Rural crime warning as game shooting season starts

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight constabulary has urged landowners and gamekeepers to be vigilant to rural crime as the game shooting season gets under way.

Typically running between September and February for species such as partridge, pheasant and duck, the season tends to coincide with a rise in crime, with rural criminals trespassing on land to target wildlife for poaching.

Other criminal activity such as burglary and causing damage to property are also not uncommon this time of year.

See also: New Wales Rural Crime Strategy launched

Landowners and gamekeepers are often subject to abuse, threats or intimidation by offenders, and in the worst-case scenario can face serious violence when challenging poachers or trespassers.

Between September 2024 and February 2025, 55 reports relating specifically to game bird poaching in Hampshire were reported.

Links to wider crime networks

Inspector Cath MacDonald of the Country Watch rural crime task force said poaching involves cruelty to animals and is often linked to wider criminal activity, including theft, burglary and violence.

She urged the public to report crimes and suspicious behaviour.

British Association for Shooting and Conservation (Basc) South East director Michelle Nudds warned that farmers and gamekeepers who confront poachers risk threats and violence, and stressed the need for adequate resources to tackle the issue.

Funding to support training

Basc has recently funded a £40,000 initiative through its Legacy Fund to support the National Wildlife Crime Unit’s digital training academy, which will provide police forces across the UK with the specialised knowledge needed to combat poaching effectively.

People in rural areas are asked to be on the lookout for suspicious people or vehicles on farmland, including individuals engaging in lamping, and to report this to police.

“If you have seen people using or carrying catapults in rural areas or places where you know there is an abundance of wildlife and wild birds, please let us know,” added Inspector MacDonald.

For safety, don’t approach suspects, instead call 999 in an emergency. Report crime or suspicious activity via 101, online, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.