Intrepid Hunters

Sunday,early morning,was bright, crisp and clear; pretty cold but you can't have everything. The hunt was out in force, as I was walking the dog, rumour has it that it's safest to keep dog on a lead as there's not much game about these days and frustration can set in.

They are on a drive for "big game" which round here would be wild boar or deer. Not the great highland type stags, it's much too wooded round here for their great antlers. The locals call them chevreuils which translates as roe deer but to my, albeit, townie eye, they seem too small even for that and are probably montjacs In any event both species are in very short supply round here and they are only permitted to hunt them once a month in season, and you don't hear many shots when walking.

Despite the lack of prey the intrepid hunters take the hunt very seriously and dress for the occasion, complete head to foot camouflage and combat boots. Unfortuneately over the years the camoflage has proved so effective that they occasionly shoot each so now they have to wear dayglow waistcoats and caps. I think most mammals only see in black and white so no damage, as they probably only see day glow grey!