The Research team guides BASC’s lobbying, policy development and advisory work through provision of science-based research and technical support. Projects may be conducted in house or through contractors and in conjunction with other organisations. The team has special expertise in member surveys, ballistics research, monitoring shooting and dealing with issues connected with migratory birds, as well as the environmental impacts of shooting.

Our research contributes to scientific and public understanding of sporting shooting, the management and sustainable use of quarry populations, addresses conservation issues and the needs of the shooting community, and helps to prevent or resolve conflicts between shooting and related interests.

Our research directly supports the Association’s strategic objectives.

A strong unified voice for shooting
By taking a science-based approach to issues and problems, the department offers reliable information and comment for decision makers, linking membership at local level with BASC’s representative function and with government and non-government bodies.

All-party backing for shooting
The department provides a professional contact point for accessing reliable technical information.  Our research publications and survey reports enable policy makers to use fact and well-informed comment.

High standards
Our research contributes to the maintenance of high standards of conduct and proficiency in shooting, by ensuring that training initiatives, especially those to improve shooting skills and quarry retrieval are soundly based.

Safeguarding shooting opportunities
Surveys of shooting and associated activities are essential for supporting the management of shooting and to ensure continued opportunity for members to shoot. 

Balanced comment in the media
Finally, our research helps stimulate supportive public media by providing a clear explanation of technical information and scientific research on matters of public interest or controversy.