BASC launches new GSC1 course for novice shots
BASC has launched a GSC1 course aimed at the novice shot to improve success in the field and provide an accessible route into game shooting.
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.
Twenty shoots who are members of the Greater Exmoor Shoots Association (GESA) have joined the Aim to Sustain Game Assurance Scheme.Â
The announcement was made at The Game Fair, where GESA chairman Gareth Clark and Brian Mitchell, vice chair of the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation and GESA member, represented the association.Â
The commitment of 20 of GESA’s member shoots to the Aim to Sustain Game Assurance Scheme adds to list of shoots across the UK who are already signed up. It is hoped that more will follow suit by joining and demonstrating their own high standards of practice through the assurance scheme.Â
Aim to Sustain provides extensive support and advice to assist shoots and game farms in preparing for assessment and achieving accreditation, which is completed through an independent and qualified audit.Â
The scheme is recognised for its rigorous and independent assessment process, offering credible evidence of compliance and best practices within the industry. This not only supports individual members and the sector in demonstrating their commitment to excellence, but also provides a robust defence against any accusations of misconduct, malicious or otherwise.
A discount is offered for groups joining the assurance scheme, with a 20 per cent fee reduction for groups of 20 or more members, with other discounts available for smaller groups.
Gareth Clark, chairman of GESA, commented: “Most shoots on Exmoor have signed up through the Greater Exmoor Shoots Association, with a small remaining handful I hope will join shortly along with the game farmers.Â
“We understand the need to work together to improve our standards of practice along with valuable data collection. Both of these areas are crucial to highlight all the hard work and commitment undertaken by owners/managers and gamekeepers in our sector. Together with data, that [commitment] can be used in our defence if and when required.”
Brian Mitchell, vice chair of National Gamekeepers’ Organisation and GESA member added: “I have been a gamekeeper all my life and am still working full time at 75. I see bigger challenges to our industry now than ever before, so please come together at this time to protect the sport we all love.”
Spike Butcher, operations director at Aim to Sustain, commented: “There are so many shoots that operate to the very highest standards and Aim to Sustain game assurance enables shoots to prove it. The leadership shown by GESA is to be applauded and should give others the confidence to make this important step and help to protect the future of shooting by proving what high standards they deliver.”
BASC’s chief executive, Ian Bell, said: “We all know the benefits that shooting and game management bring to conservation, the rural economy and communities but it is imperative that we can demonstrate this to politicians and the wider public. There is no better way to demonstrate these benefits than by signing up to the Aim to Sustain assurance scheme.”
Countryside Alliance CEO, Tim Bonner, commented: “GESA are helping fortify the future of game shooting by signing up for Aim to Sustain Game Assurance. In this political climate it’s imperative that all shoots join assurance schemes to demonstrate tangibly that they adhere to best practice and are a force for good in the countryside.”
Find out more about the game assurance and self regulation, including how to sign up to the Aim to Sustain Game Assurance Scheme here.
BASC has launched a GSC1 course aimed at the novice shot to improve success in the field and provide an accessible route into game shooting.
BASC highlights help and support available to ‘keepers and shoot managers.
BASC’s Best In The Field Clay Shoot returns to Sporting Targets in Bedfordshire this year, bringing you a clay competition with a difference.
Sign up to our weekly newsletter and get all the latest updates straight to your inbox.
© 2024 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.
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.
This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.
Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.
Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!
More information about our Cookie Policy