If you shoot or spend time in the countryside, here is a chance to make your voice count. The government has opened a call for evidence on the rearing, release and shooting of gamebirds, and it is inviting people with real knowledge and experience to take part.
The call for evidence has been launched by Defra, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and it applies to England. It opened on the 4th of September 2026 and it is gathering evidence on all aspects of gamebird rearing, release and shooting, including the effects on wildlife and biodiversity, protected sites, biosecurity and disease, animal welfare, and wildlife crime.
Anyone with knowledge or first-hand experience of shooting or the countryside is invited to contribute. That includes shooters, keepers, farmers, land managers and country people generally. You do not need to be an expert, your own practical experience is exactly the kind of evidence it is asking for.
It is straightforward. The easiest route is to search “call for evidence on gamebird shooting” on gov.uk, which takes you to the Defra consultation page. Read through what it covers, then add your own evidence and views through the online form.
The three simple steps: search gov.uk for the call for evidence, read what it covers, then submit your views before it closes.
The call for evidence closes at 11:59pm on the 1st of November 2026, so it is worth setting aside a little time in the next few weeks rather than leaving it to the last day.
Whatever your view, this is a genuine opportunity for the shooting and countryside community to be heard, and the more considered evidence that goes in, the better.
Facts checked against the GOV.UK call for evidence and Defra consultations, September 2026.
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