BASC’s response
The shooting organisations’ announcement is a five-year voluntary transition away from lead shot for live quarry. It is not a ban on all lead shot.
The external and internal pressures on the future use of lead shot, especially regarding human health, are significant. With the pace of development in non-lead alternatives, the shooting organisations saw an opportunity to lay down our marker and take a proactive step forward.
The five-year transition is about educating our members and the wider shooting community while we continue to welcome all further non-lead developments. To date, BASC has delivered 65 ‘Try Sustainable Ammunition’ days all over the UK with more than 1,000 attendees. BASC is undertaking market and scientific research to ensure our information is both up to date and relevant. We will further our outreach over the next three-and-a-half years to ensure the shooting community has the tools and knowledge at its disposal.
The benefit of our announcement means that we can work with the manufacturers and government in overcoming development issues such as Mr Levett-Scrivener mentioned. Our priority is to put a stop to any over-zealous restrictions that could impact on our sport while looking to a sustainable shooting future.
One such area that our announcement is advantageous is within the UK REACH process that as of last month was actively looking to restrict the use of lead.
To book a Try Sustainable Ammunition day, visit basc.org.uk Dr Peter Marshall, BASC