'Have I remembered everything?'

'What shall I wear?'

'Who am I likely to be shooting alongside?'

'Will the dog behave?'

'Will the birds be there?'


These are all questions that might keep the Gun, the picker-up, the keeper and anyone else connected with a day's game shooting awake the night before a much anticipated day.


'Why did I say that?'

'Why did I do that?'

'Why did my dog do that?'

'Why did I think about the weather?'

'What was I thinking?'


These are all questions one might ask oneself the evening after!


Fortunately, you are not alone in your nightmares! If you've ever encountered a particular incident or experience on the shooting field, whether it be a formal day, or as a rough shoot with a couple of friends, it's a fairly safe bet that others will have it too.


The Imperfect Shot illustrates in words and cartoons, light-hearted errors and ill-judgment of those who have experienced minor faux pas and misdemeanours on the shooting field — and also glorifies those who have got the better of a particular situation!


There are, among its pages, real pearls of wisdom; there is, though, much advice written somewhat 'tongue-in-cheek'. All immediately bring a mental picture to mind.


A mental picture is not, however, required. The illustrations, brought to life by renowned country and field sports artist, Oliver Preston — himself a shooting man of no ill-repute — has negated the need for the cry which otherwise might go out: 'Oh, if only I had a camera!' As if the situation was not clear enough, Oliver adds more.


Some tales might, of course be apocryphal — and I'll leave it for the reader to decide which they might be!

Illustrated by: Oliver Preston