The Code of Good Shooting Practice
With the start of the shooting season, the Norfolk and Suffolk HPR Field Trial Club thought it would be the right time to remind you of the club’s unwavering commitment to The Code of Good Shooting Practice. This is a national code produced by the major shooting organisations including BASC, the National Gamekeepers Organisation, the CLA and others.
We are asking all that all members spend a short time reading the code and watching the video, compliance will ensure the highest standards of our sport are maintained for years to come.
The full code can be found on this following link: https://codeofgoodshootingpractice.org.uk/pdf/COGSP.pdf
There is also an incredibly informative video that gives you a clearer understanding of the code that can be viewed on the following link: https://youtu.be/VewTkHZoGV0?si=WBOTQrbzHVlZA2wL
We believe that all in our sport must abide by the Code for good reason. Firstly, and as outlined in the code, to ensure the highest standards are maintained for the welfare of game and the running of the shoot. We also believe that abiding with this code will ensure that the standards which our dogs are bred will be maintained and their true purpose safeguarded.
Below are a few extracts from the code.
The Code of Good Shooting Practice
In Britain we are rightly proud of our shooting sports. Game management and conservation help shape and enhance our landscape. Wildlife thrives where land is managed for shooting. Over a million people are involved in shooting; many more enjoy the end product as consumers of pheasants, partridges and other game. Moreover, shooting makes a substantial contribution to the rural economy – often at times and in places where other income is scarce. Shooting is worth £2 billion to the UK annually.
But shooting has its opponents; the good name of shooting and the ability of our organisations to defend it – depends on everyone involved following this Code. Whatever your role within shooting, you should always be ‘Code-aware’ and raise awareness of this Code in others.
Use this Code as your yardstick when deciding if you should accept an invitation or what shooting to buy. Check if shoots you are involved with, whether as a Gun, a beater or a picker-up, are Code compliant. If not, go elsewhere.
This Code applies to all game shooting – walked up, driven, wild bird or reared. Provided it is carried out following the advice set out in this Code, the release of reared birds is an entirely valid method of increasing or sustaining a stock of wild game: indeed, it is fundamental to British game shooting and its attendant conservation benefits
The following Five Golden Rules apply:
1. The safe conduct of shooting must meet the standards described in this Code, show respect for the countryside, due regard to health and safety and consideration for others.
2. Shoot managers must endeavour to enhance wildlife conservation and the countryside.
3. Respect for quarry is paramount. It is fundamental to mark and retrieve all shot game which is food and it must be treated in accordance with the Guide to Good Game Handling.
4. If birds are released, shoots must take steps to comply with the relevant sections set out in this Code.
5. Birds must never be released to replenish or replace any birds already released and shot in that season.
Shooting behaviour
All those who are involved in shooting should act as good ambassadors for the sport. You can help to protect the future of shooting by complying with this Code and by
encouraging others who shoot to do the same. This Code requires:
• Safety, observance of the law and good manners.
• Respect for quarry, habitat and the wider countryside.
• Seeking to help and support the relevant associations that represent and promote your sport.
Retrieval and handling of game
Shoot managers must ensure that adequate provision is made to retrieve all shot game and dogs are an essential part of this process.
Guns must mark the fall and assist in the retrieval of their own shot game and, where practical, should help inform pickers-up. Guns should also assist in the retrieval of other shot game.
Consumption of Game
Shoot managers must ensure they have appropriate arrangements in place for the sale or consumption of the anticipated bag in advance of all shoot days.
Rearing of Game
Whatever the species being reared or the methods being used, the overriding principle, which must guide everyone involved, is: Game husbandry must be conducted with all due consideration for the health and welfare of the birds concerned.
Releasing Game
Under normal circumstances, all birds should be released before the start of their shooting season. Shooting must not commence until the birds are mature and fully adapted to the wild – a minimum of one month from release. Birds must never be released to replenish or replace any birds already released and shot in that season. Partridge release pens should be removed before shooting begins.
Please do take some time to read through the code and watch the video. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact one of the committee to discuss them.
Gareth Wilson
Secretary on behalf of the Norfolk and Suffolk HPR Field Trial Club