Steven Mace
05-21-2002, 06:49 AM
Three-quarters of UK public support shooting
By Our Staff
21/05/2002
Three-quarters of the UK population support shooting when carried out legally and safely, according to an independent research poll commissioned by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), which claims it is the first examination of attitudes towards shooting to be made public.
The survey, carried out by Opinion Research Business (ORB), randomly sampled just over 1,000 people to assess attitudes about shooting (this size of sample means that the data for the whole country is accurate to 3% either way). It reveals that 74% of the sample support safe and legal shooting, and 73% believe that those who hold registered guns use them responsibly. However, 82% said they felt at risk from illegal weapons.
An overwhelming majority are concerned to see proper training for legal shooters – 94% think it important to teach safety and responsibility to those who want to shoot, while 66% believe the Government should encourage and support training in the responsible use of air guns. More than half of the survey sample (56%) thought shooting to be the most human method of pest control.
The survey also showed that around half of the population have never eaten game, and the same proportion believe it to be a luxury food.
“This survey sets down several crucial markers about public perceptions of shooting,” said BASC’s Communications Director Christopher Graffius. “I am encouraged by the broad support expressed for shooting, and the recognition that legal shooting sports are carried out safely and responsibly. However politicians will need to take note of the widespread fear of illegal guns and take action in the context of the fight against crime. We will also be seeking Government support to enhance BASC’s numerous training and safety programmes which cover all branches of legal shooting.”
http://www.leadshot.com/story.asp?id=558
Steve Mace
By Our Staff
21/05/2002
Three-quarters of the UK population support shooting when carried out legally and safely, according to an independent research poll commissioned by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), which claims it is the first examination of attitudes towards shooting to be made public.
The survey, carried out by Opinion Research Business (ORB), randomly sampled just over 1,000 people to assess attitudes about shooting (this size of sample means that the data for the whole country is accurate to 3% either way). It reveals that 74% of the sample support safe and legal shooting, and 73% believe that those who hold registered guns use them responsibly. However, 82% said they felt at risk from illegal weapons.
An overwhelming majority are concerned to see proper training for legal shooters – 94% think it important to teach safety and responsibility to those who want to shoot, while 66% believe the Government should encourage and support training in the responsible use of air guns. More than half of the survey sample (56%) thought shooting to be the most human method of pest control.
The survey also showed that around half of the population have never eaten game, and the same proportion believe it to be a luxury food.
“This survey sets down several crucial markers about public perceptions of shooting,” said BASC’s Communications Director Christopher Graffius. “I am encouraged by the broad support expressed for shooting, and the recognition that legal shooting sports are carried out safely and responsibly. However politicians will need to take note of the widespread fear of illegal guns and take action in the context of the fight against crime. We will also be seeking Government support to enhance BASC’s numerous training and safety programmes which cover all branches of legal shooting.”
http://www.leadshot.com/story.asp?id=558
Steve Mace