Anyway, back to the show.
I was there both days and had an excellent time.
Day 1 was mostly spent looking around and shopping. The result was a roeing knife, a carton of primers, box of bullets, and a set of 4x4 tyres.
I did bring cash, and saved a little money that way, but it was more about making things easier for sellers. This wasn't just altruism: I figure that the better the show goes for them, the more likely it is they'll be there next year.
I also got involved in UKHSA's tick diseases research (turns out there's a lot I'll do for a cuppa and a biscuit!), in the course of which I ended up having a fascinating conversation with a brilliant entomologist chap who'd spent five years in the Amazon jungle studying mosquito-borne diseases... and couldn't wait to go back!
Day 2 was mostly spent widening/confirming such knowledge as I have watching/listening to presentations (and often wanting to be in two places at the same time).
That said, I did ultimately succumb to the temptation of a set of Hill's quad sticks (on sale at £349). They struck me as far and away the best design I've seen. The inventor/manufacturer was demonstrating them on the Bestdeercall stand, and they really do what they claim as regards steady tracking and adaptability to all kinds of terrain and shooting positions.
Phone/internet aside - and I have no idea of the technical challenges there - I think it's
fantastic that we have this show
for us grumpy, semi-socialised (at best), middle-aged (at best) men (mostly)!
Without it (and without the SD, for that matter), UK deer management would be totally fragmented. With it, everyone has the chance to witness how much passion, skill, knowledge and commitment is involved.
And to end up with something gratuitously pretty, how about this little folding knife by Chris at Mercian Forge?

Q. What would you pay for a unique piece crafted over twenty hours of skilled labour that you could carry in your pocket?
(Just because I couldn't afford it, doesn't mean it's expensive, or that I can't appreciate it.)