Up the ante on your shoot day and make a real difference to GWCT research

Shots are famously competitive and a sweepstake on a shoot day’s bag will always add to the fun. Over the years many shoots have generously run their sweepstakes for the benefit of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – supporting the Trust’s vital research.

Now, with the generous sponsorship of Holts auctioneers and the support of renowned wildlife artists Owen Williams, the GWCT’s sweepstake pack has been redesigned. The pack is free to shoots running a sweepstake for the Trust’s benefit and now features several beautiful gamebird images by Owen. The pack includes shoot cards, stand markers, shoot sweepstake record cards, cartridge refuse bags, a donations tube and a free copy of the Code of Good Shooting Practice.

GWCT Director of Fundraising Jeremy Payne said: “I would like to thank the many shoots that have supported us through their shoot sweepstakes over the years. These donations make a vital difference, particularly during the recent Covid pandemic, enabling us to continue our research into game management and conservation.”

The sweepstake can be run on the day’s bag, the number of species or the number of empty cases. Some shoots prefer a system of fines for shooting white pheasants, shooting before the whistle or for the dirtiest pair of boots.

At the end of the day, half the takings are given to the person nearest to the correct answer and the remainder to the GWCT to help fund their vital research. After submitting the monies raised during the season the Trust will reward the contributor with one bottle of sloe gin per £100 raised. The Trust also sends a letter of thanks acknowledging the donation and provide shoots with a certificate to display in the shoot room.

Shoots can request a GWCT sweepstake pack by emailing sweepstakes@gwct.org.uk or calling 07860 879377. More information on the GWCT Shoot Sweepstake scheme.

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Note to editors:

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.