Shooting industry hits back at hen harrier claims

The RSPB has accused grouse moor estates of record levels of illegal hen harrier killings, sparking a strong response from shooting organisations.

In its Hen Harriers in the Firing Line report, the charity claims 102 hen harriers were killed or went missing between 2020 and 2024. Most incidents, it says, happened “under suspicious circumstances” on or near grouse moors.

The RSPB is urging the Government to take “drastic action” by introducing licensing of grouse shooting in England, mirroring the system already in place in Scotland. The charity argues this would act as a “meaningful deterrent to wildlife crime.”

Shooting groups reject RSPB claims

Shooting organisations strongly reject both the RSPB’s accusations and its proposed solution.

“This RSPB data is far from confirmed and has been assembled without independent checks,” said Andrew Gilruth, chief executive of the Moorland Association.

He added that the RSPB’s geographic analysis undermines its own case. According to Government figures, 80% of hen harrier nests are on grouse moors, even though these areas make up only half of the suitable habitat. This, he argues, suggests the birds thrive because of gamekeeper management — not despite it.

Hen harrier numbers on the rise

England’s hen harrier population has risen by 1,150% since 2016, growing from just four breeding pairs to 49 by 2023. This success is partly thanks to collaborative conservation programmes supported by gamekeepers.

The Moorland Association also highlighted National Wildlife Crime Unit figures showing only four people were convicted of bird-related crimes last year — three falconers and one egg collector. Not one gamekeeper. In fact, no one in England has ever been convicted of killing a hen harrier, despite decades of allegations.

Debate in Parliament

The RSPB’s report was released days before MPs debated Wild Justice’s petition calling for a grouse shooting ban. However, MPs dismissed calls for more licensing or restrictions.

Conservative MP Robbie Moore said:

“The harming of birds of prey is a crime, and I have yet to meet a grouse shooting organisation that believes that should change.”

Shooting organisations maintain their zero-tolerance stance on wildlife crime.

Alex Farrell, BASC’s head of uplands, told Shooting Times:

“We must stand firm against wildlife crime, but policy must be rooted in evidence, not accusation. Law-abiding moorland managers are delivering real conservation gains.”

And former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak added during Monday’s debate:

“A Britain without grouse shooting would not be a Britain where harriers would thrive.”

So, the question remains

Who’s being persecuted: hen harriers, or the entire gamekeeping profession?

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