BASC marked the start of Great British Game Week 2017 by presenting a brace of pheasants to Environment Secretary Michael Gove.
The presentation was made outside the Houses of Parliament by BASC Food Ambassador Jose Souto and the association’s political affairs manager Sophie Hutchinson.
With the shooting season in full swing, Great British Game Week celebrates all that is good about wild game meat and has returned for its fourth year to run from November 20 until November 26.
After accepting the brace of oven-ready birds Michael Gove said: “Great British Game Week is an opportunity to highlight and promote UK game meat, which continues to grow in popularity.
“Enjoying game is just one of the benefits of sustainable shooting activities – the tradition also aids the rural economy and the environment, in particular wildlife and habitat conservation.”
Sophie Hutchinson said: “We are delighted that the Environment Secretary accepted a brace of birds that was sourced from a Young Shots day in East Sussex at the weekend before being dressed for the table. That journey from field to fork highlights the sustainability of shooting in the UK.
“The government’s commitment to shooting and game meat is good news. The Environment Secretary’s recognition of the contribution that shooting makes to the rural economy and his acknowledgement of the benefits of game meat is to be welcomed.
“BASC will continue to make the case for shooting in parliament both during game week and beyond.”
Jose Souto, game chef and chief lecturer in culinary arts at Westminster Kingsway College, said: “Game meat is wild, healthy, high in protein and delicious. It can be easily found in all good butchers, game dealers and some supermarkets.
“Game sales are increasing year-on-year as the popularity of game increases. The variety and quality of flavour from game of all types is unrivalled and my students learn very quickly from me that it is truly fantastic to cook with.”