BASC has welcomed the number of young people involved in shooting after the Home Office released its latest figures for firearm and shotgun certificates.
In the year up to the end of March 2017, 3,896 children under 18 in England and Wales were in possession of firearm or shotgun certificates.
Following publication of the latest figures, BASC chairman Peter Glenser highlighted the importance of educating young people to use guns safely from an early age.
Mr Glenser said: “Teaching the responsible and safe use of firearms to younger people removes the myths that surround firearms, and teaches both self-control and responsibility towards others.
“Shooting has many aspects, from pest control through to Olympic and Commonwealth Games clay shooting. It is vital that anyone wanting to compete at these top international levels gets an early start in life.
“BASC works hard to encourage young people into our sport, for example through our Young Shots programme. And last year we coached almost 6,000 young scouts and guides to shoot shotguns at the Essex International Jamboree. We are delighted to see so many young people involved in shooting sports.”
The Home Office figures for 2016/17 show that 580,658 children and adults were authorised to use guns last year. The statistcs show a one per cent increase in firearm certificates.