By Barnaby Dracup
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
New research commissioned by the Greater Exmoor Shoots Association (GESA) has found pheasant shooting in the area contributes more than £32m a year to the local economy.
The study took place over four years and was carried out by GESA member Maurice Pearce, who approached the 10 leading shoots on Exmoor for his research.
GESA chairman Hugh Thomas explained that shooting brings huge benefits to tourism in the local area: “The total figure of £32,500,000 is remarkable. The research found that accommodation taken by shooting parties during the winter months sustains hotels, guest houses and pubs. In total, 25,000 local visitor nights are estimated to originate from shooting.”
Employment is also a significant factor, with 1,600 direct jobs in the local area supported by the provision of shooting activities.
That includes 127 paid gamekeepers, of which 90 are full time.
Mr Thomas added: “Shoots are growing in popularity and importance to the community. According to the study, people involved in shooting, including gamekeepers, beaters, Guns, loaders and pickers-up, spend a staggering £8m on food and drink in the area as well as on vets’ services, dog food and training, wet-weather clothing and their travel to shoots, most of which mean the money is spent and retained locally.”
A SPORTING TEAM: Enjoy all of the best shooting commentary with driven shooting's finest journal.
Don't miss this week's issue (on sale Wednesday 1st February). FREE PRIZE DRAW - it is week 3 of our great "Gun a Week" competition, see P53 for further details and how to enter! Plus, who is top dog? Paul Rawlings reports on the 2012 Cocker Spaniel Championship. Get down to your newsagents and buy your copy today!
High Court orders a full judicial review of Natural England’s pr... Read more
Lincolnshire Police dismisses claims that disabled man who later shot ... Read more
Comments