Firearms licensing data for England and Wales underlines the impact that barriers to entry are having on participation in shooting sports.
The Home Office published the latest firearms licensing statistics for England and Wales – as of 31 March 2024 there were 495,798 shotgun certificates issued, making the lowest number since comparable records began. The decline has been attributed to several factors, including COVID-19, GP verification requirements and fees, backlogs in renewals, and some forces pausing new grant applications.
A detailed look at refusals reveals some concerns. In 2023/24, there were 1,072 new shotgun certificate refusals, the highest since 2008. Notably, Devon and Cornwall saw a 1,109% increase in refusals, with 278 new refusals, more than the combined previous 15 years, with renewal refusals also reaching a record high. South Yorkshire reported a 92% increase in new applicant refusals.
The situation seems grim currently, but there are some rays of light. There was only a marginal decline in the number of female shotgun certificate holders, down by just 317 to 30,933, now representing an encouraging 7.7% of all shotgun certificate holders.
Additionally, the number of female firearm certificate holders increased to 5,090, a small year-on-year gain, though women still make up just 3.6% of firearm certificate holders, indicating room for growth.
As the shooting industry navigates legislative changes and shifts in government policy, it is crucial for you the advocates and enthusiasts to support, engage and educate the sport. Encouraging more women to participate in shooting can help diversify and strengthen the community.
You can help build and grow the industry by inviting a friend to The Game Fair or bringing a friend along to one of CGUK’s events. By fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, we can ensure the future of shooting sports remains vibrant and dynamic.
Written by Lucy Allen, Managing Director of On The Peg