The ShootHub Podcast

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.

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. 

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" mig...

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? 

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 t...

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 celebr...

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 ecolo...

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.    

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.   Pro...

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:  S...

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 wha...

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.

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...

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 Ma...

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.

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 unfami...

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. 

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 fi...

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.   

Ross Guyton, woodland division manager at Oakbank, joins Digby and Gemma to talk all things Woodland on this month's episode. Ross shares industry insights into woodland management, the most common mistakes and misconceptions, and what you can do on your shoot to improve your woodland.    Changes in government subsidies and funding mean that there are lots of exciting and new opportunities to impr...

Terry Behan, BASC East's Regional Director, joins Gemma and Digby to look back on the last five year since the combined shooting organisations proposed a voluntary phase out of lead ammunition. He reflects on the progress that has been made in that time, tackles some of the most common myths and misconceptions about lead shot and the non-toxic alternatives.  He also shares some tips for shoot owne...

In this episode of the ShootHub Podcast Gemma, George and Digby are joined at the microphones by Dylan Williams. Dylan has spent his career in the shooting industry, founding the Royal Berkshire shooting school and now is heavily involved within a number of different shooting businesses and organisations. He was instrumental in the formation of British Game Assurance in 2017 and continues to have...

After an unplanned recording haitus, Digby and George return and are joined by GunsOnPegs' new Shoot Account Manager Gemma Raymond. The team discuss the season so far, the challenge of selling shoot days and pegs in the current financial climate, and suggest some tactics and strategies to try in order to shift the last few dates, as well as how to get ahead of the game for next season.

Syndicates are the building blocks of the UK game shooting community, 45% of shoots run primarily as a syndicate. Syndicates not only provide wonderful shooting opportunities and conservation, but are often keystones in their local communities, bringing likeminded folk together to share a passion for the countryside. Sam Phillips, who runs a syndicate in Lincolnshire, joins us to discuss the joys...

Digby and George are joined by Richard Crofts. If you’ve bought chicks or poults in the last 10 years, the chances are you bought them off Crofty. He’s recently finished up working at Bettws Hall where he hosted at The Brigands in the winter and ran the game farm in the summer and has now gone to work for himself along with his wife Lizzy at RC Crops, involved in game birds, cover crops, agricultu...