The government has launched a 2 month call for evidence on every aspect of game shooting in England, and we encourage everyone to submit their experiences as evidence to protect the future of shooting.
On the 4th September, Defra opened a call for evidence on the impacts of game bird rearing, releasing and shooting. The review covers pheasant, red-legged partridge, mallard and red grouse. The deadline for submissions is the 1st November 2026.
BASC calls this “a fight for the future of shooting” and strongly urges everyone who wants to protect this way of life to act now.
How You Can Help
There is an online response form on Defra’s website, with a wide range of questions and subsections. BASC has also put together a helpful guide on what information to include, and is encouraging people to submit their own experiences and evidence directly to Defra via email.
If you are involved in gamebird shooting as a gun, shoot owner, rural business, game keeper, picker-up, beater or provide services to the shooting community, please consider taking the time to submit evidence to Defra before the deadline.
You don’t have to run a shoot or work professionally in the industry to take part. Personal experiences and well-documented examples are relevant too.
How to Submit Evidence
You can complete the online survey here.
Alternatively, you can submit your response directly to Defra via email to gamebirds@defra.gov.uk, including any relevant supporting documents or attachments.
Please use “Call for Evidence” in the subject line.
Act Now for the Future of Shooting
For many people, game shooting is more than just a great day out in the field. It has a significant impact on land management, biodiversity, local communities, rural businesses and the economy.
If you have seen these benefits through your own involvement, now is the time to make your voice heard.
Submit your evidence to Defra before the 1st November.
