Study into social benefits of shooting

Does shooting make you happy and increase your life expectancy? Professor Simon Denny from the University of Northampton (pictured right) thinks so – and wants to prove it.

Denny, who is a keen pigeon shot and a member of his local syndicate, realised there was a gap in the evidence base for shooting following years of conversations with beaters as to why they enjoy ploughing through bramble and maize in all weathers.

This month, he is launching a project, with funding from a trust, to identify the impact of game-shooting on participants. This will add to the evidence already available that demonstrates the economic and environmental benefits of the sport.

A student with relevant exeperience is being recruited to conduct the interviews. These will take place this season and next.

Shoots of all sizes are being urged to take part, encouraging beaters, pickers-up and anyone else involved to fill in a short questionnaire. A couple of grouse moors, a leading pheasant shoot and a few longstanding syndicates in Norfolk are among the early recruits.

“We need all types of shoots from across the country to fill the evidence jigsaw and really contribute to the evidence for shooting,” said Denny, who admits he’s been “staggered” by the positive response from the shooting community to the launch of the project.

The study aims to visit more than 200 shoots and get 2,500 questionnaires completed. “That should give us some really impressive, quality date that policy-makers cannot ignore,” he added.

Shoots taking part will get a regular newsletter detailing progress. To take part, email: Simon.denny@northampton.ac.uk