Growing up surrounded by gamekeeping, shoot days and the rhythm of rural life, Kaisha’s connection to field sports started long before she ever stood on a peg herself.
From beating at just six years old to trying her hand at loading last season, Kaisha’s journey through the world of game shooting and deer stalking has been built on genuine passion, patience and respect for the countryside. Alongside that, she has also become known for her elegant approach to country style, proving that practicality and polished dressing can absolutely go hand in hand.
In this Q&A, we sit down with Kaisha Bicknell to chat about all things shooting, stalking, women in field sports, safety, countryside community, and how to create effortless country looks without losing your individuality.
Thanks for joining us, Kaisha. We’d like to start with how you got into field sports.
My dad is a gamekeeper, so naturally I grew up surrounded by field sports. Spending time outdoors and being involved in shoot days quickly became a huge part of my life. I started out beating at the age of six, and over the years my passion for game shooting has only continued to grow.
What I love most about field sports is the sense of tradition, teamwork and respect for the countryside that comes with it. It’s not just a hobby for me; it’s a way of life that I’ve always genuinely enjoyed being part of.
Last season, I took the leap and tried loading, which gave me a completely different perspective on the sport and an even greater appreciation for everything that goes into a shoot day. It was something I had wanted to experience for a long time, and I’m so glad I finally did. It’s been such a rewarding experience and something I’m excited to continue being part of this upcoming season.
What an amazing journey. What experience have you had with ladies’ shooting groups, and how have they helped build your network?
I’ve had a very positive experience with ladies’ shooting groups, particularly with The Country Girls UK. I first attended one of their tuition clay days, which was an excellent introduction and a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Following this, I went on to book several more of their events.
What stands out the most is how inclusive, supportive and welcoming the community is. The events cater to women with a wide range of interests in field sports, creating opportunities to learn new skills and build confidence in a friendly environment.
Through these events, I’ve met many wonderful women, several of whom I’ve remained in contact with. It’s a fantastic community for like-minded women who share similar interests and passions.
After being a member for two years, I was fortunate enough to host one of their events myself, which was an incredibly rewarding and memorable experience. I would highly recommend getting involved and joining a group. It’s such an easy way to meet supportive, like-minded women, gain confidence and enjoy new experiences within the field sports community.
Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking about getting into shooting?
Just go for it! Don’t hesitate, because once you’ve experienced it for yourself, you’ll quickly understand why so many people are passionate about it.
I would highly recommend visiting a rearing field to see the early stages behind game shooting, as, in my opinion, that’s where it all begins. I feel this is where you can really gain a better understanding of the process and the level of care, preparation and teamwork involved.
If you can, I would also recommend getting yourself onto a shoot day and trying out the different roles, such as being a beater for the day or accompanying a picker-up. From my own experience, I can honestly say this allows you to see the shoot from a completely different perspective.
There is so much more to game shooting than simply standing on a peg. It’s a tradition built on teamwork, community and shared experiences, with every role contributing to the success of the day.
For anyone who is unsure, I would encourage you to get out there and become involved in whatever way you can. The shooting community is incredibly welcoming and supportive, and it’s a community you won’t regret being part of.
Great advice, Kaisha. Have you ever been given a piece of advice that has stuck with you?
One piece of advice that has always stayed with me is: “Walk a little, look a lot.” A good friend of mine, Steph, said this to me during our first few deer stalks, and it has remained with me ever since.
It’s a reminder of the importance of patience, observation and awareness when out stalking. You don’t necessarily need to cover miles of ground to be successful; often, it’s about taking your time, remaining alert and carefully observing your surroundings.
Those few simple words have become something I always keep in mind when stalking, and time and time again they continue to prove true.
What’s your non-negotiable when participating in field sports?
My absolute non-negotiable when participating in field sports is safety. Safe gun handling and awareness were instilled in me from a young age through being around firearms, and it’s something I take extremely seriously.
When out in the field, safety must always remain the top priority, as situations can change very quickly if proper procedures are not followed. I’ve always been taught never to take a shot if I’m unsure, and to ensure there is clear sky around the bird before taking the shot.
Equally important is feeling calm, confident and fully in control when handling a gun. Over time, I’ve continued to build both my confidence and experience, particularly through working as a loader and completing the Lantra Loaders Course. These experiences have further reinforced the importance of safety, awareness and responsibility within game shooting.
For me, safety is, and always will be, the most important factor that everyone participating in field sports must adhere to. It’s by far the non-negotiable.
You have such an effortless eye for styling outfits. What are your top styling tips?
Whenever I put an outfit together, I always begin by considering the weather and the setting. Thinking about whether it will be warm, windy or raining helps guide the foundation of the outfit, whether that’s jeans, tailored trousers or a dress.
This is something I always take into consideration when dressing for a game day, shoot dinner or any field sports event I may be attending.
One of the most valuable things I’ve learned over the years is the importance of creating a capsule wardrobe. Having staple pieces that can be worn repeatedly in different ways makes styling far easier and more effortless.
I often rely on classic wardrobe essentials and then use accessories to completely transform the overall look. Personally, I believe accessories are what truly bring an outfit together.
I also like to choose a particular colour as the focus and build the outfit around it. This winter, for example, my signature colour was orange — something slightly different and unexpected, but a colour I absolutely loved wearing.
My biggest piece of advice would be not to be afraid of experimenting with colour, thinking outside the box and, most importantly, simply being yourself and not worrying about what others may think. More often than not, the most elegant and effortless looks come from adding your own individuality and confidence to an outfit.
What stands out most when speaking to Kaisha is the authenticity behind everything she does. Whether she’s out stalking at first light, loading on a shoot day, or putting together a beautifully understated country outfit, there’s a real sense of confidence in staying true to herself.
As more women continue finding their place within shooting and countryside pursuits, conversations like this are so important. They remind us that field sports are about far more than simply standing on a peg. They’re built around community, teamwork, respect for the countryside, and creating experiences that stay with you for life.
Perhaps most importantly, Kaisha’s story is proof that there’s no single way to belong in this world. Whether you’re completely new to shooting, interested in stalking, passionate about country fashion, or simply looking to meet like-minded people, there’s space for everyone within the field sports community.
