BASC chairman Peter Glenser reflects on the wonders of shooting and looks to the future as the game season comes to an end.
He said: “The game season unites those who have a common love for shooting, the countryside and the traditions that make our sport such a fantastic presence in our lives.
“The end of the season is always sad, but it’s a chance to reflect on the fantastic days we have enjoyed, the company we have shared and also to pay tribute to those who have worked tirelessly to support our shooting – the gamekeepers, beaters and pickers-up.
“I have previously said we are in a golden age of shooting, and I am heartened to see so many new people, especially women, picking up a gun for the first time.
“For shooting to continue to thrive, we must all play our part in encouraging new people to share our passion. Shooting takes us to special places we would likely not otherwise see and, personally, it is a pleasure to introduce others to my sport.
“Nevertheless, the close season allows us time to take part in pigeon shooting and deer stalking and foreshore wildfowling will continue until 20th February. The close season also affords us the down-time to consider dangers to our sport which may lurk around the corner. This new age of social media and instant comment has shifted the battleground, so we must all be alive to the threats.
“BASC has fought hard this season to represent shooting and to be its voice, but we can all play our part to promote shooting and should use every opportunity to highlight its undeniable benefits to our health, conservation and to rural economies.”
A BASC infographic highlighting the benefits of game shooting can be found here.
ENDS