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 To achieve maximum results for low ground game, the
environment must be correct for the species released. This same environment
is also beneficial to all species of wildlife.
Gamecrops: These are planted to produce cover and food.
Mostly they are made up of kale, mustard, quinoa, linseed turnips or some
other combination of seed producing crop. When winter comes and food is
scarce these crops help to feed and shelter small birds and mammals. Without
this winter crop many small birds would die of hunger and exposure.
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Corncrake |
Daily feed: Pheasants and partridge are fed daily from
June to April to ensure a healthy stock. This is yet another source of food
for other birds and mammals.
Woodland: Woods are planted, not only for commercial use,
but also for driving pheasants. These woods consist of various species of
trees mixed together, unlike much of the sitka woods planted by the forestry
sector. Sitka woods are a barren desert for wildlife, while mixed woods
provide a haven for all native species, even before maturity.
It is worth pointing out that in most cases each wood
will be driven for pheasants no more than 5 times in one year, leaving 360
days for the other wildlife to enjoy it in peace and quiet.
The beauty of the countryside is also enhanced by mixed
woods, benefiting humans through the pleasure of being able to admire the
woods, especially in the autumn. This beauty attracts tourists, an essential
part of Scotland’s revenue.
Financial: The shooting industry is one of the few
sources of income in the countryside, in the winter months, without which
this deprived part of the economy will die even further.
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Providing
work for locals |
Teenagers and local
adults earn money through the days beating. Shooting clients and local
residents provide custom for clothing outlets, food shops, garages etc.
Gunshops, hotels, grain merchants and their employees are supported by the
shooting industry. Many small communities benefit in the winter months
thanks to field sports. The government receives considerable tax from
shooting, probably £5 in VAT for every pheasant from birth to death. There
are an estimated 2,000,000 pheasants shot in Scotland annually.
Figures from the Scottish Tourist Board Research show
that expenditure on Shooting/Stalking/Hunting holidays in Scotland in 1998
came second only to Hiking/Walking/Rambling/Orienteering in a survey of UK
Activity Holidaymakers to Scotland: Their expenditure here totalled £31
million. Further information from the Fraser of Allander Institute Research
in 1990, puts the total expenditure on shooting/stalking sports in Scotland
at £78 million in that year, including expenditure by Scottish
participants. |
