BASC at The Stalking Show: deer management in the spotlight

BASC is the official partner of The Stalking Show, which takes place on 11 and 12 April at Staffordshire County Showground.

As the UK’s dedicated event for deer stalkers, The Stalking Show brings together thousands of stalkers, land managers and industry professionals for two days of knowledge-sharing, discussion and catching up with friends and contacts.

For BASC, the event provides an important opportunity to speak directly to deer managers about the issues that matter most.

Supporting effective deer management

BASC is the main representative body for deer stalkers in the UK and our experts on hand throughout the weekend of the show. This means that visitors can get specialist advice on questions and issues around deer management, including several key policy developments currently affecting the sector:

Night shooting licence (CL55)

BASC’s work to influence decision-makers has helped to secure a new, streamlined night shooting licence from Natural England.

At the show, BASC staff will explain how the new system works and what it means in practice.

Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill

BASC secured amendments to improve the legislation and limit some of its wider impacts. However, the principle of mandatory training has now been established. This makes it important that proposals elsewhere in the UK are examined carefully.

Get advice from our experts on the ramifications of the bill at the show.

Deer policy in England

We welcomed the Government’s recent deer impacts policy statement for England, particularly its recognition of the role deer managers play in woodland protection and the sustainable supply of wild venison. However, we are concerned about proposals to link minimum competence requirements to firearms licensing.

Speak to us at the show about what the changes mean for you.

Crime and Policing Bill

The Government has tabled an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill that will remove sound moderators from their current classification as Section 1 firearms. BASC welcomes this change, which follows cross-party support in the House of Lords and represents progress towards a more proportionate licensing framework.

Come and see our firearms team to chat through these changes and other firearms licensing issues.

BASC speakers at The Stalking Show

BASC will deliver a comprehensive programme of talks across the weekend, giving visitors the chance to hear directly from those working at the forefront of deer management and firearms policy.

Head of deer and woodland management, Martin Edwards, will lead sessions examining the future of deer stalking and the practical implications of recent policy changes.

Discussions will address the streamlined night shooting licence, best practice guidance and what the current deer policy direction means for those managing deer on the ground.

BASC’s head of firearms, Martin Parker, will explore developments in firearms licensing and the proposed changes that could affect certificate holders.

Given concerns about competence requirements linked to firearms licensing, his sessions will provide clarity on BASC’s position and the potential impact on deer managers.

BASC chief executive Ian Bell and BASC chairman Eoghan Cameron will discuss the wider strategic direction of deer management and how BASC is representing members at Westminster and beyond. They will set out why removing unnecessary barriers is essential if the sector is to recruit and retain the next generation of deer stalkers.

Alongside them, BASC’s head of education and outreach, Curtis Mossop; regional director Lewis Thornley; and deputy director of shooting and operations, Terry Behan, will contribute to panel discussions and practical sessions covering best practice, training pathways and real-world deer management challenges.

Each session will allow time for questions, and we’d encourage you to come and see our team on the BASC stand during the weekend to have further queries answered.

Practical advice and hands-on engagement

The show is also a perfect opportunity to explore BASC training courses. These include support to help you progress from DSC1 towards DSC2 and mentoring initiatives designed to help newcomers gain the skills required to become successful deer stalkers.

So, whether you want to discuss qualifications, BASC stalking schemes, firearms licensing queries or market access for venison, BASC’s team will be available to you.

We look forward to welcoming thousands of BASC members and visitors to Staffordshire County Showground on 11 and 12 April. Make sure to book your tickets on The Stalking Show website.