The International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation) CIC is the only organisation authorised in the UK to offer a measuring service for deer antlers and other trophies to estate owners, deer managers, stalkers and hunters. David Wiggins, Deer Branch Chairman of the NGO said: “I am delighted to announce…
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The term “occupier” on a shotgun licence needs to be clarified
Have you ever taken a family member or friend, who no shotgun licence, on a day’s shooting on land that you do not own? If so, and you allow them to have a go, you could be breaking the law. This illogicality on the borrowing of shotguns is why the…
EU tables more “irrelevant” Firearms Directive proposals
Shooting organisations have expressed concern that further “draconian” amendments to the EU Firearms Directive have been tabled by the European Council, despite a number of MEPs already agreeing that existing proposals are “rushed” and “irrelevant”. Plans to tighten European gun laws were brought forward by the European Commission following the terrorist attacks in…
The Queen at 90: Our Queen of the countryside
The Queen once said that if she had not become Queen she would have liked to be a lady living in the country with lots of horses and dogs. As we celebrate the Queen at 90, we have found ten reasons why the Queen is a true champion of country sports…
Cost-cutting gamekeepers risk their drives, say experts
The company this month warned that, rather than poor weather conditions, it is keepers cutting corners with inadequate cultivation, inferior seed, too little fertiliser and poor pest control that are the biggest threat to shoots, which may be jeopardised by high crop recovery costs and lost birds. Chris Bright, managing…
Concern over “unworkable” proposals to European Council’s firearms regulations
The organisation says that is is “deeply concerned” by the proposals, feeling that many are “unworkable”. Today, 11 April, the European Council Working Party on General Matters including Evaluation (GENVAL) are meeting to discuss proposed amendments to the 1991 Firearms Directive. It is the supplementary proposals that have alarmed the Countryside…
National Parks survey asks whether shooting should be banned
The Countryside Alliance (CA) and BASC are seeking to educate the Campaign for National National Parks (CNP) about the role that shooting plays in the countryside, after the organisation launched a survey asking whether shooting should be banned in National Parks. The CNP is celebrating its 80th anniversary with an…
“We are not anti-shooting,” says Countryfile Live! show
The show, a spin-off from the BBC’s Countryfile TV series, is being held at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire in August, at the time of year and location of the old CLA Game Fair, which was one of the most important events in the shooting calendar for more than half a century.…
Are the RSPB pro or anti-shooting?
Britain’s heather moorlands are both beautiful and rare, and they owe their existence to grouse shooting. If we are going to maximise the wildlife in these upland habitats, it is vital that conservation charities and gamekeepers can work closely together. This can be a fraught relationship; moorland gamekeepers fund their…
Shooting Industry has little to fear from Brexit, say experts
A “Brexit” would have little or no major impact on UK firearms ownership, according to shooting industry leaders. While the 23 June in-out referendum on the UK’s continued membership of the European Union (EU) could have consequences for the agricultural industry and the environment the shooting industry has less to worry…
What is it about a Pig hotel that makes shooters feel at home?
There is a real buzz about the Pig hotel collection, started only five years ago, which stems from it doing things differently. Its commitment to growing its own food and sourcing produce locally — within 25 miles to be precise — is at the forefront of the business and runs through…
Suits you sir!
The world’s first Harris Tweed suit has been revealed by 20-time champion jockey Sir Anthony McCoy ahead of this year’s Cheltenham Festival. The new equestrian fashion range is modelled by veteran race horse Morestead and features a three-piece suit complete with shirt, tie and flat cap. The horse outfit was…
RSPB criticised for twisting scientific evidence
The charity has said that heather burning on grouse moors is a “damaging practice”, basing its statements on a research paper written by an RSPB scientist and requesting government involvement last year. However independent scientists have studied the evidence and say that the RSPB press statements show “only passing resemblance to…
Environment and farming ministers are split over Brexit
Environment minister Elizabeth Truss and farming minister George are split over the issue of Brexit. Mr Eustice surprised many in the farming industry when he gave his support last month to the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union (EU), while Ms Truss revealed she is backing the Prime Minister’s…
Conservation groups support Nature Directives status quo
Both organisations welcomed the news that the European Parliament has voted not to review the two pieces of legislation, which are known jointly as the Nature Directives and were designed to protect and maintain birds and natural habitats across the EU. The EU Environment Commission says it still wishes to modernise…
Time to enter the Golden Plover Award 2016 for moorland management
The Golden Plover recognises progressive, practical and sustainable moorland management in Scotland and this year the Award theme reflects sheep farming’s role as a major upland land use. Adam Smith, Director (Scotland) of the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust said “The judges will be looking to identify the best…
A day with game cookery guru Tim Maddams
If Tim Maddams had taught me maths, I wouldn’t have dreaded afternoons of double maths and had to retake my maths ‘O’ Level. In fact, I’d probably have got an A straight off. That’s because Tim’s one of the most engaging speakers and teachers I’ve ever come across and what…
Have your say on firearms licensing
It’s heartening to hear that MEP Vicky Ford appears to be listening to BASC and the Countryside Alliance (CA) over proposed changes to the EU’s Firearms Directive. Ms Ford is heading up a study into the proposals. Both organisations want EU politicians to steer clear of knee-jerk new gun controls that will…
George Digweed attacked in his own home
George Digweed and his wife Kate posted a statement on their Facebook page after ‘masked men’ broke into their house and stole money, guns, trophies, medals and his vehicle. In the statement they said: “Masked men broke into the house, I was badly beaten and we were subjected to a…
Furious backlash to Countryfile feature on gamekeepers
Presenter Matt Baker spent time with students training as gamekeepers. As part of the study, students were taught to shoot deer and butcher the quarry afterwards. The point of the feature was to address some of the misconceptions the public holds about gamekeepers and the voiceover made clear that deer…