Government plans for a new licensing scheme for game shoots in England could lead to a reduction in the release of tens of millions of pheasants into the countryside and address the poisoning of birds of prey.
Currently, around 30 million pheasants are released each year by shooting estates for people to pay to shoot. Under the proposed scheme, shoots may be granted licences to release only a specific number of birds. Additionally, estates found to be involved in the poisoning or shooting of birds of prey could lose their permission to host shoots.
Beccy Speight, chief executive of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), supports the move, stating it is not intended to ban shooting but to ensure it is sustainable and to prevent wildlife crime. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has committed to considering a licensing system and will begin with evidence gathering, followed by a public consultation.
A Defra spokesperson confirmed that sustainable shooting is valued in rural communities and that the government aims to ensure high environmental and animal welfare standards. They will work with key groups to explore options such as licensing or other conditions for recreational game bird shooting and release.