News

25 Jul 2018

Optimism among UK shoots

Results of the Savills Shoot Benchmarking Survey released this week, have highlighted optimism among UK shoots ahead of the 2018/19 season.

The report produced in conjunction with the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust which includes data from 130 shoots throughout the UK captured during the 2017/18 season, has highlighted that on average shoots made a profit of 8p per bird shot, with fewer shoots making a loss (42%) than seen in previous years.

Author of the report, Andrew Teanby, explains that these results could correlate to the fact that shoots increased the average charge per bird by 49p, with the majority planning to do the same again for the upcoming season.

However, the biggest challenge comes in the fact that the increasing popularity of game shooting has led to more birds being released, creating a noticeable imbalance between game meat supply and demand.

During the 2017/18 season, many shoots found marketing for shot game increasingly challenging and leaving many unable to sell their surplus.

The sector has recognised this problem and thus the British Game Alliance was launched earlier this year in a bid to promote game consumption to consumers and co-ordinate sales to supermarkets.

Despite this, for those looking for new or alternative business ideas, the demand for shoot days remains high with it becoming an ever more desirable hobby to participate in, and the opportunities surrounding surplus game meat provides food for thought.

Headline findings from the Savills Shoot Benchmarking Survey: (averages are taken from the 2017/18 season)

• Cost per bird put down - £12.41
• 38% of birds released were shot
• Average cost per shot bird - £34.61
• Average profit per bird shot – 8p

To read the full Savills Shoot Benchmarking Survey, click here.

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