BASC

Welcome to the BASC podcast (The British Association for Shooting and Conservation). Each episode includes the latest news, views and content relating to the shooting world. With expert analysis of shooting-related affairs to first-class interviews, the BASC podcast is a one-shop stop for information and advice.

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20 episodes
Updated Saturday

Episodes20

Newest first

Saturday · 27 min
EP 74: Let's Learn Moor - Discovering the uplands
What happens on a moor, who looks after it and why are thousands of schoolchildren brought here every year? Tom Evans heads to the Yorkshire Moors for Let's Learn Moor, a unique day where classrooms are swapped for hands-on experiences. Meeting gamekeepers, mountain rescuers, gun dog trainers, dry stone wallers and conservationists, Tom discovers how one day outdoors is helping inspire the next generation to understand and value Britain's uplands.
July 1 · 46 min
EP 73: The Game Fair 2026 preview
Tom looks ahead to this year's event at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire (24–26 July), exploring what's new, why The Game Fair continues to thrive nearly 70 years after it first began and what visitors can expect across this three-day celebration of the countryside. Joining us is James Gower, CEO of The Game Fair, who takes us behind the scenes, revealing what it takes to keep the show evolving while staying true to its roots. Dick and Angel Strawbridge (Escape to the Chateau), who discuss countryside life, family cooking and the story behind this year's rabbit recipe. Finally, Lewis Thornley, BASC's central director, talks us through the great member benefits and why The Game Fair remains such an important event for the countryside community.
June 1 · 31 min
EP 72: The Off-Season - The year round reality
What really happens once the shooting season comes to an end? In this episode we explore the work, planning and countryside management that continues long after the final day in the field. Guests include BASC's deputy director of shooting and operations, Terry Behan and Paul Childerley from Childerley Sporting, who discuss the realities of the off-season, from habitat conservation and shoot preparation, to deer management, sustainability and the growing interest in food provenance. This episode shines a light on the relentless work that keeps the countryside moving long after the shooting stops.
May 1 · 33 min
EP 71: The Stalking Show - Inside deer management
Recorded at The Stalking Show, this episode features BASC’s chief executive, Ian Bell, discussing DEFRA’s England Deer Impact Policy Statement. While there is broad support for improving deer management, Ian raises concerns about potential barriers, particularly around proposed mandatory training. We also explore the future of deer management, including BASC’s new flexible DSC1 online course designed to widen access to training, and the urgent need to bring through the next generation, as the average age of deer stalkers continues to rise.
April 1 · 38 min
EP 70: Competitive clay shooting - Inside the sport
What does it take to go from good...to Olympic champion? In this episode of the BASC Podcast, we explore the world of competitive clay shooting, from grassroots participation to the Olympic stage. Nathan Hales relives his gold medal winning performance at Paris 2024 and the focus required to deliver under pressure. Leading down-the-line shooter Sarah Milroy shares how she found the sport and what keeps her striving to improve. We also hear from BASC’s engagement manager for Wales, David Boden, on how more people are discovering clay shooting and what’s being done to make the sport more accessible than ever.
March 1 · 30 min
EP 69: Planning the path to plate
For shoots nationwide, the end of the season marks the start of some of the most crucial planning. This episode explores the journey of wild game from the field to the table and the decisions that need to be made now to ensure a smooth season ahead. We explore the practical considerations of where your game will go, how it’s processed and the infrastructure, compliance and forward planning needed to make it all work. Whether you’re thinking about expanding distribution, connecting more with your local community, or taking greater control of where your game ends up, now is the time to plan. We’ll also highlight how excellence across the entire supply chain is celebrated through the Eat Game Awards, which showcase the people and businesses championing British wild game. The Wild Game Guide
February 1 · 31 min
EP 68: Gun Care 101 - From Field to Cabinet
This episode is your end of season reset. We’re talking gun care, why it matters, what’s often overlooked and how a bit of attention now can protect your shotgun or rifle for years to come. Whether your gun’s been out every weekend or sitting quietly in the cabinet, proper maintenance makes all the difference when next season rolls around. Our guests include... BASCs south east regional officer, Fliss Winters, highlighting how gun maintenance fits into the wider routine of a shooting day. BASC's Central regional director, Lewis Thornley, shares practical advice on maintaining the accuracy-critical areas of a rifle. Darren Hartshorne from Midcounties Blacking shares behind the scenes stories from the workshop, showing how neglect can lead to serious problems.
January 1 · 56 min
EP 67: Wildlife and Rural Crime - Policing the countryside
In this episode we explore the reality of crime in the countryside, from poaching and hare coursing to the theft of agricultural vehicles and machinery. We hear directly from the people dealing with these offences day in day out and find out how policing is adapting to meet the challenge. Chief Inspector Kevin Lacks-Kelly, head of the UK’s National Wildlife Crime Unit, explains how modern poaching has evolved, why hare coursing is now treated as organised crime and how new legislation is starting to deliver real results. We’re also joined by Andy Huddleston, who leads the National Rural Crime Unit, to discuss the growing threat of rural and agricultural theft and what farmers and rural workers can do to protect themselves. Plus, Tom heads out on patrol with Sergeant Paul Brady from the Rural Engagement Team at Essex Police, to see first hand how rural crime is policed on the front line. And finally, we catch up with BASC’s head of game and wildlife management, Glynn Evans, following his recent lifetime achievement award for his long standing work tackling wildlife crime. A rare behind the scenes look at the people, partnerships and policing keeping the countryside safe.
Dec 1, 2025 · 27 min
EP 66: Inside Beating
Step behind the scenes of a shoot day as we explore the world of beating. Beating is far more than simply walking through cover, it’s a finely tuned system where people and dogs work together to try to flush the birds towards the guns, all rooted in generations of countryside knowledge. In this episode, Tom joins the beating line to experience that rhythm firsthand. From early-morning preparation to dogs weaving through thick bramble, to the teamwork that keeps everything running smoothly, he gets a true ground-level view of what happens out in the field. All of it takes place on the Norfolk Estate in the historic Sussex Downs, the perfect setting to explore the craft, camaraderie and culture behind a successful shoot day.
Nov 1, 2025 · 41 min
EP 65: Optics Explained - Cutting Through the Glass
In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at the fast-moving world of optics, from binoculars and rifle scopes to thermal spotters, night-vision and drone technology. Whether you’re shooting, stalking, or surveying wildlife, understanding what those numbers, magnifications and features actually mean can make all the difference. Joining us are three guests who bring their own expert perspectives: Lewis Thornley, BASC’s central regional director, on how to choose the right optics for your needs and make the most of them in the field. Paul Hodson from HIKMICRO, sharing expert insight into the latest thermal and night-vision technology, what’s new, what’s next and how it’s reshaping fieldcraft. Ben Harrower from BH Wildlife Consultancy, who’s using drones and aerial imaging to support conservation and wildlife monitoring, revealing how new innovations could transform deer management.
Oct 1, 2025 · 51 min
EP 64: The Gundog Guide
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of gundog breeds, their traits, their roles and what makes each one unique. From the field to the fireside, these dogs are not only skilled working partners but also loyal companions. We’ll be focusing on the core gundog types, Retrievers, Spaniels, Pointers & Setters and HPRs (Hunt, Point, Retrieve). With the help of our expert guests, we’ll take a tour through each breed, exploring their strengths, working styles and the qualities that make them such reliable partners for handlers. Guests & Timestamps: Natasha Surtees — Retrievers (1:30) Richard MacNicol — Pointers & Setters (11:45) John Bailey — Spaniels (22:15) Jim Bird — HPR (Hunt, Point & Retrieve) (34:00) Glynn Evans (BASC) - Head of Game and Wildlife Management (46:50)
Sep 1, 2025 · 33 min
EP 63: After Dark - Night shooting in practice
In this episode, we venture into the countryside after dark to uncover the vital role night shooting plays in wildlife management and conservation. We explore safety, legal considerations and the essential equipment used by those working in the field. James Sutcliffe, BASC’s deer and woodland advisor, breaks down why night shooting is important and guides us through the code of practice. Stuart Llewelyn, a volunteer dedicated to fox control, explains how targeted night shooting helps protect vulnerable curlew populations and Helen Jenning, optics expert and experienced night shooter from Rural Sports, highlights how technology and equipment have evolved to make night shooting safer and more effective.
Aug 1, 2025 · 38 min
EP 62: The Grouse Season: How and Why We Work to Protect It
As the grouse season gets underway, we’re diving into the people, politics and partnerships that keep the moorlands alive and thriving. In this episode, we explore why the grouse season matters, not just for sport but for conservation, community and the rural economy. We begin with BASC’s head of uplands, Alex Farrell, who offers a clear-eyed view of the current political landscape and what lies ahead for upland shooting. Then we hear from Martin Quinn, an all-round field sportsman and seasoned picker-upper, as he walks us through a day on the moors, working his dogs and sharing the often-unseen camaraderie that powers every shoot day. To finish, we chat with conservationist and author Ian Coghill, who explains why he sees grouse moor management as one of the UK’s real conservation success stories.
Jul 1, 2025 · 33 min
EP 61: Game On The Grill
In this episode we’re stepping outside and firing up the grill to explore why BBQs are one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to cook and share game meat. From its bold flavour to the simplicity of outdoor cooking, we look at why grilling over a flame is such a natural fit for wild food. We’ll be showcasing just how versatile game meat can be on the BBQ, with venison taking centre stage. Our guests share some practical tips to help you get started and reveal some crowd-pleasing recipes. We’ll also take a quick trip around the world to see how different cultures cook with wild ingredients and why game meat is not just delicious but seriously sustainable.
Jun 1, 2025 · 38 min
EP 60: Gundog Competitions - Competing for a Cause
This episode comes to you straight from the heart of the action at the 5 Regions Charity Working Test, a special event where handlers and their brilliant Spaniels gather not just to compete, but to raise awareness for a vital cause, mental health in the countryside. Glynn Evans, BASC’s head of game and wildlife management, joins us to break down the key differences between Gundog Scurries, Working Tests, and Field Trials, and explains what each discipline offers for handlers at every level of experience. It was a fantastic day filled with an incredible mix of people, from passionate first-time handlers to seasoned international competitors. A perfect introduction to the exciting and rewarding world of gundog competition.
May 1, 2025 · 45 min
EP 59: Inside competitive clay shooting
In this episode, we're shining a spotlight on the world of competitive clay shooting. BASC has a long-standing commitment to the sport at every level, from helping newcomers take their first shot at a game fair to supporting elite athletes chasing Olympic dreams. We’re joined by three fantastic guests, each offering their own unique perspective: Richard Fussell – Training & Education Officer at BASC, who works with everyone from complete beginners to Olympic-level competitors. Anita North – Former England athlete and now British Shooting coach, passionate about developing young talent and increasing representation in the sport. Bethany Norton – Rising star and BASC Legacy Sponsorship recipient, recently selected for British Shooting’s World Class Programme with her sights firmly set on LA 2028.
Apr 1, 2025 · 37 min
EP 58: Women in Shooting: Shaping the Future
In this episode, we explore the growing presence of women in shooting and how BASC’s Women in Shooting initiative is driving change. However, while progress has been made, challenges remain in making field sports more inclusive. We discuss how to inspire the next generation, the barriers women still face, and how the UK compares to other countries in supporting female shooters.
Mar 1, 2025 · 41 min
EP 57: The pathway to deer management
Ever wondered how to get started in deer stalking or take your skills to the next level? In this episode, we’re breaking down the training, education, and opportunities BASC offers to help you on your journey. Tom talks to a range of guests, covering: Training courses – From PreDSC1 for beginners to DSC2, plus specialised courses in carcass handling and butchery. Progression pathways – How mentorship programs, stalking schemes, and hands-on training can help you gain experience. Opportunities for stalkers – Learn about BASC’s Register of Competent Deer Stalkers and how it can benefit you. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your expertise, this episode has something for everyone interested in ethical and effective deer management.
Feb 1, 2025 · 24 min
EP 56: Firearms Licensing - Rising Fees
On this episode we discuss the Government’s increase in gun licensing fees, a rise averaging 133% that could have a significant impact on shooting and rural livelihoods. So, what’s the reasoning behind this decision? And what does it mean for those who rely on shooting for work, conservation, and sport? We hear from Christopher Graffius, BASC’s executive director of communications & public affairs and Martin Parker, BASC’s head of firearms.
Jan 1, 2025 · 40 min
EP 55: The Power of Citizen Science
Join us as we explore how citizen science supports conservation, from tracking wildlife to protecting habitats. Discover how BASC uses this data and learn simple ways you can get involved to make a difference in the future of shooting and conservation.