Shooting and countryside news, events and politics | Sporting Gun

Shooting businesses could access investment funds

Shooting businesses are among a range of small companies in South West England that could access investment funds of between £200 and £1,000 to develop their country sports facilities and boost business.

Clay shooting: Clay shooting event raises over £27k for charity

A clay shooting event, in aid of a regional blood cancer charity, has raised an amazing £27,000 - and donations are still rolling in!

Nightime shooting demonstrations to be held

Nite Site and the Sportsman Gun Centre Newport will be hosting a shooting event at the Severn Side Ranges, Caldicott on Wednesday 18th January, where shooters can test the latest advancement in night vision technology with a selection of air guns.

Inventive shooting idea makes money for charity

When it comes to inventive shooting ideas to raise money for charity, the Vyrnwy Shoot takes some beating!

Arson attack on Suffolk shooting club

Lakenheath Target Centre has been severely damaged by fire – and police are treating the blaze as arson.

Tragic shooting incident in County Durham

The UK's largest shooting organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), has expressed sadness at this tragedy and sympathy for the families of the victims but has warned against any kneejerk reaction.

Government panel on forestry supports shooting

The Government’s Independent Panel on Forestry, born out of the fierce debate over the proposed sale of public forests, earlier this month published a progress report on ways to increase benefits generated from forests in England.

Call for help with
tail docking study

The Glasgow Vet School study into the incidences of tail injury in working dogs is still keen to hear from dog owners who are currently working their gundogs or terriers.

Bill to ban under-14s from shotgun licences

A bill to ban young Shots from holding shotgun certificates will have its second reading in Parliament next month.

Police logo used without authority on LACS site

The Countryside Alliance’s chair Kate Hoey MP has written to the president of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) following the revelation that the police association’s logo appeared apparently without authorisation on the website <a href="http://www.huntingact.org" target="_blank">www.huntingact.org</a>

ACPO calls for 88% rise in cost of shotgun licence

New charges proposed include £110 fee to license land for a charity clayshoot and £96 to change a shooter’s address.

Government's rural
policy under fire

While green groups attack the chancellor’s shift in favour of development, the Countryside Alliance voices its support.

Illegal pesticide and firearms charges brought

A man has been charged with a number of offences relating to illegal pesticide storage and firearms offences.

Deer stalker bags 12-point sika stag

12-point sika stag has been shot in Central Scotland but, claim CIC experts, though highly unusual, it is unlikely to make medal status.

Gundog thefts double in just a year

Gundog breeds the worst affected according to new figures from DogLost.

Grouse shooting in the UK has a bumper season

Grouse keepers and shooters around the UK are reflecting on one of their best years in decades, with some moors shooting right up to the last day of the grouse season.

Famous shooting piece offered to wildfowling club

Historic wildfowling piece offered to shooting club following unsuccessful fundraising bid.

Italian gunmaker appoints sole UK distributor

One of Italy’s best-kept secrets, Brescia-based shotgun and rifle manufacturer Zoli, has appointed Edgar Brothers as sole UK distributor of their game and competition shotguns and rifles.

Alliance condemns BBC report on youngshots

The BBC's One Show report on under-14s shooting has been roundly condemned shooting groups.

Shooting groups concern over wildfowl numbers

Shooting groups show concern as joint report reveals record low numbers for mallard and a decline for pochard.

Police and gamekeepers team up to protect deer

Police in Derbyshire equipped with rifles and nightvision goggles will team up with gamekeepers, landowners and farmers to protect deer and gamebirds in Robin Wood, near Melbourne, it has been announced.

Game shooting conserves wide range of wildlife

New GWCT research confirms the hedgerow habitats of game shooting estates enhance wildlife biodiversity.

Shooting party praised after heart attack

Shooting parties have been reminded of the importance of ensuring that at least one of their number is first aid trained, after the life of a Gun was saved by his fellow shooters.

Countryside Alliance chief executive quits

Countryside Alliance chief executive leaves her role after just 14 months to take up position with education charity.

League Against Cruel Sports
Campaigns head arrested

The former head of campaigns and communications at the League Against Cruel Sports (LACS) has been arrested on suspicion of fraud.

League Against Cruel Sports Campaigns chief sacked

The League Against Cruel Sports has confirmed that its head of campaigns and communications, Steve Taylor, has been dismissed for gross misconduct following a disciplinary investigation concerning expenses claims.

RSPB accused of portraying landowners as criminals

The RSPB has been accused of telling children to ignore established procedures for reporting wildlife crime, and of portraying landowners as criminals who poison birds of prey.

Shooting projects win
Purdey gold awards

Two projects described as 'outstanding' by judges have tied for the top prize at the 2011 Purdey Awards for Game and Conservation.

Hatsan launches airgun aimed solely at youngshots

Leading Turkish gun manufacturer, Hatsan has launched the Striker Junior – its first ever airgun model developed specifically for youngsters.

Holkham pheasants on the menu at local chip shop

A Norfolk fish and chip shop is thought to have become the first in the country to include deep-fried pheasant on its menu.

Taxation blow for shooting coaches

HM Revenue and Customs launch new campaign targeting people who provide private lessons.

MP against shotgun licences for the young

Labour MP launches Parliamentary bid to prevent children gaining “unfettered access” to shotguns and obtaining a shotgun licence.

Scottish minister praises harmony of shooting project

Game management and conservation work in harmony at Langholm Moor project impresses environment minister.

Coronation Street star to offer a Taste of Game

As part of BASC’s Taste of Game Season, the Northern regional team will join former Coronation Street star Charlie Lawson (Jim McDonald) and his partner Debbie Stanley for free game tasting at their farm shop in Prestbury Village, Cheshire.

Hotshots calendar Help for Heros: Hotshots Calendar to aid Help for Heroes charity

With half of all proceeds going to charity, tiny hotpants, body paint and smoldering poses – this year’s Hotshots calendar is hotter than ever.

GB retains World Rifle Championship in Australia

The Great Britain Rifle Team has just returned from three weeks in Australia, where they were competing in the World Long Range Rifle Championships.

Gunmakers Atkin Grant & Lang under new ownership

Francis Lovel & Co have completed the purchase of the famous gunmaking names of Henry Atkin, Stephen Grant & Joseph Lang.

End to shooting permits for Irish visitors

There could be an end to the need for British shooting visitors to Ireland to obtain a certificate of approval before they travel to the country.

Shooting club wins national award

Roy Green of Altrincham Rifle and Pistol Club has been presented with the National Shooting Week Award in recognition of the club’s record in introducing newcomers to the sport.

Scotland reiterates call for gun control powers

Scottish Government reiterates call for devolution of gun controls as crime relating to airguns drops by almost half.