It’s finally here, open season for wildfowling and partridge.
We all know this season will be an unusual one and I’m curious to know how shoots around the country have been affected by COVID-19. Some have been cancelled for 2020/21, others are scaling down and for some it’s business as usual.
I dare say many of us will be having smaller days than planned and there will be more walked-up shooting this season. I, for one, will just be glad to be out in the field. I cherish the small, walked-up days I share with friends.
However, there is no denying this year will be different because of the spectre of COVID. Would you be safer staying at home? In some ways, yes, but our sport has so many benefits that go beyond mere enjoyment and they outweigh the threat of the current pandemic.
Recent research by the University of Northampton claims that grouse shooting has significant social benefits for local communities, including higher levels of wellbeing than the national average as well as improved physical fitness. I’m sure the same could be said for most aspects of our sport.
After such a terrible start to the year, let’s hope that we manage to have a good season and continue to enjoy its benefits for years to come.