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The exercise, which closes on 1 November, will consider the positive and negative effects of rearing and releasing gamebirds, associated shooting and land-management activities. Ministers say it will examine impacts including biodiversity, protected sites and habitats, biosecurity and disease, animal welfare, natural-resource use and wider social effects.
No decisions have been taken on whether policy changes will follow. The government has said any future proposals would be subject to public consultation.
Why BASC says the sector must respond
The announcement follows continuing legal and policy scrutiny of gamebird release licensing. BASC has urged those involved in shooting and the rural economy to submit evidence.
Ian Bell, chief executive of BASC, said: “Our sector should be under no illusion that this announcement signals a fight for the future of shooting in this country.
“We already have the facts and figures that support the positive impacts of sustainable shooting. The government is well aware of those figures, because it often quotes them when talking about shooting.
“So, it is clear that our sector must work harder in the next two months to make sure our voice is heard louder than ever before.
“We must all do our part. The rural organisations will continue to do the work we are paid to do, but it should be obvious to all who love shooting that each and every one of us must step forward to protect our way of life. The government must be left in no doubt as to the value of shooting to rural communities and beyond.
“BASC will consider the full scope of the call for evidence in the coming days, and we will advise members and others of the steps we all need to take. But we must all be ready for a significant and lengthy fight. It should not be left to others.
“I will be asking every gamekeeper, every shoot, every beater and picker-up and every rural business to get their evidence in. The people who want to see shooting shut down will be mobilising right now – we must do better than them, voice for voice, fact for fact.”
What happens next?
BASC said it will publish practical guidance through its website and social-media channels to help people gather and submit evidence.
Frequently asked questions
When does the gamebird call for evidence close?
The government’s call for evidence on gamebird rearing, release and shooting in England runs for two months and closes on 1 November 2026.
What will the call for evidence look at?
It will consider the positive and negative effects of rearing and releasing gamebirds and of the associated shooting and land management, including biodiversity, protected sites and habitats, biosecurity and disease, animal welfare, natural-resource use and wider social effects.
Does the call for evidence mean the rules on gamebird shooting will change?
No decisions have been taken on whether policy changes will follow. The government has said any future proposals would be subject to public consultation.
