BASC BASC

In this episode we find ourselves at the Staffordshire County Showground for The Stalking Show 2024.
A weekend dedicated to those who hunt, stalk and have a passion for the great outdoors.
It is one of the most focused show events in the UK, purely for deer stalkers and hunters, so no better place for Tom to discuss deer numbers, management schemes and explore the day to day challenges faced by our deer stalkers.

Tom brings us all the action from day 2 of Crufts 2024 - Gundog day.

BASC has a long history at Crufts and runs the renowned Gamekeepers’ Ring at the show, celebrating the best working gundogs in the country.
As well as breed classes for working dogs and gamekeepers’ dogs, BASC classes include gamekeeper teams and working gundog teams, plus the ever-popular young handler classes where youngsters get their chance to show dogs that have worked throughout the season. 
Whether you’re competing or spectating, Crufts is the pinnacle of the dog show world, a fantastic day out and a wonderful opportunity to see our working gundogs in the spotlight.

This month we explore one of the most popular sports in the UK, airgun shooting.
Former shooting champion, BASC’s very own Richard Fussell, talks us through the allure of airgunning and why it proves to be the perfect introduction for young people into the sport. 
We also hear from the team at BSA Guns who lift the curtain on what it takes to design and manufacture their market leading rifles.
Plus, the ‘UK natural capital accounts report’ is out. BASC’s Ian Danby updates us on this crucial data designed to measure the financial and societal value of natural resources to people in the UK.

Tom heads to Kent to explore how thoughtful shoot management plays a big part in creating a healthy woodland. 
With the help of gamekeeper Adam Horn, we learn how sustainable shooting provides huge benefits to the ecosystem as a whole.

On this episode we focus on the move away from lead ammunition, explore the proposed restrictions and discuss whether the shooting community is embracing the change.

For this special episode, Tom travels to BASC head office to explore how the firearms team help foster and develop strong relationships with the various government agencies and how they ensure the police are working as efficiently as possible.
We also hear from Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire, Marc Jones, who comments on the frustrations BASC members face when applying or renewing their license.