Covid-19 guidance visits for game shoots
Dan Reynolds
It has been a year like no other and the coronavirus pandemic has created uncertainty for shoots up and down the country. As restrictions begin to ease, the prospect of a shooting season is improving, but we need to stay safe. BASC is launching Covid-19 guidance visits to help ease this transition and secure opportunities for shooting this year.
Reducing the risk
As confidence returns to the sector, those who manage shoots are keen to ensure that they can reduce the risk posed by Covid-19. All operations must comply with government regulation and guidance if we are to control the spread of the virus.
It is very difficult to give specific or prescriptive advice, given that government guidance on dealing with the virus is continually being updated. However, we can establish a framework upon which shoots can start to think about how they might deal with the risk of Covid-19.
As government guidance changes, shoots will be able to adjust measures to ensure compliance when the shooting season begins. And, BASC will be there to support them.
BASC’s Covid-19 guidance visits
The Covid-19 guidance visits are available for BASC affiliated clubs/syndicates and BASC gamekeeper members. The aim is to help them prepare for the coming game shooting season.
Firstly, we will look at the risks associated with Covid-19 on shoot days. This will help form individual risk assessments that demonstrate how risks can be reduced in line government guidance.
Topics covered will include managing Covid-19 transmission risk associated with gatherings, shoot transport, use of equipment and handling of shot game.
When will the visits begin and how do I book?
The service is available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and will become available in Scotland as government restrictions are eased.
Visits can be booked via your local BASC regional office. Following a request from a BASC club/syndicate or gamekeeper member, a regional staff member will visit the shoot to discuss, on an individual basis, actions the shoot might consider to reduce risk of transmission of Covid-19 on shoot days.
Where a physical Covid-19 guidance visit is not possible, for example due to members shielding for Covid-19 or due to distance for staff travel, we can provide advice via video conference such as Zoom or FaceTime.
To book an advice visit for your shoot, email or call your local regional centre.
A live Q&A on BASC’s Covid-19 guidance for shoots was held on Facebook.
