Evaluation of self-regulation by the hunting community: A case study on the voluntary restraint of woodcock hunting in the UK

Abstract

Abstract The self-regulation of hunting activity in the United Kingdom is a vital part of improving the sustainability of wild bird harvest. In recent years, there have been calls to voluntarily delay the open season for shooting woodcock to reduce any potential impact on resident breeding birds. This call for voluntary behaviour change offers an opportunity to assess bag data, in the form of wings of shot birds submitted, and understand if hunters are adhering to these self-imposed regulations. Of the woodcock wings submitted 87% adhered to the voluntary delay to the season, suggesting that this initiative has secured broad voluntary compliance. This demonstrates that that with suitable messaging, and a collective effort to conserve wild quarry, that legislative changes may not be necessary to achieve sustainable harvest rates.