The ShootHub Podcast

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 celebrating good work on the ground matters more than ever.

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 ecological picture.

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. Proudly sponsored by: St Davids Vets: https://www.stdavids-poultryteam.co.uk/ Solway Feeders: https://www.solwayfeeders.com/ Marsdens Game Feeds: https://www.forfarmers.co.uk/game-feeds/marsdens-game-feeds Treesco: https://linktr.ee/TreescoUK?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabz1B1XNyaTuPfOqU-5T-WibckDUuGZWvMAIzFHEaEfiU8Ey2RBtYszJ38_aem_uBNKIPHBLe_N8TF8celeTA Scott Country International: https://www.scottcountry.co.uk/

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: St Davids Vets: https://www.stdavids-poultryteam.co.uk/ Solway Feeders: https://www.solwayfeeders.com/ Marsdens Game Feeds: https://www.forfarmers.co.uk/game-feeds/marsdens-game-feeds Treesco: https://linktr.ee/TreescoUK?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabz1B1XNyaTuPfOqU-5T-WibckDUuGZWvMAIzFHEaEfiU8Ey2RBtYszJ38_aem_uBNKIPHBLe_N8TF8celeTA Scott Country International: https://www.scottcountry.co.uk/

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 what the future holds for Guns. Proudly sponsored by: St Davids Vets: https://www.stdavids-poultryteam.co.uk/ Solway Feeders: https://www.solwayfeeders.com/ Treesco: https://linktr.ee/TreescoUK?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabz1B1XNyaTuPfOqU-5T-WibckDUuGZWvMAIzFHEaEfiU8Ey2RBtYszJ38_aem_uBNKIPHBLe_N8TF8celeTA Scott Country International: https://www.scottcountry.co.uk/

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 feed prices and new innovations, to the benefits of shared pegs, wild bird conservation, and how to get the best from your ground without spending a fortune. With thanks to the ShootHub partners: Mardens Game Feeds St David's Vets Treesco

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 Madden's research: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10344-018-1199-5 https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rsos.160008 https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1365-2656.12401

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 unfamiliar with gamekeeping to engage and learn.

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 fine for shooting the white pheasant?