As the 2024 wildfowling season gets underway, we bring you an in-depth discussion packed with expert insights to help you prepare. 

Guests include seasoned wildfowling experts, conservationists and scientists, all leaders in their field, with the conversation ranging from the perfect wildfowling day out, to BASC's new Sustainable Shooting Code of Practice for Wildfowl Quarry Species.

See the code here:
https://basc.org.uk/wildfowling/advice/sustainable-shooting-code-of-practice/

In this episode Tom travels to the Game Fair to celebrate our hardworking gundogs.
Amongst the skilful displays of obedience and agility, we hear from handlers and trainers, as well as the less experienced participants of the legendary BASC gundog scurries.

Our December podcast includes The Big Christmas Countryside Quiz,  how to improve your festive menu, traditions of the Boxing Day shoot and a thank you to our amazing BASC volunteers.

Tom visits The Gloucestershire Wildfowling and Conservation Association and tries his luck on an evening flight.
Plus a brief round-up of all the most important stories from BASC.

All the latest news from BASC, including NRW's decision to halt plans to license the release of gamebirds in Wales.

BASC food ambassador Rachel Green with some creative options for your shoot lunch,  and Tom visits the clay shooting line at the game fair.

Join Tom in the Peak District as he discovers how a grouse moor day is put together.
Also updates on United Utilities, as well as the Hen Harriers brood management project.

Tom catches up with some colleagues at the Game Fair and discusses the ongoing Home Office firearms licensing consultation.

The latest episode of BASC’s official podcast includes the latest news regarding Defra’s eleventh hour changes to the licensing system for releasing gamebirds on certain protected sites, and covers the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill in detail, hearing from those who are at the centre of BASC’s work.

The latest BASC podcast episode has Tom speaking to various BASC staff from around the UK on their work, events and membership benefits on the ground. 
From planning shows, training and educational events, to firearms and membership enquiries, this episode showcases the breadth of BASC’s work and reach.

Tom speaks to businesses and individuals that will be impacted by the NRW proposals and Conor reminds listeners on how to respond to the consultation.

BASC’s Steve Griffiths and Conor O’Gorman discuss the Welsh government’s proposal to licence all gamebird releasing and the BASC Act Now campaign which is opposing the plans.

With the warmer months fast approching, Tom talks to Julia Knight, Lyme disease campaigner, about tick bite prevention and the lack of knowledge amongst the general public and medical profession.

Also BASC's deer advisor, James Sutcliffe, on dealing with ticks in the field.

In this special podcast focused on the general election, Tom speaks to BASC’s political teams from England, Scotland and Wales. BASC’s executive director of communications and political affairs Christopher Graffius explains how you can help safeguard the future of shooting and conservation by contacting your parliamentary candidates.

BASC’s head of wildfowling James Green looks back on an eventful season, talks about wildfowling’s conservation objectives and how to get involved.

Listen back to the best of 2022. 
Highlights include Countryfile's Adam Henson, a trip to the National Shooting Centre at Bisley and Bill Harriman on theThe Antiques Roadshow.

Tom discusses firearms licensing with the MET's firearms licensing manager Inspector Chris Downs, as well as BASC’s Martin Parker.

Tom talks to Dr Marnie Lovejoy about BASC policy on woodcock shooting, Defra’s upcoming review of quarry species and why conservation listings don’t always work.

BASC’s Bill Harriman talks to Tom about his love of antique firearms and his best anecdotes from 30 years’ worth of appearances on Antiques Roadshow.

Tom discusses the start of the game seasons and attends a BASC shoot visit to understand more about the work underway across the regions.  

Tom explores how to encourage the next era of shooters into the fold, with GB Olympic Trap shooter Georgina Roberts and two-times English 10-meter Air Rifle Champion, Ruth Mwandumba.

Tom visits a BASC range day at the National Shooting Centre at Bisley to discuss the future of lead ammunition with experts, volunteers and members.

This episode delves into the political aspects of trophy hunting in Southern Africa, talking to community leaders in Namibia and Botswana on how UK and European legislation could undermine communities and conservation efforts in their countries.

This episode sees Tom undertake a series of audio recordings with the Calderdale Moorland Group as part of a new BASC campaign to bring the well-documented therapeutic benefits of birdsong indoors.

In this episode we dive into the world of pigeon shooting.
We have a great selection of guests to help guide you through the ins and outs of pigeon shooting as a discipline, whilst also discussing gear recommendations, and stories from the field.
Whether you're a seasoned shooter aiming to perfect your technique or a newcomer eager to learn the ropes, this podcast is your source of expert advice, practical tips, and the latest strategies to elevate your pigeon shooting game.

In this episode Tom ventures to the Eat Game Awards ceremony to celebrate and hear from the champions of wild game across the UK. 
Tom talks game with Adam Henson, Scott Rea, Chef Pascal and many more.

Tom discusses the latest news regarding the transition away from lead shot, the significant population of mountain hares in the Peak District and the future of our vital gamekeeping courses.

Tom joins a Young Shot event hosted by the Chichester Wildfowlers Association and BASC, to witness first-hand the resources being provided to the next generation of shooters.

Tom and BASC’s Dr Conor O’Gorman review 2021, discussing the organisation’s successes from overcoming Covid restrictions, to multiple legal victories.

This latest episode sees Tom interview Deputy Chief Constable Dave Orford on the topic of firearms licensing and BASC’s working relationship with the police.

Tom heads out on a deer stalk in Hampshire with Martin Edwards, BASC’s head of deer management, to learn more about managing deer and BASC’s work on the subject.

In this latest episode of the BASC podcast, Tom speaks to two serving police officers and BASC’s Glynn Evans about the actions being taken to tackle the rural blight that is poaching.  

Tom discusses the topic of firearms licensing in the wake of the tragic Plymouth shooting and looks towards the start of the pheasant shooting season with part-time gamekeeper John Parker.

In this episode, Tom goes behind the scenes at The Game Fair to hear more about the new shooting partnership 'Aim to Sustain'.

Episode 12 sees Martin Parker discuss his new and exciting role as head of firearms at BASC. Tom and Martin discuss the importance of consistency across the 43 licensing departments in England and Wales. Also in this episode, BASC’s uplands officer Gareth Dockerty provides a debrief on the recent Westminster Hall debate on banning driven grouse shooting.

In this episode we find ourselves at the Staffordshire County Showground for The Stalking Show 2024.
A weekend dedicated to those who hunt, stalk and have a passion for the great outdoors.
It is one of the most focused show events in the UK, purely for deer stalkers and hunters, so no better place for Tom to discuss deer numbers, management schemes and explore the day to day challenges faced by our deer stalkers.

Tom is joined by BASC's Head of Policy and Campaigns, Conor O'Gorman to cover the big discussion points from the last few weeks, many of which will have a direct impact on shooting and conservation.

Topics include the latest in animal welfare reform, species reintroduction, the government's bold woodland plantation scheme and what could a national deer management strategy look like?

Episode timeline:

Animal Welfare - 1:36
Trophy hunting - 11:49
England Trees Action Plan 19:07
Species reintroduction - 24:00
The England Peat Action Plan - 27:39
Game Bird release - 29:19

Ep 10 sees Tom go foraging with wild food expert Nick Weston at his Sussex headquarters. 
In addition, BASC’s Bill Harriman joins Tom to pay respect to long term BASC Patron HRH Prince Philip.



As well as the usual news and views, Episode 9 sees Tom discuss the venison market and roe buck season. We also hear from the Game Fair about this year’s plans and how BASC members receive complimentary tickets.

Episode 8 looks at a variety of BASC projects that are centred on conservation. From an update on our osprey project, volunteering with the BTO, to making mallard nesting tubes. Talking to project leaders, Tom asks how the shooting community can get involved and help boost shooting’s conservation credits.

Episode 7 is one for the younger generations, as Tom delves into BASC’s Young Shots Journalists programme. 
Listen to Tom interview three young keen shooters, who, through BASC’s journalism programme are learning a new trade and are discussing shooting sports with a wider audience.  

For our New Year’s Day episode, we take a whistle-stop tour around the various departments within BASC, looking ahead to more positive times as well as examining the main challenges we expect to face in the coming months. 

Finally, Tom witnesses first-hand how a COVID safe shoot should be run. 

Episode 5 tackles a variety of tough topics on campaigning, including the recently launched firearms consultation and licensing of grouse shooting in Scotland. 
On a lighter note, Tom has a challenging shooting quiz for listeners and talks festive game meals.

As well as news and views from around the shooting world including lockdown and game bird release, this episode explores the devastating impacts of gundog theft, the ongoing wild venison campaign and our own duck wing survey. 
Finally, Tom takes a stroll around the Autumn Show and Game Fair, one of only a handful of shows to take place this year.

In the third BASC podcast episode we welcome CEO, Ian Bell to discuss the challenges and hopes of the season ahead.  We hear of last minute preparations from gamekeeper Miles Bentley and discuss with BASC expert Bill Harriman the legislation behind travelling with your firearms.  Finally, all the latest shooting news from BASC staff around the country.

The second episode of the BASC podcast discusses both successes and challenges in the shooting world for this coming season. Including wildfowling, Wild Justice, COVID shoot visits and countryside classrooms. Finally, Tom meets up with gundog trainer Jason Mayhew, to pick up some tricks and tips prior to the season commencing.

Tom brings us all the action from day 2 of Crufts 2024 - Gundog day.

BASC has a long history at Crufts and runs the renowned Gamekeepers’ Ring at the show, celebrating the best working gundogs in the country.
As well as breed classes for working dogs and gamekeepers’ dogs, BASC classes include gamekeeper teams and working gundog teams, plus the ever-popular young handler classes where youngsters get their chance to show dogs that have worked throughout the season. 

Whether you’re competing or spectating, Crufts is the pinnacle of the dog show world, a fantastic day out and a wonderful opportunity to see our working gundogs in the spotlight.

Host Tom Evans and the BASC team discuss how shooting is open for business under the Covid-19 restrictions, the latest legislation surrounding mountain hares, the Green Party’s ruling on hate speech, shooting’s popularity in 2020...plus much more.

COMING SOON!!! The BASC podcast.
We'll be bringing you a monthly update from BASC, including all the shooting and conservation news from around the country, covering all the issues that are important to you, whether you are a member of BASC or just a supporter of the shooting and conservation community in general. 
So watch this space, the official BASC podcast hosted by Tom Evans, is coming soon!

This month we explore one of the most popular sports in the UK, airgun shooting.

Former shooting champion, BASC’s very own Richard Fussell, talks us through the allure of airgunning and why it proves to be the perfect introduction for young people into the sport. 
We also hear from the team at BSA Guns who lift the curtain on what it takes to design and manufacture their market leading rifles.

Plus, the ‘UK natural capital accounts report’ is out. BASC’s Ian Danby updates us on this crucial data designed to measure the financial and societal value of natural resources to people in the UK.

Tom heads to Kent to explore how thoughtful shoot management plays a big part in creating a healthy woodland. 
With the help of gamekeeper Adam Horn, we learn how sustainable shooting provides huge benefits to the ecosystem as a whole.