Why are people really buying dogs during lockdown and whose interest do they really have at heart? Those are among the questions being explored by Countryside Alliance chief executive Tim Bonner as he considers the impact of a rise in dog ownership on the countryside at large. In recent months there has been a string of press stories about dog attacks on livestock, with an estimated 70 per cent of such attacks being carried out while the owner is not even present. Tim said: “Clearly even a successful campaign to encourage dog walkers to keep ...

The shooting and fishing industries may no longer be able to sell lead products – ammunition or fishing weights – within five years if proposals by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) are approved. A six-month consultation period on the plans, designed to “address the risks of lead in these activities to protect people, wildlife and the environment” looks likely from March 24th. But, while organisations and manufacturers are moving towards some form of self-regulation with regards to lead, it is still unclear whether or how the UK will be subject to the latest REACH (Registration, ...

A partnership between The Game Fair and The Association of Art and Antique Dealers (LAPADA)will see a dedicated pavilion at this summer’s event – and spaces are already filling up fast. Not only will the LAPADA Pavilion bring together some of the best names in the art and antiques sector but it will also further boost the stylish and premium audience at the show. Exhibitors have been booking in their droves because of The Game Fair’s reputation for delivering around 120,000 high-quality visitors over three days, including land owners and estate managers, who collectively spend ...

Longthorne Gunmakers has completed its trigger plate boxlock range, which has been developed and made in Great Britain over the past year, despite the confines of Covid 19. The range incorporates the firm’s innovative patented barrels (game or sporting) together with several other features including Longthorne chokes (extended and flush), adjustable comb mechanism and recoil pads all made in-house, a UK first. Smooth to shoot with minimal felt recoil and muzzle flip and proofed for superior steel with 3in chambers, corrosion resistant interior components and adjustable trigger, the ever-expanding range offers a lower-cost alternative to ...

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation’s trailblazing scholarship programme has opened for this year’s applicants. Launched in 2019 to support people keen to develop their knowledge of conservation, land management and gamekeeping, the programme continues to grow. Receiving a maximum of £4,500 per year to go towards tuition fees or study materials, successful applicants have already begun to reap the rewards. Curtis Mossop, BASC’s head of pathways to shooting, said: “Through BASC’s legacy fund, this scholarship programme is able to make a substantial difference to those wanting to further their education. Through the devastation ...

Almost two thirds of UK gamekeepers have received abuse and threats because of their profession and now need better protection. Among the 1,000 responses to The Gamekeeper Survey 2020 are shocking reports of keepers receiving death threats and warnings of arson and criminal damage, with 64 per cent saying they had received direct abuse., with many claiming it had destroyed personal relationships. Abuse via social media channels is a rising issue for gamekeepers, with 56 per cent reporting an increase in the number of incidents over the last 12 months compared to previous years. Over ...

Two outdoor major organisations – the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) and the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) – have joined forces to condemn Government proposals to restrict airgun use for under-18s. Members of both organisations will be severely disadvantaged by the Home Office’s proposal within its current Firearms Safety consultation, they say. If approved, the proposal will see 14 to 17 year-olds in England and Wales lose their ability to use airguns unsupervised on private premises. This will impact on thousands of under-18s who use airguns as part of their ...

The British Game Alliance (BGA) has introduced an Associate Membership category, designed to widen access to the organisation for smaller shoots. The move comes amidst growing recognition of the value of self-assurance to protect the future of shooting. Until now, many smaller shoots have felt unable to join the BGA, as they do not sell their game and only shoot for personal consumption, despite recognising the need for a self-regulating shooting sector with independent shoot assurance and supporting the goal of a thriving market for game meat. The Associate Membership will bet at a lower ...

The Great British Shooting Awards give recognition to the products, organisations and people that make our industry tick. The people and products chosen as the winners in their category by our panel of high-profile judges and a public vote will be featured in Airgun Shooter, Shooting Gazette, Clay Shooting, Shooting Times, Sporting Gun, Sporting Rifle, Gun Trade News and Shooting UK, and will receive a trophy for display.  Submit your nominations now for your brands and products to be in with a chance of winning.  https://www.futureevents.uk/gbsa-nominations/begin

The Country Food Trust, this year’s chosen Game Fair charity, will be helping thousands of children who would otherwise go hungry thanks to its Winter Appeal, which has raised more than £130,000. It is a sad reality that the number of children experiencing the debilitating effects of food poverty is on the rise in this country and the uncertainly of 2020 has really thrown this into sharp relief for many. The CFT’s work with its charity partners has highlighted the real need for wholesome and nutritious food to support these children during the incredibly important ...

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation has stepped in over fears of significant delays when Northern Irish gun dealers try to honour warranties from British distributors or suppliers. BASC has highlighted concerns about the negative impact of Brexit on firearms dealers to Northern Ireland’s Minister for the Economy, Diane Dodds MLA. Prior to Brexit, dealers in NI and Great Britain simply exchanged copies of their firearms dealer’s certificate before the dealer in NI sent the firearm via the contracted courier. However, post-Brexit, Trader’s Support Service (TSS) and the Department of International Trade (DIT) have ...

Steven Frampton and Michael Canon set up Wild & Game in 2017 with the aim of boosting the sale of game meat. Steve explains how it all started and why the sector looks set to continue flourishing. Wild and Game founders Steven and Michael wanted to address the issue that far more game is produced in the UK than is consumed, mainly they felt because many people were not familiar with it as an ingredient and did not feel confident cooking with it. Their solution was to create a food range based around some of ...

Oldsport Outfitters might be a new name at The Game Fair but, like the opportunities it offers, founder Tom Cosby believes his business’ presence is just another exciting adventure. How did Old Sport Outfitters get started? What’s your background? I have been working within the gun trade since I left school, for companies such as James Purdey & Sons and Atkin Grant & Lang in a sales capacity. Earlier last year I decided to leave standing behind a counter and pursue my passion for hunting, trying my best to turn it into a business. I ...

The British Game Alliance is hosting a free virtual cook along on Thursday 28th January at 6.30pm. Hosted by BGA Chef Ambassador, Leon Davies, who will be joined by the BGA’s Head of Operations, Louisa North, attendees can learn how to cook a recipe for Pheasant Katsu Curry to enjoy at home. The cook along is free to join from the comfort of your own kitchen, with the chance to ask Leon questions during the live event. To join, attendees can register on the link below and if they wish to cook along, purchase ingredients ...

The Environment Agency invested more than £48 million in projects to enhance fisheries and make improvements for anglers, angling facilities and the environment during 2019-20. The organisation’s Annual Fisheries Report, which has just been released, shows that over £20 million was raised from rod licence sales in England and Wales, with almost a million (940,974) fishing licences sold between April 2019 and 31 March 2020. This was supplemented by partner contributions and additional government funding, allowing the EA to spend over £48 million to support the management of fisheries. Environment Agency fisheries staff also used rod ...

Game specialist Wild and Game is encouraging people to give Burns Night a twist this year by putting game on the menu. The company, which is on a mission to get game more widely enjoyed all year round in the UK, has released three recipes that re-work Scottish classics with game as a key ingredient, just in time for Burns Night on Monday, January 25th. The recipes include pheasant cock-a-leekie soup, haggis and venison Wellington and home-made venison haggis with roasted tatties and neeps and buttered kale. Since it was launched in 2017, Wild and ...

Three key players in the shooting industry – The Game Fair, the Gun Trade Association and Gun Trade News – have come together to support those working within it by delivering a Trade Pavilion during the show. Alongside all of the other major attractions at the much-loved event – taking place at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire from July 23rd to 25th – the purpose-built pavilion will offer a mix of public access trade stands and industry-only exhibition space. There will also be meeting rooms, business services and even a new product showcase, looking after manufacturers, wholesalers, ...

Antique tackle dealer Victor Bonutto is one of the longest-running ‘fixtures’ of The Game Fair, having exhibited at the event for more than 30 consecutive years. We caught up with him to discuss his passion and what keeps him coming back. You have exhibited at The Game Fair for more than 30 years in a row – what’s the appeal of the event? It’s the number one event for me. I have exhibited all over the UK and nothing, absolutely nothing, has the buzz of The Game Fair. Past customers and friends know I will ...

The much-loved celebration of the great British Countryside returns in 2021 taking place in the familiar surroundings of Ragley Hall from 23-25 July. In the spirit of progression and innovation The Game Fair are delighted to announce our new partnership with ‘LAPADA’ the UK’s largest association of professional art and antique dealers. The LAPADA Pavilion will showcase an exquisite range of works across an array of disciplines; from fine art, furniture and contemporary works of art to decorative arts, jewellery and antiquities. Complimenting the fabulous art exhibitors already scheduled to attend. From its inception in ...