Ahead of the opening of game season next week, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has warned of a spike in rural crime.
The police have highlighted that there tends to be a rise in activities such as trespassing, burglary and damage to property during the season.
Hunters have often been reported trespassing on private property as they attempt to target wildlife for poaching during the open period.
In recent years landowners and gamekeepers are have often stated that they are subject to abuse, threats or intimidation by these offenders.
The police has also warned that some cases can escalate to serious violence if poachers or trespassers are challenged.
The constabulary stated that between September 2024 and February 2025, there was 55 reports relating specifically to game bird poaching in Hampshire.
Rural crime taskforce
Country Watch Rural Crime Task Force Inspector, Cath MacDonald, said: “Poaching not only involves deliberate cruelty to animals, but we know that those who poach are often linked to wider crime networks involved in theft, burglary, criminal damage, violence and anti-social behaviour.
“The groups involved blight the countryside, which is why we are urging people to report crime as well as suspicious activity to police so our dedicated task force can take action.”
Inspector MacDonald said that the task force will continue to patrol rural areas, taking action against anyone involved in rural crimes.
Meanwhile the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) South East director, Michelle Nudds, said: “Wildlife crime impacts both individuals and communities.
“The scale of poaching and hare coursing varies geographically and seasonally, often organised by criminal gangs.”
Nudds added that it is common for farmers who intervene with poachers in a bid to protect their land, are often met with threats of violence.
The director said: “It is therefore essential that adequate resources are allocated to tackle these crimes.”
BASC funded a £40,000 initiative recently, which aims to support the National Wildlife Crime Unit’s digital training academy.
This will help equip police forces across the UK with the knowledge needed to prevent illegal poaching.
Game Season
The shooting season for game birds begins as early as August 12 for game birds such as grouse, ptarmigan, black game, and common snipe.
While next Monday (September 1), the season will open further for grey partridge, red legged partridge, duck and geese.
The season for pheasants and woodcock will be open on October 1, however, woodcock can be hunted from September 1, in Scotland.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary are advising the public to be vigilant, and report any suspicious activity via 999.
The force has reminded people not to approach trespassing poachers for their own safety.
