Copters are just the job for local employment

paintwork with all that high-velocity lead flying about.

One thing about this aerial autumnal rush-hour is that these big whirlybirds are noisy. Many have twin engines and can carry as many as 16 people – although I do not know if this means 16 people with their pheasant shooting weaponry.

What I do know is that a typical modern mid-range chopper will be able to fly for 2.5 hours at 135 knots, for 300 to 350 miles without refuelling. That speed and fuel efficiency will get you from the Brendons to central London in 60 minutes.

So, do I mind the peace and quiet of my native hills being disturbed by millionaires in their big flying machines? Not really. I’m no fan of big commercial shoots, but I recognise the importance of the employment they provide.

There are all too many closed pubs and shops in country villages – indeed, I’ve heard rumours of a very well known Exmoor inn having shut down within the last couple of weeks.

Contrary to that, I know one public house located near a big shoot not far from my home, which thrives on the winter custom it receives from beaters and other part-time seasonal shoot staff. For every Sikor- sky S-92 I see coming to land on some local field, I think of a couple of jobs that have been created either directly or indirectly by the strange connection that sees merchant bankers and international money men (it is almost always men) donning tweeds and designer wellie boots.

Like it or loathe it, their expensive desire to pull a trigger helps this to remain a proper 365-day-a-year community rather than just a place for summer walkers and occasional holidaymakers.