Shooting legislation: firearms law, licensing, lead ammunition and countryside regulations
Shooting legislation in the UK is changing faster than at any point in a generation. Firearms licensing reform, lead ammunition restrictions, animal welfare legislation, snaring regulations, airgun law and countryside access rights – the legal landscape that governs shooting is under sustained pressure, and the consequences of getting it wrong are serious.
ShootingUK’s legislation pages track every development that matters to game shooters, deer stalkers, wildfowlers, airgun users and countryside professionals. When a bill moves through Parliament, when a statutory instrument changes the rules, when a landmark court ruling shifts the ground – it is reported here first, with analysis from the lawyers, organisations and industry figures who understand what it means in practice.
Knowing the law is not optional. This is where shooters come to stay ahead of it.
While Defra has now announced that GL43 will be issued in the coming weeks, avian influenza risk levels are preventing the renewal of GL45
Shotgun and firearms licensing laws are in the spotlight after a Luton teenager murdered his family with an illegally purchased shotgun.
Find out how to apply for a shotgun licence, plus more information on waiting times, fees and the appeals process
Get the latest news delivered direct to your door
Discover the ultimate companion for field sports enthusiasts with Shooting Times & Country Magazine, the UK’s leading weekly publication that has been at the forefront of shooting culture since 1882. Subscribers gain access to expert tips, comprehensive gear reviews, seasonal advice and a vibrant community of like-minded shooters.
Save on shop price when you subscribe with weekly issues featuring in-depth articles on gundog training, exclusive member offers and access to the digital back issue library. A Shooting Times & Country subscription is more than a magazine, don’t just read about the countryside; immerse yourself in its most authoritative and engaging publication.