Have a beaters’ day to remember
BASC’s Julia Newman shares her top tips for enjoying your beaters’ day this year, a highlight in the shooting calendar for all involved.
- - Features
- - Features
National Shooting Show hits the target again
Sunshine, smiles and a weekend full of shooting and conservation – BASC shines at the National Shooting Show in Harrogate.
Clear blue skies and warm spring sunshine welcomed thousands to the National Shooting Show on 10–11 May at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate. Once again, BASC took centre stage with an energetic, engaging presence that catered to seasoned country sports enthusiasts, curious newcomers and young conservationists alike.
With complimentary admission for members across both days, the BASC areas were a hive of activity. Staff and volunteers fielded hundreds of questions, hosted interactive demos, and offered a host of attractions that celebrated all aspects of shooting and conservation.
On stand and in the field at the National Shooting Show
The main BASC stand, located in the covered halls, showcased membership services, expert firearms advice and the ever-popular GAIM virtual reality shooting simulator. Just outside, the BASC Village buzzed with interest as both members and non-members explored a wide array of specialist displays.
Highlights included:
- Complimentary tea, coffee and water for members
- Deer head measurement services
- Informative displays on deer management, wildfowling and game shooting
- Free health checks from the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust
- Live demonstrations on carcass extraction and examination
Engaging the next generation
The Kids’ Conservation Area proved a major draw for families, with youngsters getting hands-on with activities like bird box building and even pigeon plucking – all under the careful supervision of BASC staff and volunteers. The sessions offered an educational yet fun introduction to conservation for children.
Tastes of the wild
A clear favourite once again was the BASC Hunter’s Kitchen, where top chefs including Lionel Strub, Nick Lister and Simon Whitehead wowed audiences with game cooking demonstrations. From sausage making to full game preparation, the sessions drew large crowds with generous samples available throughout.
Just opposite, Game and Flames kept the aromas flowing with sizzling venison kebabs and a variety of game-based snacks, reinforcing the message of sustainable wild food.
Getting on the line
The BASC Clay Line was a hub of excitement, with people of all ages queuing for introductory shotgun lessons. For many, it was their first experience with a shotgun – and hopefully the first step on a longer journey into the world of country sports.
BASC’s head of training and education Peter Marshall said: “The Shotgun Coaching Line proved to be a standout success at this year’s National Shooting Show, delivering an exceptional weekend of instruction and engagement.
“Across Saturday and Sunday, our team provided 111 full lessons and 48 shooting experiences. The atmosphere was upbeat and professional throughout, with our coaches working tirelessly to ensure every visitor left with improved skills and a smile on their face.
“The Shotgun Coaching Line truly showcased the best of what we do – expert instruction, strong teamwork and a passion for shooting.”
National Shooting Show: Big brands, busy aisles
Across the venue, dozens of trade stands offered everything from shotguns and rifles to optics, clothing, dog gear and accessories. Both indoors and out, the aisles were busy with visitors browsing, buying, and chatting to traders.
Hikmicro, a long-time supporter of BASC events, drew particular attention with their display of digital night vision scopes, including the Alpex range.
Other standout attractions included:
- Skill House challenges
- Archery and axe throwing
- Indoor airgun shooting and the classic Bell Target
- Demonstrations of muzzle-loaders and practical shotgun
- Gundog displays from Mordor Gundogs and the ever-popular Teckel Mania mini arena
Voices from the ground
BASC’s North director, Duncan Thomas, summed up the event perfectly: “It was great to be back in Harrogate – this show is always a fantastic opportunity to meet our members and connect with the wider shooting community.
“The National Shooting Show really does have it all: expert advice from BASC specialists, engaging displays on deer management, wildfowling and game shooting, and practical demonstrations on carcass extraction and examination. We were also pleased to offer popular services like deer head measurements and, of course, complimentary tea, coffee and water for our members.
“Our presence this year was strong, with a wide range of displays and activities, but what stood out most for me was the bird box building sessions. It was brilliant to see so many youngsters getting hands-on with conservation – a real highlight of the weekend.”
Martin Parker, BASC’s head of firearms, echoed the positive sentiment: “There were lots of new members joining and the extensive presence from the association was much appreciated by the members. Firearms had a steady stream of enquiries over the two days. There was also the opportunity to engage with the representatives from the five police forces that attended, those being Surrey & Sussex, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, GMP and Lancashire.”
National Shooting Show 2026: Looking ahead
If you missed this year’s National Shooting Show, don’t worry – BASC members also receive complimentary entry to The Game Fair at Ragley Hall, taking place 25-27 July.
The National Shooting Show returns in 2026, but at a new home: Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. A spokesperson for Stable Events, The National Shooting Show’s organisers, said: “From 2026, NSS will be relocating to NAEC Stoneleigh in Warwickshire – a move inspired by feedback from our visitors and exhibitors, who asked for a more central, expansive, and immersive visitor experience representing all disciplines under one roof.
“Stoneleigh Park offers exceptional facilities, great access from across the UK, and a proud heritage in country sports – the perfect home for the next evolution of The National Shooting Show.”
Once again, BASC members will benefit from free admission and discounted guest tickets. We look forward to welcoming you there!
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Mike Montgomery
Mike Montgomery has been a journalist for more than 40 years, the last 15 with BASC where he is a communications executive and deputy editor of Shooting and Conservation magazine. He enjoys deer stalking and beating.
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