We've Responded to Defra's Call for Evidence. Have You?

The future of game shooting in England could be influenced by decisions made following Defra's current Call for Evidence. At Gamebore, we've submitted our response, and we're urging everyone who values game shooting, or whose livelihood depends upon it, to do the same.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is currently gathering evidence on gamebird rearing, release and shooting in England. The findings could help shape future policies affecting how game shooting operates, the costs involved and the many people, businesses and rural communities that depend upon it.

While no decisions have yet been made, this is an important opportunity for those who know and understand game shooting to make their voices heard.

At Gamebore, we've already submitted our evidence. Now we're asking you to do the same.

Please Don't Assume Someone Else Will Do It

We know that many people will leave this to the shooting organisations, believing that BASC and others will represent their interests. And while these organisations are working hard on behalf of the shooting community, that doesn't mean individual contributions aren't important.

Whether you're a regular game shooter, gamekeeper, beater, picker-up, shoot organiser, farmer or someone who simply enjoys the countryside and the activities associated with shooting, your experiences matter.

We'd also encourage businesses that benefit from game shooting, even indirectly, to contribute. From gun shops, cartridge manufacturers and shooting grounds to rural pubs, restaurants, hotels, accommodation providers and countless other businesses, the economic and social reach of game shooting extends far beyond the shoot itself.

If game shooting is important to you, personally, professionally or financially, please take the time to explain why.

You Don't Need to Be an Expert

Please don't be put off because you don't feel qualified to prepare a lengthy or technical submission. You don't need to be a scientist, an expert in conservation or an industry professional to share relevant first-hand experience.

Your contribution might explain how shooting supports your livelihood, the benefits you've witnessed from habitat management and conservation work, the friendships and community connections you've made, or the positive impact shooting has had on your physical and mental wellbeing. The most useful submissions are those that give genuine, specific examples of what you've seen, experienced or contributed to.

Organisations such as BASC have made the process easier by publishing guidance and a straightforward email template to help people respond.

Read BASC's guidance and find out how to submit your response. Even a short, thoughtful email explaining your own experiences is worthwhile.

We Mustn't Be Complacent

There are organisations and individuals actively campaigning for greater restrictions on game shooting, and we can be certain that those opposed to our sport will make their views known. If those who participate in shooting, work within the industry and benefit from its existence remain silent, Defra risks receiving an incomplete picture of what game shooting means to people and communities across England.

This isn't about submitting the longest response or making the loudest argument. It's about ensuring that decisions are informed by genuine experiences, credible evidence and a proper understanding of the wider implications. We cannot simply assume that the future of game shooting will take care of itself.

There is very little time left, so please don't put it off.

At Gamebore, we've taken the time to submit our evidence because we believe the future of game shooting, and the people and businesses connected to it, is worth speaking up for. We're asking you to do the same.

Once you've responded, please encourage others to get involved. Share this article with your shooting friends, fellow syndicate members, colleagues, suppliers and anyone else whose life or business benefits from game shooting. The more people who share meaningful evidence and real experiences, the fuller the picture Defra will have to consider. If we want our voices heard, we need to use them.

We've responded. Have you? Submit your evidence directly to Defra