Think Like a Pheasant
Brian Mitchell and the Rise of the Exmoor High Bird
£25.00
IN STOCKA fascinating and comprehensive autobiography on Brian Mitchell and his philosophies towards gamekeeping and countryside management — his once controversial views on pheasant rearing and cover crops are now accepted worldwide.
Think like a Pheasant covers his early working life from under keeper on the Sherborne Estate through to the great Exmoor shoot of Miltons where Brian saw the potential of the shoot to produce the now renowned Exmoor High Bird. It discusses his move to Castle Hill, the many challenges he has faced there and the development of the shoot over 25 years.
Meet the author Brian Mitchell
Brian Mitchell is a founding member of the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation and internationally renowned Head Keeper at the Castle Hill Estate in Devon. He built the Estate’s reputation as one of the most respected shoots in the world. He has been a gamekeeper all his working life and introduced the concept of the Exmoor High Bird, first at Miltons, then at Chargot, Challacombe and Bulland, which transformed shooting on Exmoor and across the country.
Reviews for Think Like a Pheasant
Required reading for all those Guns who have attempted and enjoyed the Castle Hill experience, and particularly for those hesitant souls who have been deterred by the legend of the West Country high-bird shoot… A truly inspirational book which will, I have little doubt, become a classic in its own right.
Shooting Times
Above all, this excellent book demonstrates that Brian is a countryman from the top of his cap to the soles of his boots; understanding of farming – so long as it does not disrupt the shooting too much – and in tune with nature… This is a fascinating and readable book, written with the help of historian Stephen Manning, that deals honestly and often humorously… Shooters and non-shooter alike will learn a lot from its pages.
Western Morning News
Packed with practical advice and amusing anecdotes, and is a must for anyone helping run a shoot, or who is passionate about rural affairs, gamekeeping or countryside management.
Sporting Gun
