Data is knowledge, knowledge is power

The information we have around shooting-related activities gives us knowledge. And the more we know, the more we can provide solutions to problems as they arise. Collecting data and monitoring trends can help us answer many questions about wildlife. This is where we scientists get very excited, and hopefully we can pass that excitement onto you. 

BASC’s evidence and environmental law team are primarily interested in ecological data that the shooting community can provide for us. We collect this through surveys that we ask you to participate in, reading (MANY) research papers, citizen science projects and commissioning research from other scientists. 

All the research and data we collect – although individually may seem trivial – when pulled together informs policy decisions, feeds into legal challenges or demonstrates where self-regulation is working and therefore that further legislation is not necessary. It allows us to be proactive and act in a measured way, before change is enforced upon us. 

Simple measures, such as providing BASC with one wing from a duck you have shot, or reporting any ringed birds you shoot to the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) can feel like a tiny contribution or a waste of time. But these things contribute to larger datasets which are hugely important. 

For instance, a wigeon you shot may have been ringed in Finland three years ago and recaptured in Denmark or the Netherlands twice since then, before ending up on your plate. That one bird will add valuable insights into what we know about quarry species and the researchers collecting the data will be pleased to receive your ring return; it completes the story of that individual. 

We are also interested in what might be affecting population declines in some waterfowl species. We know that mallards have low nesting success, and that duck nest tubes appear to boost brood size and hatching success. Our duck nest monitoring project has many dedicated participants who have installed nests with BASC over the years.

While the installation of nest tubes is a vital starting point, monitoring the nests and completing the data form is the most important component for us. Without the data, we cannot actually prove that nest tubes are having a positive impact. We now live in a day and age where data talks and anecdotal evidence does not.