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A major call for evidence is underway and the voice of shooting needs to be heard. With Defra gathering evidence on game shooting, this special episode looks at what’s being considered, why it matters and crucially how everyone connected to shooting can make their voice heard before the 1st November deadline. BASC’s Michelle Nudds explains what’s at stake and why first hand experiences matter, gundog trainer Ben Randall joins us after his call to action video went viral and England international rugby player Ollie Sleightholme talks shooting, stalking, the people he’s met along the way and why he’s lending his support. LINKS: BASC’s online email tool: https://basc.org.uk/thevoiceofshooting/ Defra’s official online questionnaire: https://consultations.defra.gov.uk/call-for-evidence-on-gamebird-release-shooting-and-welfare-during-rearing-in-england/survey Send evidence by post: A printed or handwritten letter to - Defra, Gamebirds call for evidence, Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF

As wildfowlers return to the foreshore for another season, we explore the passion for wildfowling and the work being done to protect its future. BASC's Head of Wildfowl and Wetlands, James Green, discusses the organisation's wildfowling roots, the latest on consenting and the Schedule 2 review, sustainable shooting and how the permit scheme is opening up opportunities to experience the sport. He also takes us behind the scenes of a new documentary telling the story of wildfowlers and their relationship with the places they help look after. On the Ribble, Chris Kelly of Preston and District Wildfowlers Association shares some remarkable examples of conservation in action, including creating rabbit warrens for nesting shelduck. Wildlife artist Chris Lodge reveals the inspiration behind 'Wigeon on the Ribble', this year's BASC Wildlife Fund stamp and how one very special bird, ‘Blue 88’, became part of the story.  If you haven't purchased your stamp yet, you can do so through the BASC Wildlife Fund website. https://bascwildlifefund.co.uk/

What happens on a moor, who looks after it and why are thousands of schoolchildren brought here every year? Tom Evans heads to the Yorkshire Moors for Let's Learn Moor,  a unique day where classrooms are swapped for hands-on experiences. Meeting gamekeepers, mountain rescuers, gun dog trainers, dry stone wallers and conservationists, Tom discovers how one day outdoors is helping inspire the next generation to understand and value Britain's uplands.

Tom looks ahead to this year's event at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire (24–26 July), exploring what's new, why The Game Fair continues to thrive nearly 70 years after it first began and what visitors can expect across this three-day celebration of the countryside. Joining us is James Gower, CEO of The Game Fair, who takes us behind the scenes, revealing what it takes to keep the show evolving while staying true to its roots. Dick and Angel Strawbridge (Escape to the Chateau), who discuss countryside life, family cooking and the story behind this year's rabbit recipe. Finally, Lewis Thornley, BASC's central director, talks us through the great member benefits and why The Game Fair remains such an important event for the countryside community.

What really happens once the shooting season comes to an end?  In this episode we explore the work, planning and countryside management that continues long after the final day in the field. Guests include BASC's deputy director of shooting and operations, Terry Behan and Paul Childerley from Childerley Sporting, who discuss the realities of the off-season, from habitat conservation and shoot preparation, to deer management, sustainability and the growing interest in food provenance. This episode shines a light on the relentless work that keeps the countryside moving long after the shooting stops.

Recorded at The Stalking Show, this episode features BASC’s chief executive, Ian Bell, discussing DEFRA’s England Deer Impact Policy Statement. While there is broad support for improving deer management, Ian raises concerns about potential barriers, particularly around proposed mandatory training. We also explore the future of deer management, including BASC’s new flexible DSC1 online course designed to widen access to training, and the urgent need to bring through the next generation, as the average age of deer stalkers continues to rise.

What does it take to go from good...to Olympic champion? In this episode of the BASC Podcast, we explore the world of competitive clay shooting, from grassroots participation to the Olympic stage. Nathan Hales relives his gold medal winning performance at Paris 2024 and the focus required to deliver under pressure. Leading down-the-line shooter Sarah Milroy shares how she found the sport and what keeps her striving to improve. We also hear from BASC’s engagement manager for Wales, David Boden, on how more people are discovering clay shooting and what’s being done to make the sport more accessible than ever.

For shoots nationwide, the end of the season marks the start of some of the most crucial planning. This episode explores the journey of wild game from the field to the table and the decisions that need to be made now to ensure a smooth season ahead. We explore the practical considerations of where your game will go, how it’s processed and the infrastructure, compliance and forward planning needed to make it all work.  Whether you’re thinking about expanding distribution, connecting more with your local community, or taking greater control of where your game ends up, now is the time to plan. We’ll also highlight how excellence across the entire supply chain is celebrated through the Eat Game Awards, which showcase the people and businesses championing British wild game.  The Wild Game Guide

This episode is your end of season reset. We’re talking gun care, why it matters, what’s often overlooked and how a bit of attention now can protect your shotgun or rifle for years to come.  Whether your gun’s been out every weekend or sitting quietly in the cabinet, proper maintenance makes all the difference when next season rolls around. Our guests include... BASCs south east regional officer, Fliss Winters, highlighting how gun maintenance fits into the wider routine of a shooting day. BASC's Central regional director, Lewis Thornley, shares practical advice on maintaining the accuracy-critical areas of a rifle. Darren Hartshorne from Midcounties Blacking shares behind the scenes stories from the workshop, showing how neglect can lead to serious problems.

In this episode we explore the reality of crime in the countryside, from poaching and hare coursing to the theft of agricultural vehicles and machinery. We hear directly from the people dealing with these offences day in day out and find out how policing is adapting to meet the challenge. Chief Inspector Kevin Lacks-Kelly, head of the UK’s National Wildlife Crime Unit, explains how modern poaching has evolved, why hare coursing is now treated as organised crime and how new legislation is starting to deliver real results. We’re also joined by Andy Huddleston, who leads the National Rural Crime Unit, to discuss the growing threat of rural and agricultural theft and what farmers and rural workers can do to protect themselves. Plus, Tom heads out on patrol with Sergeant Paul Brady from the Rural Engagement Team at Essex Police, to see first hand how rural crime is policed on the front line. And finally, we catch up with BASC’s head of game and wildlife management, Glynn Evans, following his recent lifetime achievement award for his long standing work tackling wildlife crime. A rare behind the scenes look at the people, partnerships and policing keeping the countryside safe.

Step behind the scenes of a shoot day as we explore the world of beating. Beating is far more than simply walking through cover, it’s a finely tuned system where people and dogs work together to try to flush the birds towards the guns, all rooted in generations of countryside knowledge. In this episode, Tom joins the beating line to experience that rhythm firsthand. From early-morning preparation to dogs weaving through thick bramble, to the teamwork that keeps everything running smoothly, he gets a true ground-level view of what happens out in the field. All of it takes place on the Norfolk Estate in the historic Sussex Downs, the perfect setting to explore the craft, camaraderie and culture behind a successful shoot day.

In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at the fast-moving world of optics, from binoculars and rifle scopes to thermal spotters, night-vision and drone technology. Whether you’re shooting, stalking, or surveying wildlife, understanding what those numbers, magnifications and features actually mean can make all the difference. Joining us are three guests who bring their own expert perspectives: Lewis Thornley, BASC’s central regional director, on how to choose the right optics for your needs and make the most of them in the field. Paul Hodson from HIKMICRO, sharing expert insight into the latest thermal and night-vision technology, what’s new, what’s next and how it’s reshaping fieldcraft. Ben Harrower from BH Wildlife Consultancy, who’s using drones and aerial imaging to support conservation and wildlife monitoring, revealing how new innovations could transform deer management.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of gundog breeds, their traits, their roles and what makes each one unique. From the field to the fireside, these dogs are not only skilled working partners but also loyal companions. We’ll be focusing on the core gundog types, Retrievers, Spaniels, Pointers & Setters and HPRs (Hunt, Point, Retrieve).  With the help of our expert guests, we’ll take a tour through each breed, exploring their strengths, working styles and the qualities that make them such reliable partners for handlers. Guests & Timestamps: Natasha Surtees — Retrievers (1:30) Richard MacNicol — Pointers & Setters (11:45) John Bailey — Spaniels (22:15) Jim Bird — HPR (Hunt, Point & Retrieve) (34:00) Glynn Evans (BASC) - Head of Game and Wildlife Management (46:50)

In this episode, we venture into the countryside after dark to uncover the vital role night shooting plays in wildlife management and conservation. We explore safety, legal considerations and the essential equipment used by those working in the field. James Sutcliffe, BASC’s deer and woodland advisor, breaks down why night shooting is important and guides us through the code of practice. Stuart Llewelyn, a volunteer dedicated to fox control, explains how targeted night shooting helps protect vulnerable curlew populations and Helen Jenning, optics expert and experienced night shooter from Rural Sports, highlights how technology and equipment have evolved to make night shooting safer and more effective.

As the grouse season gets underway, we’re diving into the people, politics and partnerships that keep the moorlands alive and thriving.  In this episode, we explore why the grouse season matters, not just for sport but for conservation, community and the rural economy. We begin with BASC’s head of uplands, Alex Farrell, who offers a clear-eyed view of the current political landscape and what lies ahead for upland shooting. Then we hear from Martin Quinn, an all-round field sportsman and seasoned picker-upper, as he walks us through a day on the moors, working his dogs and sharing the often-unseen camaraderie that powers every shoot day. To finish, we chat with conservationist and author Ian Coghill, who explains why he sees grouse moor management as one of the UK’s real conservation success stories.