Country life and country sport is put on hold yet again

THE stop-start shooting season of 2020-21 has come to an abrupt halt almost a month early, with the news on Monday night of a return to full lockdown.

No-one who takes part in driven game shooting – which is a significant economic and social activity in much of the Westcountry during autumn and winter – can seriously object, however disappointed they are.

If schools are closed and hospitality business are forced to stop operating, it is hard to make the case for driven game shooting to be allowed to continue, so the coverts will fall silent, at least until next autumn, when the new season is due to start.

Most people I know who shoot have been grateful to have been able to get out and about at all this season. For many, Boxing Day was a particular highlight. In the open air and with social distancing observed – for good gun safety as well as Covid-secure reasons – shoots opened up to younger guests, as well as the regulars.

Sons and grandsons – and increasingly granddaughters too – are a traditionally welcomed on Boxing Day shoots, when some of the normal ‘rules’ are relaxed a little to give the new intake into the sport a chance to have a go.

Many traditional country pastimes have an older-than-average age profile, although game shooting has been growing in popularity in recent years and is also enjoyed by a younger crowd. Nevertheless any pastime needs to recruit younger members and the sport needs to see enthusiastic young participants take their place in the line and learn to be safe, proficient and sporting.

Research has shown the importance of social events like the shoot in rural health and well-being. This year, the countryside will have to manage without it in January.