I am wondering what is the best way to feed as last year me and the keeped had quite a bad year as we only had about 45% return and usually in previous years we have had 75% return. I (the under keeper) have been catching alot of stoats and squirles in my traps I even caught a mink and the last time I caught a mink was about 4 years ago. any answers to my question ?

Do you or did you have a big shoot next to you that has recently closed. I ask this because 75% is a very high return so you must have a shoot on an island or are surrounded by other shoots.

Although I have no hunting background I do have an interest, an interest that has caused me to delve deeper and make some research into the matter. From my research a return of 35% - 50% is the norm on most pheasant shoots (these figures were obtained from one of your own shooting organisations namely B.A.S.C.).
Amatex’ reply also suggests that you have done extremely well in past seasons, I am interested to learn whether this is down to good avian husbandry or as amatex suggests due to other outside influences.

I personally use pellets doused in Aniseed supplied from www.dbaitz.co.uk. I find that the birds love this smell. I've tried other well known products available on the market but nothing competes with this guys aniseed. I have tried the powder he sells which is easy to apply, but I'm a firm favourite of Aniseed Oil. Although its a little harder to mix in, it in my opinion is slighty more potent. Don't get me wrong thou, both products do the job.