
BASC opposes Welsh gamebird release ban on Farming Today
BASC told the BBC that the Welsh government’s proposals to licence all gamebird releasing is another step towards a future ban on shooting in Wales.
Get information on the legal shooting season for mammals and birds in the UK.
Apply for funding for your project or make a donation today
Comprehensive information and advice from our specialist firearms team.
Everything you need to know about shotgun, rifle and airgun ammunition.
Find our up-to-date information, advice and links to government resources.
Everything you need to know on firearms law and licensing.
All the latest news and advice on general licences and how they affect you.
The clarification on the Welsh Government’s view of shooting, hunting and fishing will help end speculation online, says BASC.
Direct action has been taken by Samuel Kurtz MS, following a series of social media posts claiming that many country sport activities will be banned in Wales by 2024.
Samuel has written to the Minister for Climate Change, Julie James MS, asking for “some much-needed clarification on this matter”. The action is the Senedd member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire’s first as chair of the Cross-Party Group for Shooting and Conservation.
Rumours of a ban on country sports in Wales have been exacerbated by concerned Welsh shooters who are frustrated by Natural Resources Wales‘ recent decision-making. This includes the restriction of game shooting on NRW-managed land and the exclusion of magpies, jays and jackdaws from the general licence for conservation from July this year.
Following his submission of the letter, Samuel Kurtz said: “As chairman of the cross-party Group on Shooting and Conservation I thought it was important that urgent reassurances were sought from the Welsh Government on this matter.
“Shooting and conservation activities bring considerable economic benefit to rural communities throughout Wales and rumours such as these have a damaging impact on businesses and livelihoods.
“I look forward to hearing back from the Minister as soon as possible with confirmation that what is outlined in these social media posts do not reflect Welsh Government policy.”
Steve Griffiths, BASC Wales director, said: “The reestablishment of the Senedd cross-party group is an important step in ensuring that the pressing issues relating to shooting and conservation are being discussed by Senedd members across the political sphere.
“BASC Wales will continue to work with Senedd members, including Samuel Kurtz, to ensure shooting is recognised as economically and socially significant, as well as playing a vital part in tackling Wales’s current nature crisis.”
Want to read more news from BASC Wales? Head to our dedicated pages here.
BASC told the BBC that the Welsh government’s proposals to licence all gamebird releasing is another step towards a future ban on shooting in Wales.
Nick Beavis has been crowned the winner of this year’s BASC .410 World Championships, chalking up a fifth win in the competition.
BASC Scotland strongly opposes recommendations for changes to firearms licensing in Scotland.
Sign up to our weekly newsletter and get all the latest updates straight to your inbox.
© 2025 British Association for Shooting and Conservation. Registered Office: Marford Mill, Rossett, Wrexham, LL12 0HL – Registered Society No: 28488R. BASC is a trading name of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm reference number 311937.
BASC Direct Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Agria Pet Insurance Ltd who administer the insurance and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Services Register Number 496160. Agria Pet Insurance is registered and incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 04258783. Registered office: First Floor, Blue Leanie, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 7QW. Agria insurance policies are underwritten by Agria Försäkring.
If you have any questions or complaints about your BASC membership insurance cover, please email us. More information about resolving complaints can be found on the FCA website or on the EU ODR platform.