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…
Mark Layton
News Editor Shooting Times
“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…
Scottish airgun licences required by New Year
It will be illegal to hold an airgun without a licence from 31 December, but BASC says that the “lead in” period is shorter than anticipated and could place an…
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…
Microchipping dogs becomes law on 6 April
Breeders will be required to microchip puppies before they are rehomed and anyone who fails to get their dogs chipped could face a fine of up to £500. The process…
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…
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…
BASC blasts Kent firearms boss
Police firearms licensing departments have faced renewed criticism, five months after Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary report was released. Kent Police, in particular, has come under severe criticism from BASC,…
Shooters urged to lobby MEPs about EU Firearms Directive
FACE UK is calling on shooters to make their voices heard by contacting their MEPs to register their opinions on proposed changes to the European Firearms Directive. Plans to tighten…
Shooting groups help shape EU firearms review
BASC and the Countryside Alliance (CA) have argued for a review of proposed changes to the European Firearms Directive, in a recent meeting with MEP Vicky Ford, who is leading…
Report shows UK bird numbers halved since 70s
Shooters have a “major part” to play in conserving the UK’s bird populations, say countryside groups, following the publication of the 2015 UK Biodiversity Indicators Report by DEFRA and the Joint Nature Conservation…
RSPCA “at risk” of losing Royal support
The RSPCA is in danger of losing the support of the Royal Family due to its continued political campaigning, it has been claimed. A source told the Daily Telegraph last…
Flooding hits shoots up north
Shooting estates have faced dangerous conditions and outright cancellations this season, following sustained poor, wet weather and heavy flooding across the UK. This latest period of bad weather in the north of…
What’s coming up in 2016 for the shooting and countryside community?
Lindsay Waddell, chairman of the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation If the past is any sort of indicator of the future, 2016 will be a busy year for the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation…
There is “more lead in beer than game meat,” say MPs
In a debate on lead ammunition in the House of Commons last month, Rishi Sunak, Conservative MP for Richmond, commented: “The average consumer is exposed to 60 per cent more…
Shooting groups unite to condemn law-breaking shoots
Countryside organisations have condemned inland shoots that are breaking the law by using lead shot for wildfowl, and have appealed to DEFRA to help identify and prosecute those responsible. Representatives from eight…
Endangered birds thriving on Scottish grouse moors
There are 81 species of bird — many red-listed as being of conservation concern — thriving on Scottish grouse moors, according to a new report, published last month by the…
Shooters dismiss claims eating game lowers IQ
Countryside organisations have hit back at claims that eating game meat can lower a child’s IQ level. The claims relating to the negative impact of lead consumption on human health…
Venison donated to food banks in South Lanarkshire
Venison has been donated to food banks by The South Lanarkshire Deer Group, members of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association, to provide a Christmas dinner for those in need. The group teamed…
Charity urges shooters to give grouse to the homeless
An initial batch of 1,300 birds, shot at the start of this year’s grouse season, was distributed to food banks and other charitable causes in September. The organisers now hope…