Members of the British Game Alliance (BGA) met to observe two audits for the organisation’s new assurance scheme.
The event, which took place on July 23, kicked off at Ripley Castle in North Yorkshire, which is a BGA member shoot.
The audit included the shoot’s medication records, shoot maps, rearing facilities, feed stores as well as other administrative and practical elements of the estate’s management.
Frank Boddy, shoot captain at Ripley Castle said that he felt well-run shoots had “nothing to fear” from the process, “and absolutely everything to gain”.
At Swinton Estate, the grounds for the second audit, they met Mark Cunliffe Lister on the moor and discussed the implementation of best practice in the use of medicated grit, trapping and burning of the heather.
The ‘proforma book’
Following a successful pilot audit, the need to create a ‘proforma book’ was raised by attendees. This book could record and keep all the details the auditors will need to see in one place.
As a result of this feedback, the BGA will be sending hard and electronic copies out to member shoots.
Organisers of the event expressed their thanks to all those who took part in the event and stressed that “the day was a great start in making sure that everyone is working together to help shoots with the new process of self-regulation”.
Highlighting the significance of the event, Adrian Blackmore, countryside alliance director of shooting, said: “These pilot audits have provided a great opportunity for the estates to put forward their own ideas as to how standards might be improved, and to raise any concerns that they had.
The Countryside Alliance is fully behind the BGA, and it was great to see all the major shooting organisations working together to help make the BGA a success.
Game and wildlife advisor Austin Weldon emphasises the fact that well-run shoots produce have a vital role in our society.
“It is great to see shoots and countryside organisations coming together to support the BGA.
“The BGA will provide the reassurance that guns and wider society need to demonstrate that well-run shoots produce healthy and wholesome food, deliver wildlife conservation benefits and have high welfare standards,” said Weldon.
Moving towards best practice
The auditing process has left members feeling positive and looking forward to the future.
“It was clear that these audits are not trying to catch anyone out and the auditors are making sure they understand the practicalities of shoot management in the real world,” said Boddy.
“Shoots of every size need to embrace self-regulation. Everyone who attended the pilot audit left feeling confident that the BGA and Acoura can deliver it.”
