Next season’s shooting in focus

While COVID-19 interrupts human affairs the gamebird rearing period is almost over, setting the parameters for much of the coming lowground season.

Ian Dennis, a director at Conigre

Game Farm, says: “There have been many cancellations of poults due to the closure of shoots for the coming season. This seems to be mainly the larger, commercial enterprises whereas the smaller family syndicates are going ahead as usual.”

Amy Evans’ family runs Bettws Hall, one of the largest game farmers and shoot organisers in the country. “We are fully committed to carry on as normal and make the forthcoming season one to remember, in a good way. Yes, these are challenging times but we are committed to our loyal staff and holding together the community spirit that makes shooting so unique.”

Reports suggest that many commercial shoot let days will be reduced, with most available only to Guns who have committed already. Farmer, DIY and private, keepered shoots will continue much as before.

Rob Fenwick, managing director at EJ Churchill, said the supply and demand for shooting “will even itself out” but doubts there will be many cheap deals around. He advises Guns to find a shoot with “a sensible policy relating to coronavirus” and to “get the day booked and look forward to it”.

Anthony Sheppard, president of the Game Farmers’ Association, is bullish about next season but warns, “There might be more wanting to shoot than places available as so many shoots, especially larger, commercial ones, are shutting down.”