The Welsh Government has announced an “Independent Call for Evidence on Gamebird Release in Wales” and is funding a literature review of the gamebird breeding and rearing sector, days before the final recess ahead of the Senedd election.

In what has been seen as a last-ditch attempt by the Labour Government to progress its obsession on gamebird shooting in Wales and its commitment to banning the release of gamebirds without a licence, the last-minute launch of a call for evidence by Minister Huw Irranca-Davies will ensure the subject a place in the next Minister’s in-tray.

In a statement released on 17 March, the Minister said:

“It remains our policy intention to move towards a more regulated and sustainable system for managing gamebird releases, including the potential introduction of a future licensing regime. In order to progress this, I have initiated an independent call for evidence. This work is essential to ensure that any future proposals are grounded in the strongest and most impartial evidence available, reflect Welsh ecological circumstances, and can withstand legal and scientific scrutiny.

"This evidence review will form an important foundation for future policy development. It will help ensure that any decisions we take are transparent, proportionate, and aligned with our wider commitments to halt and reverse biodiversity decline, safeguard protected sites and uphold high standards of environmental governance.”

Rachel Evans, Director for Wales, said:

“The Countryside Alliance will be responding to the call for evidence. We very much look forward to demonstrating how game shooting in Wales benefits the environment, can improve our biodiversity and makes an exceptional contribution not only to the economy of rural Wales, but also to social value and people’s health and well-being.”

Meanwhile, the Welsh Government has funded a literature review of welfare implications, biosecurity practices, and disease preparedness in the gamebird breeding and rearing sector. An academic post to conduct the review was advertised in December 2025 and although a commencement date has not been publicised, the placement is set to run for three months. The Alliance has contacted the department asking for the opportunity to participate in any additional research that might be undertaken by means of surveys and industry interviews, as set out in the research documents. We will continue to press for industry engagement.