Police Urge Vigilance as Rural Crime Rises Ahead of Game Bird Shooting Season
As Hampshire prepares for the upcoming game bird shooting season, police are urging residents in rural areas to be on alert for a rise in wildlife and countryside crime.
The season, which typically runs from September to February, covers the shooting of partridge, pheasant, and duck—and often coincides with a spike in rural criminal activity, including poaching, trespassing, burglary, and property damage.
According to Hampshire Constabulary, there were 55 reports of game bird poaching across the county between September 2024 and February 2025.
Links to Organised Crime
Inspector Cath MacDonald, of the Country Watch Rural Crime Task Force, warned that those involved in poaching are frequently connected to wider criminal networks.
“Poaching not only involves deliberate cruelty to animals, but we know that those who poach are often linked to a wider crime network involved in theft, burglary, criminal damage, violence, and anti-social behaviour,” she said.
“The groups involved blight the countryside, which is why we are urging people to report crime as well as suspicious activity to police so our dedicated Task Force can take action.”
Earlier this month, a man was arrested in Bishop’s Waltham. A search of his vehicle uncovered dead pheasants, a catapult, ball bearings, cannabis, and a knife discarded nearby—evidence pointing to involvement in both poaching and other criminal offences.
Violence and Intimidation a Growing Threat
Landowners, farmers, and gamekeepers have also reported rising threats of abuse, intimidation, and violence when confronting trespassers.
Michelle Nudds, South East Director for the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), echoed these concerns.
“Wildlife crime impacts both individuals and communities. The scale of poaching and hare coursing varies geographically and seasonally, often organised by criminal gangs. Many individuals involved in poaching are also engaged in other rural and urban crimes.
“Farmers or gamekeepers who intervene in poaching or hare coursing may face intimidation through threats of violence, and in some cases, they are assaulted while trying to protect their livelihoods and property.”
BASC recently committed £40,000 through its Legacy Fund to support the National Wildlife Crime Unit’s digital training academy, which will provide specialist training for police forces across the UK.
Public Asked to Report Suspicious Activity
Police are asking the public to help in tackling rural crime by reporting:
• Suspicious people or vehicles on farmland
• Lamping activity – the use of high-powered lights to hunt wildlife at night
• Individuals carrying catapults or acting suspiciously in rural areas
“Your safety is the priority, so please do not approach these individuals. Instead, dial 999,” police advised.
How to Report
• In an emergency or if a crime is in progress: Call 999
• To report non-urgent crime or suspicious activity: Call 101 or via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website
• To remain anonymous: Contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or visit their website
If you are a member of the DISC rural crime platform, you can also submit information via email at:
discreports@hampshire.police.uk