We’re increasingly hearing reports of an ammunition shortage (full report in Shooting Times next week). Steve Faragher, editor of Gun Trade News says : “We’re definitely seeing it among contributors, especially in rifle ammunition”. Shooting UK spoke to Charles Bull of Just Cartridges and asked him what his experience has…
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20 reasons to visit The Game Fair in 2021
The Game Fair in 2021 – after the last 18 months we’re not really sure we need any reasons to attend, other than that it will be a highly enjoyable outing (and they’ve been in v short supply lately). Here’s what you can look forward to. It’s in a beautiful…
Bees’ Needs Week – time to support bees and pollinators
The week from 12 to 18 July is Bees’ Needs Week, so what better time to think about supporting bees and other pollinators on the shoot? This is a key area where we who shoot can show that we care about much more than simply the game we manage. Small…
What’s in a gamekeeper’s job description?
Gamekeepers: From long hours to relentless predators, there are many aspects to a gamekeeper's job description.
New register for lead-free shoots will enable dealers and stockists to source lead-free game
Supermarkets, stockists and game dealers are increasingly switching over to purchase of game shot without the use of lead ammunition. To facilitate this, the British Game Alliance (BGA) has launched a new register to source game to service this growing market. Shoots wanting to participate and take their place on…
How did the debate “Ban Driven Grouse Shooting” fare in Westminster this week?
Monday’s debate by MP in Westminster on the petition: “Ban Driven Grouse Shooting Wilful blindness is no longer an option” was notable for the preparedness of speakers against the motion and the lack of economic alternatives brought by the supporters of the movement. The petition was launched by Chris Packham,…
Perthshire keepers ally with conservation body to stamp out raptor persecution
Perthshire grouse moors are tackling raptor persecution head on by collaborating with Wildland to support eagle conservation. A satellite tag has been fitted to a golden eagle chick at a site in the Strathbraan area so the team can follow its movements. Wildland has been tagging raptors in the Cairngorms…
The new GL43 general licence – here’s what you need to know
Defra has published its new and long-awaited general licence (GL43), to cover the releasing of gamebirds on European protected sites. These protected sites are Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA), Ramsar wetlands and potential SPAs and SACs or proposed Ramsar wetlands. The potential or proposed sites are…
Guidance for shoots releasing birds on or near European protected sites
Releasing birds on Special Protection Areas, Special Areas for Conservation and surrounding land within 5km of these sites is now regulated under a general licence. This will set maximum releasing densities on and around protected sites. Advice on releasing birds on special protection areas BASC’s Jack Knott told Shooting Times…
Shoot bookings 2021 – it’s looking good for next season
I have been chatting to friends who let days and run shoots commercially, and others who manage small syndicates and run shoots of their own and, to a person, they are feeling extremely confident about the coming shooting season. Shoot bookings 2021 are up, most are pretty close to being…
Clay Shooting Classic – are you booked in yet?
The Clay Shooting Classic is set to be one of the Sporting highlights of the year, so book your place now for 28-30 May at Orston Shooting Ground. The eagerly awaited Clay Shooting Classic is getting nearer, with just a couple of months to go. Bookings are filling up – and…
Do you recognise any of these stolen dogs?
As we are sadly aware, dog theft is on the rise. Last month Suffolk police seized 80 stolen dogs in a police operation and are now trying to reunite them with their owners. The dogs of various breeds and ages were found at a site near Ipswich on 20 March…
Shotgun certificate renewals took even longer in 2020, BASC research shows
What is the current shotgun certificate renewal time? The British Association for Shooting & Conservation (BASC) has just published research which shows that shotgun certificate (SGC) renewals are taking longer, an average of 49 days in 2020 (compared with 43 days in 2019) and firearms certificate (FAC) renewals 56 days,…
Extinction Rebellion plans mass trespass of the countryside for Saturday 24th April
Environmental activist group Extinction Rebellion is mobilising supporters to trespass on private land to protest against being denied access to “92% of the land in England” which they claim “is being criminally misused.” It is scheduled for Saturday 24th April and participants are being encouraged to: “Peacefully climb over no…
Fieldsports organisations back move to end lead-shot game
The announcement by the The National Game Dealers Association (NGDA) that its members will not accept lead-shot game from next year has been welcomed by fieldsports bodies including the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), Countryside Alliance (CA), British Game Alliance (BGA) and Game Farmers’ Association (GFA). Retailers had…
HRH Prince Philip 1921-2021 – a true supporter of fieldsports and conservation
HRH Prince Phillip has died aged 99 this morning at Windsor Castle. He will be remembered as a true countryman with a love of fishing and fieldsports. He was patron of more than 800 organisations, including the World Wildlife Fund and the British Association for Shooting and Conservation and combined…
Priti Patel launches taskforce to combat dog theft
Dog owners will be relieved to hear that the Home Secretary has responded to public pressure and launched a dog theft government team to battle the rising number of stolen pets. Calling the pet crime “vile” Priti Patel discussed action on the issue last month with Robert Buckland, the Lord…
Government plans to phase out lead ammunition
The government is now considering a lead ammunition ban under the UK’s new chemical regulation system – UK REACH– and has requested an official review of the evidence to begin today with a public consultation in due course. Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “Addressing the impacts of lead ammunition will…
Shooting grounds open for business from 29th March 2021
Roll on 29th March 2021 when many shooting grounds will be open again. (Those opening a few days later are listed.) We’ve had a look around to see which you can visit and have listed some of the main ones around the country. Don’t just turn up and expect to…
Ban on brown hare shooting looms
Senior Government sources have told The Telegraph that a close season is to be introduced for brown hares. A complete ban on shooting mountain hares is also to be introduced in England. News of the forthcoming ban has sparked anger amongst fieldsports bodies, who argue that hare poaching is the…