Q: What is this Call for Evidence?

A: Defra is gathering evidence on the impacts of gamebird rearing, release and shooting in England, and on the welfare of gamebirds while they're bred and reared. It runs from 4 September to 1 November 2026.

Q: Is this a consultation? Are they about to change the law?

A: No. This is a call for evidence, not a consultation, and no policy decisions have been taken. Defra is collecting information before it decides whether any changes are needed. If changes are proposed later, there will be a separate, full public consultation.

Q: Why does this matter?

A: Because Defra has been explicit that future policy will be informed by the evidence gathered here. The quality of the evidence base matters more than the volume of responses — well-documented, verifiable evidence from real shoots and gamekeepers is what will actually shape Defra's understanding, and in turn any future policy.

 

Q: Is the NGO submitting a response?

A: Yes. The NGO will submit its own response on behalf of members, drawing on our sector-wide evidence, data and experience.

Q: So do I still need to do anything?

A: Not if you don't want to. Our response will represent members generally. But if you personally hold good evidence or have a strong story to tell, we want you to submit it as well — individual, first-hand evidence from real shoots carries real weight, and Defra has said it will give more weight to evidence that is well-documented and verifiable.

Q: Do I have to fill in the online survey?

A: No. The official route is an online survey on the Smart Survey platform, but it is long and detailed, running to more than 100 questions. You do not have to use it. You can instead send your evidence by email to Gamebirds@defra.gov.uk, with “Call for Evidence” in the subject line. For most members, email will be the simpler option.

Q: What should I put in an email response?

A: Keep it evidential, not just a statement of support. Explain who you are and what you do (individual, gamekeeper, shoot, business), then set out your evidence clearly — what you've observed, what you can demonstrate, and over what period. Attach any supporting material such as records, photos or data.

Q: Is there a deadline?

A: Yes — 23:59 on 1 November 2026. Responses received after that will not be counted, so don't leave it to the last minute.

Q: Will my response be confidential?

A: You can ask for all or part of your response to be kept confidential, and you should explain why. Defra cannot guarantee confidentiality in all circumstances because of freedom of information law, but they will take your request into account. If you don't ask for confidentiality, your name and contact details still won't be published — only the content of your response.

We want to hear from you if... •     You can point to a genuine conservation success on your ground — species recovery, habitat improvement, predator control outcomes. •     You produce local wild game and have helped build a market for it — supplying local butchers, restaurants, game dealers, or selling direct. •     Your shoot supports the local community — jobs, apprenticeships, spend in local shops and pubs, help with local events, access agreements, or conservation work done for neighbours. •     You simply do things well and can explain how — good habitat management, good welfare, good biosecurity, good record-keeping.

 

Q: Who can submit a case study?

A: Any shoot with a good story and the evidence to back it up. This includes full-time keepered shoots, part-time or seasonal operations, and syndicates — size and structure doesn't matter. What matters is that you can describe what you do, how you do it, and show the outcome.

Q: What makes a good case study?

A: A clear, honest account of your shoot's approach, backed by whatever evidence you hold — bird counts, habitat records, photographs, before-and-after comparisons, local spend, community involvement, or independent monitoring. Defra has said it will give more weight to evidence with a transparent, verifiable trail, so specifics beat generalities. A few strong, well-evidenced examples are worth more than a long list of unsupported claims.

A: Avoid general statements of support with nothing behind them. Defra has explicitly said submissions should be evidential and analytical, not simply statements of support or opposition — so a case study with no supporting detail won't carry weight and isn't worth your time submitting.

Q: What kind of stories are you looking for, specifically?

•     Conservation success — species recovery, habitat creation or improvement, predator control benefiting ground-nesting birds or other wildlife.

•     Producing local wild game and creating a market for it — supply chains, local sales, added value to the rural economy.

•     Helping out locally — community engagement, jobs and training, spend with local suppliers, support for local events or landowners.

•     Good practice in welfare, biosecurity or land management that others could learn from.

Q: Can the NGO help me write a case study?

A: Yes. If you've got a good story but aren't sure how to put it together, get in touch with the NGO policy team — we can help you write it up so it makes the strongest possible case.

Q: Where do I send my case study?

A: Either email it directly to Gamebirds@defra.gov.uk (with “Call for Evidence” in the subject line), or send it to the NGO first and we can help refine it before you submit.

 

Q: There's a very detailed section on housing and rearing — do I need to answer that?

A: Only if you breed or rear pheasants, partridges or mallard yourself, and only if you want to. This section (Section B) asks for precise operational detail — housing types and sizes, stocking densities, mortality rates, and so on. Because it's technical, the NGO will issue separate guidance on how to approach it before we ask members to respond. Please wait for that guidance rather than tackling it alone.

•     Quality over volume — Defra gives more weight to well-documented, verifiable evidence, so a few strong examples beat a long list of unsupported claims.

•     This is a call for evidence, not a consultation — no decisions have been made.

•     The NGO is responding for members generally, but individual evidence and case studies are welcome and encouraged.

•     You don't need the online portal — email Gamebirds@defra.gov.uk works fine.

•     Full-time, part-time and syndicate shoots can all submit a case study — the NGO can help you write it.

•     Guidance on the technical Section B welfare questions is coming separately.

•     Closing date: 23:59, 1 November 2026.

 

For help with your response or a case study, contact the NGO Environment, Policy and Politics team