AIM TO SUSTAIN is urging the rural community to stand up against the Welsh government’s proposals to licence all gamebird releasing by responding to a public consultation launched today (27 March).

In the proposals put forward by Natural Resources Wales, releasing gamebirds would only be legal under a licensing scheme, with the process subject to conditions and fees.

Aim to Sustain partner organisations have described the proposals as “the thin end of the wedge” and “a systematic attack on game shooting in Wales, which will destroy jobs, rural communities and decades of conservation work.”

BASC has launched an “Act Now” campaign to raise awareness of the threat posed to game shooting. The Countryside Alliance is also urging members to respond to the consultation. The aim of the campaigns is to galvanise the shooting sector to respond to the consultation, showing the strength and determination to fight an increasing anti-shooting agenda.

The campaigns seek to engage everyone involved in game shooting – plus other rural businesses – in Wales and across the UK whose income or land management benefits from sustainable shooting; from Guns, beaters and pickers-up, to pub landlords and farmers.

Threat extends outside of Wales

Wales is a game shooting destination and the proposals could easily be emulated by the UK government and other devolved administrations.

An Aim to Sustain spokesperson said: “Those supportive of seeing the end of game management and shooting in Wales will be co-ordinating a massive response. But our community is a million strong – and we must each play our part. Please do your bit and help shooting in Wales by responding to the consultation and opposing the proposals.”

Read more on the campaigns and respond to the consultation on the BASC website here or on the Countryside Alliance website here.