Is wild game ethical?

The start of game season also brings with it many questions about the responsibility of game shoots across the country. Surely, a locally sourced wild meat should be more sustainable than a farmed alternative? Or is this simply a sport for some? We answer the most common questions here.

Aim to Sustarin

All of our wild game birds are accredited by Aim to Sustain (ATS). This is a mark of quality and leading industry standard for high-welfare, sustainably sourced game. Just like the difference between grain-fed and grass-fed beef, there is a huge variation in standards across the shooting industry, with similar implications for how ethical we perceive this meat to be.

Wild game can either be wild from birth or sustainably released into the wild. By working with the ATS, our game birds are certified against their strict sourcing criteria. These standards relate to the environment, stocking densities, maturity of the birds at the time of shooting and how the birds are released (wild ducks, for example, are encouraged to become wild after being released into wetland habitats). Importantly, ATS game birds must be adapted to the wild before shoots can take place.

Historically, a common problem with game shooting has been the release of a vast number of birds, only then to be wasted after unsuccessful marketing to the public. This public snub is not just an issue for the game industry – for the shoot manager it is both costly and unsustainable – it also has huge environmental implications by contributing to food waste.

If the public were to embrace wild game, we are encouraging the consumption of a low-input, local, nutritious food source, whilst simultaneously reducing waste.

All you need to know about Field & Flower game

Our game birds are sourced from shoots across the South West of England, predominantly Somerset and Gloucestershire. Our venison is sourced from Royal Estates including London and the South West of England.

As with all feathered game, there is a risk of shot in the product. If you are concerned about this, we recommend opting for our boneless breasts (where the shot is easier to spot).

The ‘gamey’ flavour of wild game is often cited as a reason for it being disliked. We believe this does not do justice to the rich flavour of game – it is earthy, nuanced and complex in taste. If you are new to game, we recommend pheasant or partridge (as the flavour is mellower than alternatives like pigeon).

ATS have set out their standards and long term goals. Here’s a summary relating to welfare and the environment.

• Sustainable shooting respects quarry species and seeks to conserve and improve the environment. It avoids excessive consumption, complies with the law, improves the health and well-being of participants and provides food and economic benefits to the wider community.

• Animal welfare is one of the foundations that existing shooting codes of practice are built upon. With politicians at Westminster and the devolved administrations considering revisions to animal welfare legislation, Aim to Sustain recognises the importance of leading on animal welfare.

The ATS is an organisation made up of the following partnerships – The Countryside Alliance, British Association for Shooting & Conservation, British Game Assurance, Country Land & Business Association, Scottish Land & Estates, Moorland Association, National Gamekeepers’ Organisation and the Game Farmers’ Association. The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust are scientific advisors.

If you’ve never cooked with game before, we recommend trying one of our recipes to get you started.