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The ShootHub Podcast

ITap Group

A podcast for anyone with an interest in the running of a game shoot, whether that’s a small farm shoot, a DIY syndicate, a big private estate or a commercial shoot.

  • 20 episodes
  • Updated July 22
  • Explicit

Episodes20

  • July 22 · 59 min

    Do Released Game Birds Really Harm Insects?

    Dr Rufus Sage, head of lowland game bird research at the GWCT, joins the ShootHub Podcast to respond to claims made in the BBC's Secret Garden series, which suggested released game birds are damaging Britain's native ecosystems.

  • July 7 · 1 hr 4 min

    PART 2 - From Field to Food Chain: Selling Game Successfully

    In part two, Leon Challis-Davies returns to talk to Avian and Gemma about the commercial side of the industry: what buyers actually want, how shoots can add real value to what they produce, and where the UK game meat sector is heading next. Whether you're supplying a local dealer or thinking bigger, this one's worth a listen.

  • June 29 · 1 hr 4 min

    PART 1 - From Field to Food Chain: Producing Saleable Game

    What happens after the shot matters just as much as the shot itself. In part one of this two-part conversation, Gemma and Avian sit down with Leon Challis-Davies of Eat Wild to find out what it really takes to produce game that's fit for the food chain.

  • June 17 · 1 hr 4 min

    Counting What Counts: The Case for Data-Driven Shoot Management

    In this episode we dive into one of the most quietly important shifts happening across shoots and estates right now: the move towards proper data and evidence-based management. Our guests David Butler and Jodie Case from Perdix Wildlife Solutions have built a platform designed specifically for the countryside, and they make a compelling case for why the keeper who's "managed fine for 30 years" might want to pay attention. We cover what Perdix Pro actually does on the ground, how simple (or not) it is to get started, and why data is becoming harder to ignore when conservation bodies, owners and regulators are all asking for proof that what you're doing is working. Whether you manage a small syndicate or a large commercial estate, this one's worth a listen.

  • May 13 · 1 hr 17 min

    Margins, Misconceptions and Making it work

    In this episode we open with a grouse season update before diving into the big question: sim shooting is everywhere right now, but is it actually worth it for your shoot? Edd breaks down what works, what doesn't, and what estates consistently get wrong. Plus we chat about Sports Mutual, what is it? who is it for?

  • April 16 · 1 hr 5 min

    Seeing in the Dark

    This month on the ShootHub Podcast, Gemma and Avian are joined by Richard Prideaux and Paul Stewart from Scott Country International to explore the rapidly evolving world of thermal imaging, night vision and infrared technology in the countryside. From the early days of lamps and limited visibility to today’s highly capable and accessible kit, this conversation looks at how night technology has transformed predator control, gamekeeping and wider countryside work. Richard and Paul break down the differences between systems, share practical advice on choosing the right setup, and discuss the balance between technology and fieldcraft. They also touch on the growth of the market, legal and ethical considerations, and what the future might hold as innovation continues to gather pace.

  • March 17 · 1 hr 2 min

    The Unsung Heros of the Countryside: Inside the Schöffel Awards

    This month on the ShootHub Podcast, Gemma and Avian are joined by Marcus Janssen, Managing Director at Schöffel Country. The conversation focuses on The Schöffel Countryside Awards, exploring why they were created and the important role they play in recognising those working to protect and enhance the British countryside. Marcus shares how the awards began, what the judges look for, and why celebrating good work on the ground matters more than ever.

  • March 5 · 1 hr 19 min

    Is This the Most Misunderstood Part of Gamekeeping?

    This month on the ShootHub Podcast, Gemma and Avian are joined by Matthew Goodall from the GWCT to tackle one of the most debated parts of modern gamekeeping: predator control. Often misunderstood by those outside the shooting world, Matthew explains why it plays such a vital role in conservation, how it’s carried out responsibly, and why the conversation around it so often misses the bigger ecological picture.

  • February 6 · 1 hr 12 min

    Policy, Pressure and the Future of Shooting

    This month on the ShootHub Podcast, Gemma and Avian are joined by Dr Conor O’Gorman, Head of Policy and Campaigns at BASC. With more than two decades at the sharp end of conservation and legislation, Conor talks through the pressures facing shooting today, from general licences and ammunition to public perception, policy changes and what shoots should be focusing on over the coming years.

  • Dec 9, 2025 · 59 min

    Winning Awards and Wandering Foxes - The Bisterne Estate

    This week on the ShootHub Podcast, Gemma and Avian are joined by Rupert Brewer, Game & Wildlife Manager at the award-winning Bisterne Estate. Fresh from winning the Schöffel Working Conservation Award, Rupert talks about balancing a busy farm and shoot with serious conservation work, from redshank and lapwing successes to the realities of pens, predators and holding birds through winter. Proudly sponsored by: St Davids Vets: https://www.stdavids-poultryteam.co.uk/ Solway Feeders: https://www.solwayfeeders.com/ Marsdens Game Feeds: https://www.forfarmers.co.uk/game-feeds/marsdens-game-feeds Treesco: https://linktr.ee/TreescoUK?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabz1B1XNyaTuPfOqU-5T-WibckDUuGZWvMAIzFHEaEfiU8Ey2RBtYszJ38_aem_uBNKIPHBLe_N8TF8celeTA Scott Country International: https://www.scottcountry.co.uk/

  • Oct 21, 2025 · 52 min

    The Host's Survival Guide

    This week on the ShootHub Podcast, Gemma and Avian are joined by Paul Childerley, deer stalker, shoot manager, Fieldsports Channel regular, and all-round country legend. With the season in full swing, the trio talk all things hosting: what makes a great day in the field, the small touches Guns remember, and how to strike the perfect balance between sport, food, and fun. Proudly sponsored by: St Davids Vets: https://www.stdavids-poultryteam.co.uk/ Solway Feeders: https://www.solwayfeeders.com/ Marsdens Game Feeds: https://www.forfarmers.co.uk/game-feeds/marsdens-game-feeds Treesco: https://linktr.ee/TreescoUK?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabz1B1XNyaTuPfOqU-5T-WibckDUuGZWvMAIzFHEaEfiU8Ey2RBtYszJ38_aem_uBNKIPHBLe_N8TF8celeTA Scott Country International: https://www.scottcountry.co.uk/

  • Sep 11, 2025 · 53 min

    The Deal With Steel

    Charlie Bull, founder and CEO of Just Cartridges, joins Gemma and Avian on this month’s ShootHub Podcast. They explore how Just Cartridges began, the growth of the business, and the challenges of running one of the UK’s leading cartridge suppliers. The conversation ranges from the ongoing debate around steel and future legislation, to trends in simulated shooting, chokes, cartridge choice, and what the future holds for Guns. Proudly sponsored by: St Davids Vets: https://www.stdavids-poultryteam.co.uk/ Solway Feeders: https://www.solwayfeeders.com/ Treesco: https://linktr.ee/TreescoUK?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabz1B1XNyaTuPfOqU-5T-WibckDUuGZWvMAIzFHEaEfiU8Ey2RBtYszJ38_aem_uBNKIPHBLe_N8TF8celeTA Scott Country International: https://www.scottcountry.co.uk/

  • Aug 26, 2025 · 39 min

    How Much Does Shooting Cost?

    This month Gemma shares an episode from the GunsOnPegs Podcast, where George and Digby unpack the 2025 Game Shooting and Shoot Owner Census. The pair discuss everything from rising costs and shifting buying habits to the vital conservation work carried out by shoots. They round things off by building their dream shooting line-up of characters past, present, and fictional.

  • Jul 22, 2025 · 47 min

    Jamie Horner's Advice Corner

    Jamie Horner returns to the ShootHub Podcast for a no-nonsense episode packed with practical advice for shoots of all shapes and sizes. As account manager at Marsdens Game Feeds and the man in charge at Iford Downs, Jamie brings a wealth of experience on feeding regimes, habitat management, and holding birds where they’re needed most. Hosted by Gemma and Avian, this episode covers everything from feed prices and new innovations, to the benefits of shared pegs, wild bird conservation, and how to get the best from your ground without spending a fortune. With thanks to the ShootHub partners: Mardens Game Feeds St David's Vets Treesco

  • Jun 9, 2025 · 53 min

    How to rear a better bird

    In this episode, Gemma is joined by Avian (from The GunsOnPegs Podcast) and special guest Dr Joah Madden, a leading researcher in gamebird ecology. They explore the science behind post-release survival and discuss what breeders and keepers can do to improve outcomes. The conversation also covers predator control and the wider environmental impact of gamebird releasing. Links to some of Dr Joah Madden's research: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10344-018-1199-5 https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rsos.160008 https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1365-2656.12401

  • Dec 11, 2024 · 26 min

    How to Navigate the Challenges of a Game Keeper's Life

    In this episode, Gemma and Digby start by discussing some recent correspondence that included a beater's noise. Later, Gemma is joined by Helen, who answers some tough questions sent in by listeners, and they explore the vital work of the Gamekeepers Welfare Trust in supporting gamekeepers, ghillies, and stalkers.

  • Nov 13, 2024 · 50 min

    How to become a Gamekeeper

    In this episode, Digby and Gemma dive into the world of Gamekeeping with Curtis Mossop as this month's guest. The three explore the steps to becoming a gamekeeper, including insights into the current gamekeeping courses and the skills they cover. They also discuss the BASC outreach programs, which are helping to bridge the gap between rural communities and the shooting world, inviting those unfamiliar with gamekeeping to engage and learn.

  • Sep 30, 2024 · 38 min

    How to feed your guns for £2

    In this episode, Hugo Campbell Hill aka The Game Glutton speaks to Digby and Gemma about the world of hospitality from a shoots perspective. Hugo shares some simple tips and tricks about how to make life that little bit easier when preparing food for a shoot day.

  • Sep 12, 2024 · 47 min

    How much does a pheasant really cost this year?

    As we head into a brand new shooting season George and Digby delve into the results of the 2024 Game Shooting and Shoot Owner Census to answer the biggest questions in shooting: How much does a pheasant cost this year, and how does it compare to last year? What is the average bag size that guns shoot, and has that number changed over time? And, perhaps most importantly, what is the most popular fine for shooting the white pheasant?

  • Jul 24, 2024 · 25 min

    Game Processing

    Alan Hayward joins Digby and Gemma on this month's episode of the ShootHub podcast. Alan works at Oakland Parks, a game processing plant that is doing things differently. The three discuss Oakland Park's pledge to pay 50p per bird if shot with non-toxic cartridges and how we all need to be treating shot game differently.