We’ve launched a new campaign – “Why We Shoot” to dispel myths and stereotypes around shooting.

Our writers are turning the spotlight on conservation and ecology, inclusion and diversity, and mental and physical wellbeing.

You can follow Why We Shoot on social media using the hashtag #whyweshoot and we’ll be regularly posting images on Instagram.

Champion the shooting community

Partner with us and help champion Britain’s shooting communities.

Why We Shoot aims to raise awareness of the positive ripple effect and numerous benefits of shooting. Our editorial teams will cover stories too often overlooked in the news cycle. Our journalism looks at how new people can be attracted to the sport. We want to support Britain’s countryside and help people better understand the world of shooting, which contributes an estimated £2 billion a year to the UK economy.

Industry-renowned writers will be speaking to the likes of Olympic gold medalists, Michelin-starred chefs who celebrate the flavours of game meats, and charities helping military veterans secure jobs in rural trades.   

Brands taking part in the Why We Shoot campaign include the UK’s top shooting weekly, Shooting Times Magazine, Sporting Gun, the No.1 UK brand for clay, game and rough shooters, and Gun Trade News, the only B2B title focused on the UK’s civilian shooting market.

Britain’s best-selling field sports magazine, The Field, will also be taking part, lending its authoritative, trusted voice to Why We Shoot.

Force for good

This year, more than ever, it feels important to stand back and take stock. When we are all so involved in shooting day-to-day, we often forget what a truly extraordinary force for good it can be. The reality that those who shoot, collectively spend 3.9million days a year working on conservation is staggering, as is the fact that it supports 74,000 diverse full time jobs, from journalists to grouse moor keepers. 

At a time that is so difficult for rural communities, when there is seemingly growing opposition to fieldsports, and when the wild places we love are being disregarded by some, it is essential to shine a light on our sport, as part of the lifeblood of the countryside, and as something that protects the things that make it special and the creatures we share it with. 

Why do you shoot? Take part in our poll and give your reasons

20 reasons Why We Shoot

1. Research has shown that going shooting boosts mental wellbeing and physical health.
2. Shooting improves social contact for a variety of ages
3. Shooting instils a strong sense of responsibility in the young.
4. Research shows shooting promotes community and strong social networks
5. Game shooting is an accessible sport, enjoyed by many thousands of people from all walks of life
6. There are many forms of shooting, including; Airgunning, clayshooting, gameshooting, stalking.
7. Game shooting, airgunning, stalking and clayshooting are open to disabled participants
8. Game meat is free range
9. Game meat is leaner and lower in fat than farmed meat and rich in protein
10. Game meat is tasty due to the varied natural diet of animals in the wild
11. Shooters spend £2.5 billion each year on goods and services*
12. Shooting supports the equivalent of 74,000 full time jobs*
13. Shooting is worth £2 billion to the UK economy (GVA)*
14. Shooting is involved in the management of two-thirds of the rural land area*
15. Shoot providers spend nearly £250 million a year on conservation*
16. Shooters spend 3.9 million work days on conservation – that’s the equivalent of 16,000 full-time jobs*
17. Two million hectares are actively managed for conservation as a result of shooting*
18. GWCT research has shown that ground nesting birds thrive best on managed moorland
19. Gameshooting sustains the rural community with employment and income.
20. The past two years have seen increases in the number of hen harrier nests in England, as well as chicks that have fledged. Well over half of these chicks were produced on grouse moors. (Source GWCT).

*Data provided by the Public and Corporate Economic Consultants (PACEC) in an independent survey