Blogs

Our research group at the GWCT is attempting to answer the question “Do sites that release gamebirds have more fox activity than non-release sites?” by collecting and analysing fox scats. 28 February 2022 saw our first day of fieldwork in a programme lasting until next spring.

An appraisal of: Harris (2021) A review of the animal welfare, public health, and environmental, ecological and conservation implications of rearing, releasing and shooting non-native gamebirds in Britain. Report to the Labour Animal Welfare Society.

For most lowland shoots, the cost of pheasant and partridge poults is probably the biggest single outlay in the annual budget, so you want to spend your money wisely. Shopping around is clearly sensible but beware of going on price alone.

Many a new pen will be going up over the next couple of months, so now is a good time to think about what makes a great place to release your pheasants. It is one of the biggest investments on many shoots, and getting it right is key to success.

This spring, GWCT researchers will be starting a new research project looking into one of the most contentious issues around the release of gamebirds in the UK: the idea that gamebird releasing may attract foxes and other generalist predators into an area.

The Three Legged Stool states you need a suitable habitat, food throughout the life cycle, and then reasonable freedom from predation for birds to flourish.

Whether you are part of or manage a syndicate or larger shoot, it is vital at this time everything is organized for the smooth running of the shoot days. 

With the gamebird releasing season in full swing, the GWCT is reminding all game managers operating on or within 500m of EU protected sites of the new requirement to inform Natural England the number of gamebirds released and their location Details of any relevant SSSI consent under which the activity is operating is also required.

Pheasant release pens should contain a mosaic of evenly distributed habitat providing a stimulating environment for the poults to acclimatise themselves before being released.