Advice from a Gamekeeper

John Cowan is headkeeper on a large Scottish estate, and has worked as a gamekeeper all his life. In this new book, he passes on everything he knows about the profession he loves.

The book is crammed with fascinating practical advice – but it is also a very entertaining read for anyone interested in the day-to-day challenges and joys of running a busy sporting estate.

It can be read for its countless tips and gamekeeping wisdom, or simply for pleasure, for the unique insight into the hard-working but rewarding life of the modern gamekeeper.

With informative drawings of traps and snares by Roger Penwill and classic wildlife illustrations from C.F. Tunnicliffe.

Author: John Cowan
Illustrator: CF Tunnicliffe and Roger Penwi
ISBN: 978 1 906122 119
Published: September 2009
Format: 234 x 156 mm
Binding: Hardback
No. of pages: 288
29 black & white illustrations
Price: £20.00

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Press reviews

Reviewed by Alastair Balmain of Shooting Times in September 2009

'John Cowan’s advice is aimed at the casual as well as the aspiring guardian of the countryside. This is a no-holds-barred account of life as a modern keeper.'

Reviewed in Sporting Shooter in September 2009

'John Cowan, headkeeper on a large Scottish estate, passes on all he knows about the profession he loves – from pest control to coping with poachers. A vivid insight into the life of a modern gamekeeper.'

Reviewed in Highland News in October 2009

'If you are interested in the countryside, then this book will be an eye-opener and will make you understand it better.'

Reviewed in The Countryman's Weekly in November 2009

'This book is crammed with fascinating advice but it is also a very entertaining read for anyone interested in the day-to-day challenges and joys of working on a busy sporting estate. [John Cowan] remains as enthusiastic as ever about his keepering, as is evident in this book.'

Reviewed in Shooting Gazette in November 2009

'A fantastic account of life behind the scenes of a shoot. Though packed full of expert advice, this is an accessible tome providing a beautifully written and very personal account of life as a gamekeeper.'

Reviewed in CLA magazine in November 2009

'A unique first-hand insight into the hardworking but rewarding life of a modern keeper, offers fasinating advice and a very entertaining read.'

Reviewed in Sporting Shooter in January 2010

'A vivid insight into the life of a modern gamekeeper.'

Reviewed in Gunmart in January 2010

'The author writes in a clear, entertaining and informative manner, and the text is illustrated by black and white line drawings and diagrams by Roger Penwell, along with classic wildlife illustrations from CF Tunnicliffe. A must-have book.'

Reviewed in Dumfries and Galloway Life in August 2010

'John’s passion for the countryside, wildlife and his work shines through very page and the book is packed wih practical advice. Crammed with fascinating facts and anecdotes, Advice from a Gamekeeper is not only for gamekeepers but is an entertaining read for anyone interested in country life and countryside pursuits.'

Reviewed in Scottish Gamekeeper in December 2010

'Very useful. The most comprehensive and probably the best book written by a gamekeeper I have had the pleasure in reading and would fully recommend it.'