Call for evidence

Gamebird rearing, release and shooting in England – what it is and how to respond

Defra is gathering evidence about the environmental, animal health and welfare impacts of gamebird rearing, release and shooting in England. The exercise opened on 4 September 2026 and closes on 1st November 2026. It is a call for evidence, not a set of policy proposals, and Defra is seeking information on both positive and negative impacts.

Who can contribute?

Anyone with relevant knowledge or experience can respond. That may include gamekeepers, shoot owners and managers, farmers, landowners, Guns, beaters, pickers-up, dog handlers, rural businesses, contractors, conservation organisations and people who live or work around shoots.

What counts as useful evidence?

Evidence does not have to be academic research. Defra also welcomes well-documented operational and first-hand experience. A short, specific response can therefore be useful if it explains:

• what you personally do, manage, observe or record;

• where the experience relates to and over what period;

• the practical effect you have seen – whether environmental, welfare, land-management, social or other;

• any figures, records, photographs, surveys, invoices, diary entries or monitoring that support what you say; and

• any limitations or context needed to understand the evidence properly.

A simple way to structure a response

Start with who you are and your involvement with game shooting. Then describe one or more things you know first-hand, give the location and timeframe, explain what supports your account, and say what you believe the evidence reasonably demonstrates. There is no need to answer every question if you only have evidence on particular subjects.

The key point: tell Defra what you personally know, saw, did, managed or recorded – and make clear where, when and what supports it.

How to respond

The official Defra consultation page contains the online response survey and supporting information: Defra – Gamebird release, shooting and welfare during rearing in England For practical guidance on turning first-hand experience into evidence, see: BASC – What counts as evidence in Defra’s review of game shooting?

Closing date: 1 November 2026