Shooting is generally owned and controlled by individuals, rather than clubs or local associations, except for wildfowling, where foreshore shooting can usually only be obtained through wildfowling organisations. Overall the representative body for country shooting in the UK is the British Association for Shooting and Conservation which is supported by 130,000 people. There are political threats to our sport and BASC fights these resolutely.
Shooting falls into several categories and you will decide which interests you most. Obviously rough shooting is far more active than driven shooting and is particularly appreciated by those who enjoy working dogs. Wildfowling will take you to the remotest places in the roughest weather - this is the sport for the would-be Ernest Hemingways - but if you have a great affinity with wild places it can have an almost magical appeal.
There are three main types of sporting firearms in use...
There are a number of birds, wildfowl (ducks and geese) and mammals which can be shot legally. For many species there is a close season during which time it is illegal to shoot them.
Identifying your quarry is only one aspect of good shooting practice.
Taste of Game - James Street South
4 January - 28 February 2010
21 James Street South, Belfast, BT2 7GA
10 February 2010
Near Holsworthy, Devon
11 February 2010
North Weald, Essex
25 February 2010
Grizedale, Cumbria