BASC

Tom heads out on a deer stalk in Hampshire with Martin Edwards, BASC’s head of deer management, to learn more about managing deer and BASC’s work on the subject.

In this latest episode of the BASC podcast, Tom speaks to two serving police officers and BASC’s Glynn Evans about the actions being taken to tackle the rural blight that is poaching.  

Tom discusses the topic of firearms licensing in the wake of the tragic Plymouth shooting and looks towards the start of the pheasant shooting season with part-time gamekeeper John Parker.

In this episode, Tom goes behind the scenes at The Game Fair to hear more about the new shooting partnership 'Aim to Sustain'.

Episode 12 sees Martin Parker discuss his new and exciting role as head of firearms at BASC. Tom and Martin discuss the importance of consistency across the 43 licensing departments in England and Wales. Also in this episode, BASC’s uplands officer Gareth Dockerty provides a debrief on the recent Westminster Hall debate on banning driven grouse shooting.

Tom is joined by BASC's Head of Policy and Campaigns, Conor O'Gorman to cover the big discussion points from the last few weeks, many of which will have a direct impact on shooting and conservation.

Topics include the latest in animal welfare reform, species reintroduction, the government's bold woodland plantation scheme and what could a national deer management strategy look like?

Episode timeline:

Animal Welfare - 1:36
Trophy hunting - 11:49
England Trees Action Plan 19:07
Species reintroduction - 24:00
The England Peat Action Plan - 27:39
Game Bird release - 29:19

Ep 10 sees Tom go foraging with wild food expert Nick Weston at his Sussex headquarters. 
In addition, BASC’s Bill Harriman joins Tom to pay respect to long term BASC Patron HRH Prince Philip.



As well as the usual news and views, Episode 9 sees Tom discuss the venison market and roe buck season. We also hear from the Game Fair about this year’s plans and how BASC members receive complimentary tickets.

Episode 8 looks at a variety of BASC projects that are centred on conservation. From an update on our osprey project, volunteering with the BTO, to making mallard nesting tubes. Talking to project leaders, Tom asks how the shooting community can get involved and help boost shooting’s conservation credits.

Episode 7 is one for the younger generations, as Tom delves into BASC’s Young Shots Journalists programme. 
Listen to Tom interview three young keen shooters, who, through BASC’s journalism programme are learning a new trade and are discussing shooting sports with a wider audience.