13.10.2025
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Hunt & Hunter
Champion and Gentleman
For decades the British shooter John Bidwell has been one of the most successful shotgun shooters in the international sporting scene. As a world-renowned master of his trade, he has been involved in the development of the Blaser F3 over-and-under shotgun from the very beginning. Since its market launch, John Bidwell has won a total of six world championship titles with the F3 in addition to a whole series of podium places, most recently in Malaga, Spain, in 2024.
Today, John Bidwell’s second passion is to shoot alongside talented individuals that he supports with advice as they take part in majors.
“To be on the winners' podium, you have to compete with the intention of winning. Of course, this doesn't always work, but self-confidence and the determination to win are just as important as a first-class shotgun.”
The High Lodge shotgun course is approximately two hundred kilometers north-east of London, not far from England's east coast. John Bidwell can be found there almost every day. He built this course on his own initiative and has constantly expanded it with great attention to detail. High Lodge is his life's work, which is now known far beyond England and is one of the most beautiful and challenging courses of its kind.
At the age of seventy-six, John still takes part in majors, but it has become his second passion to support the younger shooters in particular Georgia Moule whom he has coached at High Lodge previously. The F3 shooter has already taken first place five times at the Ladies British Open thanks to John's expert support and has even won gold,
silver and bronze medals at world championships, among many other successes. And F3 shooter Will Page, who is only seventeen and at the beginning of his shotgun career, is already showing so much talent that John predicts an equally successful future for him.
silver and bronze medals at world championships, among many other successes. And F3 shooter Will Page, who is only seventeen and at the beginning of his shotgun career, is already showing so much talent that John predicts an equally successful future for him.
However, it is a particular pleasure and satisfaction for John Bidwell that his fourteen-year-old grandson seems to have inherited his passion for shotgun shooting and is now shooting his original F3. John looks forward to seeing his name continue to appear on the winners list in the future.
“I took part in countless competitions with my first F3 and won several world championship titles. After a few 100,000 shots, I left it to my grandson, who is sure to enjoy it for a long time to come”
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