Defra launches gamebird shooting call for evidence
© Tim Scrivener Defra has launched a two-month official Call for Evidence on gamebird rearing, release, and shooting in England, running until 1 November 2026.
Parliamentary under-secretary of state Baroness Hayman announced the initiative in a written statement on 4 September, stating it will gather data on biodiversity, animal welfare, biosecurity, and socioeconomic impacts to inform future policy.
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The move has drawn a strong reaction from rural and shooting organisations, who warn it threatens the future of the sector.
Ian Bell, chief executive of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), the UK’s largest shooting organisation, described the launch as a “fight for the future of shooting”.
He is urging every gamekeeper, shoot, and rural business to mobilise and submit robust evidence.
BASC argues that while the government claims no decisions have been made, the sector must work aggressively to ensure its economic and conservation contributions are properly heard.
Meanwhile, the Countryside Alliance condemned the announcement as an “unnecessary and unjustified attack”, pointing to broader concerns over proposed restrictions on gamebird rearing and releases, predator management, and licensing detailed in the Land Use Framework and Animal Welfare Strategy.
Chief executive Tim Bonner argued that the government is seeking evidence to justify pre-determined policy goals rather than assessing an industry vital to the rural economy and conservation.
Shooting organisations say the sector is worth £3.3bn a year to the UK economy and supports nearly 150,000 jobs, making it a significant contributor to rural economies.
Defra maintains that any subsequent policy proposals resulting from the review will be subjected to full public consultation.
In the meantime, shooting organisations are preparing comprehensive guidance to help members navigate the submission process before the November deadline.