Should airgun shooters be charged to hunt on private land?

In days of yore, when frosts were harsh and winters were long, two intrepid explorers set out before dawn. Leaving the warmth of their glowing stoves hundreds of frosty miles apart, they journeyed separately, aiming to meet in the northernmost part of the realm in search of one another, warmth, food and adventure.

The journey was long, their pre-dawn grogginess clinging on, and the frozen ground treacherous underfoot. But upon meeting and being greeted with warmth and breakfast by a kind innkeeper, the adventurers knew this was just the start of a memorable quest… or at least, that’s how I remember it—with a touch of embellishment.

It was about five years ago, perhaps more, when Dave Barham and I set out for a day’s airgun hunting arranged through a sporting agent I know. Our destination was one of his clients’ driven shoots. The gamekeeper was a fan of airguns, owning an impressive .177 HW80 tuned to around 28ft/lb, if my memory serves me correctly.

Welcomed warmly with bacon sandwiches and plenty of coffee, we set off for the first of four hunts across the estate’s drives. The day was fantastic, with warm hospitality and a superb shepherd’s pie for lunch. We bagged a modest number, which could’ve been more had I not nodded off against a tree in the frosty woodland, surrounded by pigeons. It was two hours, but I claimed 10 minutes.

The day cost £120 each, which sparked feedback that it was a rip-off and a way for “dodgy” gamekeepers to charge for pest control. But such views miss the point entirely. Both Dave and I had other places to hunt, but the chance to meet up, have a guided hunt across four locations, and enjoy full hospitality was incredible. Even just the food at a pub would have cost about £50 each. In a similar vein, I’ve hosted European clients for airgun hunting days, as in some countries, it’s illegal to shoot with air rifles.

For £100 each, including lunch in the field, we had a great day with more shots missed than landed but all left with lasting memories. Some online feedback was brutal, comments suggesting I was “taking sport away from Brits” and “profiteering,” as if the cost should cover struggling airgun hunters for free.

However, syndicates can offer access that wouldn’t otherwise exist. My brothers belong to a small farm shooting syndicate, and for an additional £500 a year, they gain access to pigeon shooting throughout the non-driven season. This money goes back into supporting the syndicate. As town workers without access to private land, £40 a month for eight months of shooting is well worth it. Syndicates for pigeon shooting, wildfowling, deerstalking, fishing and even metal detecting are options for enthusiasts who lack private access.

And yet, a 2023 survey on a popular airgun forum revealed that 94% of the 150 respondents wouldn’t pay to hunt. Many believed they were “doing the farmer a favour” and shouldn’t have to pay. But in reality, pest control benefits the hunter as much as the farmer. Just as metal detectorists don’t see themselves as doing archaeologists a favour, airgun hunters are there for the enjoyment of a thrilling outing.

How much should airgun shooters pay to hunt?

A local farmer, who generally dislikes airgun hunting after some rogue shooters downed eight of his pheasants, was sceptical when I asked if he’d reconsider allowing hunters on his 600 acres. But, when I suggested a syndicate arrangement — perhaps paying him £3,000 a year in exchange for defined rules and regular access — he considered it. For a group of eight, that’s only about £30 a month each, cheaper than a gym membership.

Such arrangements could outline terms for hunting times, group sizes and locations, ensuring everyone is satisfied. Kent Wildfowlers offers airgun-only memberships for £195, providing access to over 20 locations. Although it’s among the few such clubs, this sets a precedent. In contrast, obtaining private shooting grounds can be tough, especially for those without rural ties. The option to join a syndicate could simplify access, creating opportunities for more hunters and, potentially, encouraging other landowners to open up land.

Should airgun shooters be able to hunt for free?

The long-held idea that “we’re doing the farmer a favour, so it should be free” doesn’t stand up well in reality. Vermin needs controlling, but professional baiting often keeps them in check. Hunters love what they do — it’s a passion, not a chore. I spent years handling rat control on my father-in-law’s farm, a necessary job that was far from thrilling.

Airgun hunters could also help preserve ecosystems, given the reintroduction of predators like pine martens. Though they’re meant to control grey squirrels, pine martens may also hunt rabbits, hares, pigeons, and other game, potentially affecting local wildlife populations and our sport. By establishing a financial value on hunting areas, landowners may resist predator reintroductions, recognising that it can impact their land and our shared pastime, too.

Is it hard to obtain airgun hunting permissions?

With over six million airguns in England and an estimated one million airgun hunters, hunting grounds are increasingly sought after. Shotgun certificate holders number around 500,000, many also searching for land access. Based on these rough numbers, there are about five-and-a-half hunters for every farm in England, underlining the demand.

If airgun hunters embraced syndicates, access would likely improve, with the added benefit of self-regulating standards to ensure responsible practices. As this concept becomes more common, it could make land access easier, creating a more secure future for the sport.

To those resistant to the idea, I say, why not consider it? Airgun hunting remains among the most affordable shooting sports in the UK, with ammunition costing just 3.5p per shot compared to around 40p for shotgun cartridges. Even high-end air rifles rival the price of mid-range shotguns, so repurposing the cost of a takeaway each month towards a syndicate could open more grounds to hunt, strengthening and protecting our sport.