creatures as well as showing the age old traditional method of making and setting nets in regards to rabbit control within the countryside.

In addition they will have a static display area with advice and have-a-go net making and the ferret racing area – come and watch and cheer them on!

Taste of Game Cookery Theatre

Supported by BASC, the Taste of Game Cookery Theatre has a tantalising selection of demonstrations with top chef Richard Hunt showing how easy it is to cook with game and how to prepare the meat. There will also be the opportunity for visitors to have a go!

Something for Everyone

There is some great shopping at this year’s West of England Game Fair - from country homewares to clothing, westcountry food to decoys, gundog equipment, fishing accessories and guns. Over 300 companies will be in attendance, and it is all indoors, meaning the weather can’t put a dampener on your retail therapy.

Have-a-go activities are on offer including archery, air rifles, clay shooting, metal work with a blacksmith, target sports, net making, children’s entertainment and more. Go back in time to see the fabulously restored vintage tractors and engines – a real snapshot of farming history. Visit the Westcountry Smallholders hall – celebrate country living and see the livestock, check out the hand-crafted products and smallholder equipment. There is plenty to see and do for all the family!

To book your tickets in advance and save money visit www.westofenglandgamefair.co.uk or call the ticket office (Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm on 01392 421500)

Visit the Rifle Shooter Facebook page for your chance to WIN a pair of tickets!