NRW moves goalposts on gamebird releasing proposals
NRW’s recommendation for gamebird release should be licensed from 2025 demonstrates a complete lack of fairness and transparency, says Conor O’Gorman.
Get information on the legal shooting season for mammals and birds in the UK.
Learn about our current conservation projects and how you can get involved.
Comprehensive information and advice from our specialist firearms team.
Everything you need to know about shotgun, rifle and airgun ammunition.
Find our up-to-date information, advice and links to government resources.
Everything you need to know on firearms law and licensing.
All the latest news and advice on general licences and how they affect you.
BASC is advising members that following the publication of a new Defra risk assessment and amendments to the Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZs) in England, Scotland and Wales, it has been confirmed that ‘catching up’, the process of taking wild gamebirds for restocking breeding purposes, is subject to important changes.
In addition to following existing best practice rules, the AIPZs have been updated to include new mandatory measures to minimise the risk of an avian influenza infection as result of ‘catching up’.
The new measures include a requirement that caught up birds must kept for a minimum of 21 days before they can be moved to another premises (other than in specific situations and such movement is licenced). This timescale is in-line with other movement restrictions associated with preventing the spread of avian influenza.
Glynn Evans, BASC’s head of game and wildlife management, said: “Knowing what we know about avian influenza, the 21-day holding period is an appropriate way to reduce the risk of spreading the disease.
“With APIZs being issued by each of the home nations, BASC is advising not only those who catch up gamebirds but anyone who keeps birds to check the relevant AIPZ declarations. It is essential everyone follows the rules appropriate to their circumstances.”
BASC, alongside our Aim to Sustain partners, has produced sector-wide advice for those intending to catch up. This is available in our dedicated avian influenza hub here.
NRW’s recommendation for gamebird release should be licensed from 2025 demonstrates a complete lack of fairness and transparency, says Conor O’Gorman.
Changes to an interim gamebird release licence in England could throw shoots into turmoil, risking jobs, businesses and conservation projects.
If you’re a gamekeeper using professional rodenticides, read the open letter from the Chair of the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use.
Sign up to our weekly newsletter and get all the latest updates straight to your inbox.
© 2023 British Association for Shooting and Conservation. Registered Office: Marford Mill, Rossett, Wrexham, LL12 0HL – Registered Society No: 28488R. BASC is a trading name of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm reference number 311937.
If you have any questions or complaints about your BASC membership insurance cover, please email us. More information about resolving complaints can be found on the FCA website or on the EU ODR platform.
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.
This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.
Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.
Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!
More information about our Cookie Policy