Advice on Shooting & Country Sports during coronavirus
Update 2nd August 2021 - Lifting of Restrictions
As of 19th July 2021 Government guidance changed and, in England, most legal restrictions to control COVID-19 have been lifted. This means that:.
Recreational outdoor shooting, hunting, fishing and other country sports may continue and are no longer subject to gathering limits. However, in order to minimise risk at a time of high prevalence, you should limit the close contact you have with those you do not usually live with, this includes minimising the number, proximity and duration of social contacts. The requirement to wear face coverings in law has been lifted. However, the Government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in enclosed/indoor spaces and crowded areas. You are encouraged to exercise caution and consider the guidance on risks associated with COVID-19 and actions you can take.
International travel is permitted however what you must do when you arrive in England from abroad depends on where you have been in the last 10 days before you arrive. Please check whether the country you are visiting is on the Green, Amber or Red list and ensure you have taken the required steps before travelling. People planning to travel to the UK should follow the UK Border Control guidance on entering the UK.
If you have the facility to safely practise your sport within the boundaries of your home, for example setting up an airgun or archery target in the garden, this is permitted and such activities are covered by your C³ insurances. We ask that all members complete a full written risk assessment before undertaking any activities at home.
- Regulations In Wales
As of 17th July Wales is at Alert Level 1. Up to 6 people can meet indoors. Organised indoor events can take place for up to 1,000 people seated or 200 standing. There are no limits on the numbers of people who can gather outdoors. All sporting activities, including recreational shooting and country sports, are permitted subject to gathering limits. Rules on social distancing and mask wearing still apply.
International travel is permitted but should be avoided.
For more information please see the Welsh Government Guidance.
- Regulations In Scotland
Scotland currently has a 5 Level System in place with varying restrictions according to the local authority area in which you reside. Currently the whole of Scotland is at Level 0.
At level 0 all indoor and outdoor sports, including shooting and country sports, are permitted provided appropriate safety measures are followed. You can meet friends and family socially in groups of up to 8 people from 4 households in your home or theirs. In an indoor public place groups of up to 10 people from 4 households may meet, however you need to maintain at least 1m distance from other households in all indoor public settings. Outdoors you can meet in groups of up to 15 people from any number of households. You should minimise the number of meetings you have with people from other households each day.
Guidance on international travel is permitted but subject to regular updates. Please read the guidance on travel and transport for full details.
For more information please see the Scottish Government Guidance.
- Regulations In Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland all outdoor sports including recreational shooting activities are permitted. A risk assessment is required if more than 30 people will be in attendance.
All indoor sport and leisure venues may open and group exercise/training is permitted. A risk assessment must be completed if more than 15 people are participating.
Up to 10 people from no more than three households can meet in a private home and stay overnight. Up to 15 people from any number of households can meet in a private garden. Children aged 12 and under are not counted in the total. Indoor gatherings of of 15 people in a non-domestic setting require the organiser to carry out a risk assesment.
For more information please see the NI Direct Government Guidance.
- Regulations In the Republic of Ireland
Currently outdoor gatherings and outdoor training including shooting and country sports may take place up to a maximum of 15 people. Gyms, swimming pools, leisure centres are permitted to open for individual training only with protective measures; other indoor sporting activities including target shooting and group/team training are not permitted.
Social gathering limits are dependent of vaccination status. For more information please see the Irish Government Guidance.
Hands, Face, Space & Fresh Air
Remember, anyone can spread the virus, and it is possible to be a carrier without showing any symptoms and even when fully vaccinated. It is extremely important that we continue to limit the spread of Coronavirus in order to control the outbreak and minimise the pressure on the NHS and emergency services. We therefore urge all Members to follow government advice to prevent the rate of infection increasing again.
This situation is one that is constantly evolving; the Government website is the best place to check for current advice and information regarding Coronavirus.
If you have any symptoms of Coronavirus, which include a high temperature 'fever' or a new, persistent cough, or a change you sense of in taste or smell it is vital that you self-isolate to prevent further spread of the virus. If you live in a household with others the whole household must isolate as it is likely the virus will pass between household members. To protect others, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. If you are self-isolating ask your employer, friends and family to help you to get the things you need to stay at home. It is also important to continue to wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water, or use hand sanitiser. If you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home, or your condition gets worse, or your symptoms do not get better after 7 days, then use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service. If you do not have internet access, call NHS 111.
For more information on Coronavirus and what to do if you show symptoms please visit the NHS website.
