BASC NI Team

04/06/2026

🔰Introduction to Gamekeeping course is open for applications🔰

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), along with the Irish Grouse Conservation Trust (IGCT) and the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) are finalising arrangements for the Introduction to Gamekeeping course, due to commence in September 2026.

This six-day course, held predominantly on Fridays over four months, starting in September 2026, will be mainly based at CAFRE’s Hill Farm Centre, Glenwherry. Applicants must be at least 18 years old to be eligible to attend.

You can find more details here:

The Introduction to Gamekeeping course is open for applications. The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), along with the Irish Grouse Conservation Trust (IGCT) and the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) are finalising arrangements for the Introduction to G...

02/06/2026

Our next DSC 1 course, will be held at Baronscourt Estate, over the period 21-23 August 2026.

You can find more details here: https://events.basc.org.uk/events/deer-stalking-certificate-1-baronscourt-estate-co-tyrone-11/

Or if you have any questions regarding the course, please give us a call on 028 92 605050.

29/05/2026

🔊BASC gives evidence to NI Assembly Justice Committee on DoJ Fi****ms Fees Consultation🔊

Yesterday, BASC NI director Tommy Mayne, along with BASC’s Head of Law Dr Alex Murray, accompanied by Gavin Walsh, former Northern Ireland Public Services Alliance (NIPSA) representative, gave evidence to the NI Assembly Justice Committee on the DoJ Consultation to Increase Fi****ms Licensing Fees.

During that presentation, BASC called for:

• No increase in fees without a full, independent, transparent review of FEBs processes
• The implementation of a Service Charter setting out agreed processing timescales
• An independent mechanism for holding FEB staff to account, including when processing timescales are not met
• The implementation of Service Level Agreements between FEB and partner agencies
• The number of calibres in the banded system to be significantly increased across the bands, reducing the administrative burden on FEB
• Any money derived from fi****ms fees to be ringfenced for FEB
• FEB to be staffed to capacity and staff numbers to be ringfenced

BASC had also sent a written brief to the Committee in advance of the evidence session. Prior to meeting, the Ulster Farmers’ Union had written to the Paul Frew MLA, the Chair of the Justice Committee, to highlight their support for BASC and we are very grateful for that support.

DoJ officials also gave evidence, ahead of BASC, and they advised the Committee that they would bring forward another consultation at some point, but most likely in the next Assembly mandate.

BASC thanks the Committee for the opportunity to represent our members’ interests. BASC will continue to robustly challenge any attempt by the government to introduce policies or legislation that is not evidence based.

BASC NI Director Tommy Mayne pictured with Dr Alex Murray, BASC's Head of Law.

27/05/2026

‼️Department of Justice NI withdraws consultation on Proposals to Increase Fi****ms Licensing Fees and Amend the Banded System‼️

In a move welcomed by BASC, the Department of Justice (DoJ) has withdrawn a public consultation on plans to increase all fi****ms licensing fees by 153 per cent and to make changes to the banded system.

The withdrawal of the consultation was announced this afternoon, following feedback and responses from consultees and stakeholder groups.

The fi****ms licensing consultation was launched on 30 March and BASC wrote to the DoJ setting out its concerns regarding the consultation, however the DoJ did not respond.

Yesterday, BASC initiated legal proceedings against the DoJ, by issuing a Pre-Action Protocol (PAP) letter regarding its public consultation, which would have seen the cost of a firearm certificate rise from £98 to £250. BASC sought both internal and external legal advice before issuing the Pre-Action Protocol letter.

BASC NI director Tommy Mayne said: “It is the right decision for the consultation to be withdrawn. BASC opposes any increase in fees without a full, independent, and transparent review of the necessary processes involved in fi****ms licensing. Thank you to everyone who took the time to voice their opposition to the ill-advised proposals, including BASC members, MLAs and MPs.

“BASC will continue to robustly challenge any attempt by the government to introduce policies or legislation that is not evidence based”

BASC is committed to working with the DoJ, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the NI Assembly Justice Committee, and our partner organisations on the Northern Ireland Fi****ms Representative Group.

27/05/2026

🔰Hunting with Dogs Bill update 🔰

BASC has received several queries from members in relation to the outcome of yesterday’s debate on Hunting with Dogs in the Northern Ireland Assembly. For clarity, and contrary to what is being said in the public domain, the Bill has NOT been PASSED.

The Bill went through its Second Stage reading and after lengthy debate, and a vote, (60 MLAs in support and 15 not supportive) the Bill will now go to the Committee stage where it will undergo scrutiny and where amendments can be tabled.

Prior to the debate and vote, BASC had sent a detailed Briefing document to all MLAs, setting out our legal concerns and this was recognised on multiple occasions during the debate.

BASC will continue to engage with the Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs Committee and elected representatives across all parties to ensure that the views of our members are considered. If you are a BASC member and you have any questions about our work on Hunting with Dogs, please feel free to give the office a call.

26/05/2026

🔊BASC initiates legal action against the Northern Ireland Department of Justice🔊

BASC has begun legal proceedings against the Department of Justice (DoJ) in Northern Ireland, by issuing a Pre-Action Protocol (PAP) letter regarding its public consultation on plans to increase all fi****ms licensing fees by 153 per cent and to make changes to the banded system. The fi****ms licensing consultation was launched on 30 March and would see the cost of a firearm certificate rise from £98 to £250.

By issuing a PAP letter, BASC has taken the first step towards a Judicial Review of the DoJ’s handling of the matter. This action follows a letter from BASC to the DoJ on 20 April, which set out BASC’s concerns regarding the lawfulness of the consultation. The DoJ has failed to respond despite multiple reminders.

BASC Northern Ireland director Tommy Mayne said: “We are opposed to any increase in fees without a full, independent, transparent review of the necessary processes within fi****ms licensing. In our letter to the DoJ on 20 April we highlighted significant flaws in the public consultation which may render it unlawful. Despite the seriousness of the concerns raised, the department has chosen not to respond to our letter.

“BASC is therefore left with no alternative but to initiate legal action on behalf of its members because they deserve clarity, fairness, and a proper consultation process. We will continue to robustly challenge any attempt by government to introduce policies or legislation that are not evidence based”

23/05/2026

IMPORTANT UPDATE - Hunting with Dogs

BASC met with our legal advisors again yesterday in relation to the Hunting with Dogs Bill.

As a result of that meeting, BASC has written to Edwin Poots, the Speaker of the Assembly to highlight our concerns in relation to the Bill, and the potential ramifications for our members and for anyone who owns a dog! Our correspondence was also sent to Carál Ní Chuilín (Principal Deputy Speaker), John Blair (Deputy Speaker) and Steve Aiken (Deputy Speaker).

BASC has asked that the issues raised, which are significant, are considered in advance of the Second Reading of the Bill on Tuesday.

We will keep you posted.

21/05/2026

🔊IMPORTANT UPDATE – DoJ Fi****ms Consultation🔊

Following the launch of the DoJ Consultation of Proposals to Increase Fi****ms Licensing Fees and Amend the Banded System, BASC sought both internal and external legal advice. As a result of that advice, BASC wrote to the DoJ on 20 April, setting out our significant concerns regarding the consultation.

BASC is scheduled to give evidence to the NI Assembly’s Justice Committee next week and Dr Alex Murray, our Head of Law, will be flying in to attend that session. We are very much looking forward to that evidence session and to representing the interests of our members. We will update you in due course.

19/05/2026

Our attendance at the Balmoral Show provided a very useful opportunity to meet the new Ulster Farmers' Union President, John McLenaghan.

BASC and the UFU share very similar views on the DoJ Proposals to Increase Fi****ms Licensing Fees and Amend the Banded System.

16/05/2026

Well that’s a wrap at Balmoral. What a fantastic four days!

The response to the DoJ Fi****ms Consultation has been superb and we extend our sincere thanks to all who called with us to complete their response.

A big thank you to all those who joined or renewed their BASC membership. To those who joined for the first time, welcome to the BASC family! Thank you for the very positive feedback on our work.

It was a useful four days which facilitated not just member and non-member engagement but also high level political engagement on key issues affecting BASC members and trade members alike.

We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the MLAs and MPs who engaged with us!

Now, time to put the feet up…….until Monday!