The National Gamekeepers Organisation (NGO) exists for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is to support gamekeepers who have fallen on difficult times. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic many shoots are facing an uncertain future and some estates have already cancelled next year’s shooting season. Support gamekeepers…
National Gamekeepers Organisation
Defra reissues temporary general licences ahead of deadline
Defra has reissued six general licences on a temporary basis for the control of wild birds. The temporary general licences in question (GL26, GL28, GL31, GL34, GL35 and GL36) will be reissued from 1 March to 31 July 2020. Licence users do not need to take further action, other than…
Revive report finds against Scotland’s grouse moors
Revive was launched in November 2018 with the aim of “working for grouse moor reform in Scotland.” The coalition’s new report entitled: “A Better Way: How an alternative to grouse moors could help tackle climate change, increase biodiversity and benefit Scotland’s people” concludes that grouse moors have caused significant ecological damage…
What do when faced with protestors on a shoot
As unverified rumours of antis disturbing a shoot in Cambridgeshire spread like wildfire online, Shooting Times has some advice on how to deal with protesters
Dumped pheasant video provokes strong reaction from shooting organisations
The video was allegedly taken in November 2018 at Cotesbach Game farm in Leicestershire. Although it was found that the birds had been breasted, shooting organisations have united to condemn the activity shown. Liam Bell, Chairman of the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation said, “The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation is deeply dismayed by…
Is heather burning doomed?
About a year ago I wrote about looming problems with heather burning, saying that it would become a thing of the past on large areas of the northern uplands. It would appear that my worst fears are to be realised. There is not a ban on burning everywhere, but it…
Labour Party proposes a ban on “intensive rearing”
The Labour Party’s proposed animal welfare plan, which includes a pledge to “promote high standards with regards to game shoots”, has had a mixed reception from rural groups. Published on the heels of the Government’s own proposed Animal Welfare Bill, the 50-point plan seeks to improve the treatment of wild,…
Honorary President of National Gamekeepers’ Organisation receives Royal Victorian Order (LVO) from Her Majesty The Queen
Awards in the Royal Victorian Order are in the gift of Her Majesty, who made the presentation in person. David Clark said: “It is a great honour to have been made Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order, for which I would like to thank Her Majesty The Queen. I will…
Should everyone be covered by shooting insurance?
I run a small syndicate shoot where members can bring a friend each time we shoot. I think it only fair that everybody who comes along is insured and I've asked that, in future, visiting Guns bring proof of insurance (BASC membership etc) with them on the day.
UK declared bird flu-free
The UK has met the international requirements to be called bird flu-free, but the Government’s top vet has urged all poultry keepers to remain vigilant. Between December 2016 and June 2017, there were 13 cases of H5N8 avian influenza confirmed in UK poultry. Restrictions on movement put in place by…
Gamekeepers old and new rewarded for their work
Trainee keeper Jack Depledge from North Yorkshire has won this year’s National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) Frank Jenkins Memorial Trophy. The award, which is sponsored by Musto, is given to the best full or part-time gamekeeping student or apprentice of the academic year and is named for the late Frank Jenkins,…
Glorious start to the grouse season
It’s been a terrific start to the grouse season in northern England, though reports from Scotland have been mixed. Last month, estates reported big broods and perfect conditions along with the possibility of record seasons in some places. But Shooting Times checked back to see whether the Glorious Twelfth had…
Lowland birds breeding well
Gamekeepers across the UK are reporting strong broods and quality eggs, despite a period of bad weather, with the breeding season under way. Persistent rain has been an issue, but warm weather followed soon after, preventing too much damage to stocks. Stuart Maughan, headkeeper on the Whitfield estate in Northumberland,…
Shooting must make friends, not enemies
For this challenging article, I asked the National Trust, the Countryside Alliance (CA), the RSPB, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO), the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and BASC how shooting is perceived and how it could improve its public…
Rural police back on the Wiltshire beat
A joint endeavour by Wiltshire Police and rural groups, including the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO), has put 20 dedicated rural officers back on the beat in the county after they were dropped following budget cuts. Police rural and wildlife crime officers are specially trained to understand the unique and complex…
Bird flu discovered in pheasant flock in Lancashire
A number of the flock have died and the remaining live birds at the infected premises are being humanely culled. A full investigation is under way to determine the source of the infection. Public Health England advises that the risk to public health from the avian flu virus is very…
A day with bracco Italiano and spinone Italiano gun dogs
The day had been arranged by the Bracco Italiano Club, which had invited its friends in the Spinone Club of Great Britain to come along, Mike Fellows, the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) regional chairman for Sussex having provided the ground on the shoot he keepers near Robertsbridge. Mike has worked voluntarily for the NGO for…
Latest bird flu warnings from National Gamekeepers’ Organisation
A spokesman for the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) advises: “This advice is hugely important and is essential reading for everyone in the gamebird world… H5N8 bird flu is now widespread in the UK and threatens gamebird management as well as other bird-related industries. We urge all members and others to…
10 things that can make or break a shoot day
Makes 1. The Weather: Many Guns prefer a lightly overcast day, a favourable wind with a decent nip in the air. Persistent driving rain all day is enough to break the spirit of the keenest gun. 2. The host: They set the mood for the entire day. A bad host…
European avian influenza outbreak prompts precautionary bird measures in UK
Poultry keepers must now house their flocks indoors where practicable, or keep them separate from wild birds. In the case of captive gamebirds – as well as geese and other captive birds where housing is recognised by the authorities as being less practicable – steps must be taken to keep…