I'm game for more game

SIR – I was absolutely astounded by the letter Wasteful slaughter . After reading it I thought what a load of rubbish and thought I d look into the facts myself. I am a mother of four and have never been on a shoot in my life. I drive round the country

SIR - I was absolutely astounded by the letter 'Wasteful slaughter'.

After reading it I thought what a load of rubbish and thought I'd look into the facts myself.

I am a mother of four and have never been on a shoot in my life.

I drive round the countryside a lot and have never been caught behind a line of Range Rovers full of well dressed men (mores the pity!). I'm sure I see more Range Rovers on the way to school!

All the money they spend goes back into the countryside (just watch Alan Titchmarsh on British Isles Natural History).

Also, only 37 per cent of birds get shot - and that's on a good year - the rest are free to roam the countryside.

It is totally illegal to dump any birds after a shoot. They are taken back to a sterilised refrigeration unit and immediately chilled down (not frozen) and packed by a registered dealer who takes them away and prepares them for supermarkets, markets etc.

Only birds that have been badly damaged or are unwell get thrown away (or go to make pet food) which is about 20 per year.

I suggest Mary looks a little more into her facts and not just on websites such as the League Against Cruel Sports (they may be a little bias!)

Maybe she should speak to the local gamekeeper who also lives in Ayot St. Peter, as he is quite approachable. I am sure he will answer any questions.

A game dealer would also be happy to help.

I will certainly be eating more game and encourage others to do the same.

Name and address supplied.

PS Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I now know pheasant tastes wonderful and intend to eat lots more in the future!