Identifying your quarry is only one aspect of good shooting practice. There are many contributory factors, and understanding and applying them in the shooting field is very important, for several reasons. They will increase your success and enjoyment, keep you a responsible and considerate sportsman or sportswoman, and ensure any losses or wastage of shot birds and animals are kept to a minimum.

On the basis that you have the authority to shoot and are fulfilling all relevant legal requirements, then positively identifying your quarry is the first step. You should then take a shot only if you are sure:

• it is safe to do so
• the target is within your range
• your gun/cartridge combination is appropriate for the type and size of quarry you are shooting
• you are confident of hitting and killing the bird or animal
• you will be able to recover the shot bird or animal and, as far as possible, put it to good use.

BASC has codes of practice for all types of shooting. You are encouraged to obtain those which relate to your type(s) of shooting and be guided by the information and advice given. Do also encourage your shooting friends and associates to do the same. For the good of the sport, do not tolerate bad practice, either of your own or in others.

Enjoy your shooting!

  BASC Guide to Quarry Identification