Take a look at the websites for the Deer Commission/Forestry Commission/National Heritage Site/Gamekeepers Association and read about what training and level of expertise that must be attained before you can qualify to shoot large game in the UK. The sites will also give information on the rather stringent rules that must be followed with regard to the carcass of the animal once shot.

So restrictive is shooting in the UK that the species of deer that is represents our largest game animal (Red Deer) is on the verge of being classified as vermin because of the damage it is doing to the countryside - all because populations are running out of control. Two to three mile sections of the main roads in the Highlands and north-east of Scotland have recently been closed off by the Police for short periods to allow marksmen to cull deer close to roads in locations where deer have caused accidents in crossing the roads.

Fishing - only ever fished for Brown Trout, Sea Trout or Salmon - anything caught was eaten. I have never seen the attraction in coarse fishing, sitting by a body of water watching a float, waiting for it to bob up and down, then take the fish, that you can't eat, and put it in a keep-net only to be released at the end of the day.

Shooting - Elg, Deer and Wild Boar - again anything shot is eaten. I do not believe in shooting trophies. The training for this was very comprehensive, where I hunt everybody has to qualify each year before the start of the hunting season. You do not aim at anything unless you are certain of a safe, clear shot (i.e. clear sighting of the animal with a solid back-drop behind it), you do not fire unless you are certain of killing it cleanly. The place we hunt is a wild-life centre, the owner and the locals normally hunt it but allow two "Guest" hunting parties in each season. The landowner cares for the place through-out the year, all food served to the people that visit the centre comes from his land (grown or shot). On arrival the landowner briefs the hunters precisely on what animals they may shoot (Mature Bull/Buck; Juveniles (up to 2 year olds); Cows/Does; Calves) all other animals are left alone. He husbands the land and has detailed knowledge of what is ranging on it, he ensures the survival of the animals in winter by growing forage for them and by putting out salt licks for them in summer, this provides sustainability of his business. Whereas before when he ran his land as a farm it employed him and members of his family, now run as a wild-life centre it employs him, members of his family and about ten other employees. Having seen the place it seems a terrific way to make a living.