We must take the lead on lead

As a ban on lead shot nears full implementation, shooting faces a pivotal moment of change but also opportunity

- By Tarquin Millington-Drake

FOR MANY years shooting has operated in a state of limbo regarding the future of lead shot. Despite legislative threats, growing pressure from environmental groups and voluntary commitments from key organisations to transition away from lead, a large portion of the shooting community remained sceptical. There was a prevailing belief among a number of guns, retailers and even some gamekeepers that the ban would never truly materialise. It was a mindset that fostered complacency, with relatively little effort being made to adapt or prepare for a future without lead ammunition.

This uncertainty had tangible economic effects. Game dealers and processors found it increasingly difficult to sell shot game to supermarkets and export markets, particularly in Europe where lead-shot meat has faced tightening restrictions. Supermarkets began to distance themselves from lead-shot products, citing health concerns. This created a backlog in the supply chain as demand fell and unsold stock accrued. The reluctance to embrace change also meant that the marketing and promotion of game meat, especially to eco-conscious consumers, lost momentum. Meanwhile, Eat Wild suggests that the number of birds we shoot has gone up and now stands at between 12 million and 17 million. Many think it is more than that and we rely heavily on Europe as a market to move this number of birds. The days of encouraging a few more pubs to serve pheasant are long gone.