Outlook: what's in store for shoots next season?

71% of shoots were planning to release the same number of birds for next season, this is the same proportion as last year, suggesting that numbers released are stabilising.

84% of shoots were planning to increase their charges for the 2018/19 season, this is a higher proportion than in past seasons (generally 50–60%) although the amount by which they intended to raise prices was the same as last year; typically by £1–2 per bird, with the average being £1.80 per bird.

Shoots are generally positive about their prospects for next season, but overall optimism about the future of driven game shooting is lower. We believe this can be attributed to a number of wider concerns including:

• Risk of disease An avian influenza outbreak could impact game farms, game rearing or the movement of guns during the season

• Public opposition Shoots could attract more attention from anti-shooting activists, shoots need to be confident that their enterprise can withstand external scrutiny

• Game meat sales Shoots need a sustainable market for their game meat, the formation of the British Game Alliance is a positive step but it will take time for it to develop markets and it is important that shoots follow best practice

• Rating of sporting rights Currently applicable in Scotland, for some shoots this will be an added cost to factor into budgets

• Brexit This could have an impact if the supply of eggs, chicks or poults is restricted from the continent, from where a high proportion are currently imported; or if game meat exports are affected.

These concerns are significant, but can be managed or overcome, particularly if shooting bodies and interested parties work together. Now, more than ever, it is time to highlight the conservation and economic benefits that shooting can bring to all corners of the UK.