New avenues into shooting sports are being opened up with the appointment of BASC’s new head of pathways to shooting.
Curtis Mossop’s main aim is to introduce new audiences to shooting sports and provide opportunities to people who may never have participated before.
He will promote all forms of shooting, demonstrating the connection between conservation, food production, physical and mental wellbeing and the rural economy and help to facilitate new discipline experiences for people who already shoot.
Curtis, who previously led the game and wildlife department at Newton Rigg College, said: “In this era of convenience, technological advancements and an ever-increasing pace of life, it is important to remember that there is life outside of a mobile phone screen – people should explore what the countryside has to offer.
“There is an incredible host of benefits linked to shooting which everyone should have access to. These range from food provenance, physical wellbeing and fitness, right through to conservation and the benefits to individual, often vulnerable species.
“Shooting, across its breadth of disciplines, is open to everyone; it does not discriminate between age, gender, ability or background.”
He also praised collaborative events such as #LetsLearnMoor – where earlier this month 1,400 schoolchildren took to the moors of northern England to learn all about the uplands, the unique species that live there and the custodians who protect and conserve it – as “fantastic” examples of how to introduce newcomers to the sport.
“Young people are getting the opportunity to experience and listen to professionals from a range of shooting and non-shooting groups in a real life environment, which is invaluable,” he added.
“Some of these individuals may decide to take up shooting later in life, but the real success story is the fact that they travel home with a far better and well-rounded view of the dynamics of the countryside and the integral part shooting plays in it.”