Shooting to go ahead under ‘rule of six’ exemptions

SHOOTING, trail hunting and other rural activities are permitted to continue under exemptions to the ‘rule of six’, with Covid-safe protocols in place. The Game Shooting Census by Gunsonpegs and Lycetts reports that 85% of shoots will be shooting this season, with only 25% running a reduced calendar.

BASC has been running COVID-19 guidance visits to help game shoots prepare for the season, reduce the risks posed by COVID-19 and comply with Government regulations. “BASC’S Covid shoot visits have been extremely successful,” says Dan Reynolds, BASC’S England director. “We have helped more than 300 shoots up and down the country create their own detailed and unique risk assessments that have given them the confidence to go forward with shooting this season.”

As the pandemic continues to affect daily life, shooting will be critical to supporting physical and mental health, as new research from the University of Northampton shows the positive social impact of participating in driven game shooting in the UK.

“The evidence showed that Driven Game Shooting (DGS) creates strong social networks, derived from rural and heritage identities, which encourage participation in regular exercise in all weathers, positively impacting both mental and physical wellbeing,” said Dr Tracey Latham-green. “Participation in DGS can reduce loneliness, which is particularly important in rural areas with dispersed and isolated settlements, providing support in times of need, such as… during the COVID-19 pandemic.”