The latest Home Office statistics for firearm and shotgun certificates in England and Wales for 2023/24 (April 2023 – March 2024), reveal some positive trends, despite challenges in the broader landscape.
Impact of Covid lockdowns on applications
As of 31 March 2024, there were 495,798 shotgun certificates issued, marking the lowest number since comparable records began, with a decrease of 5,082 certificates. This decline has been attributed to several factors, including the impact of Covid lockdowns, which significantly hindered new grant applications. Many police forces faced a backlog of renewals and had to turn away new applications due to resource constraints, affecting overall numbers.
Signs of stabilisation
However, within this broader decline, there is good news. The drop in the number of shotgun certificates held in 2023/24 is the smallest year-on-year decline in five years, indicating signs of stabilisation. Despite a recovery from the Covid low in new grant applications, the number of certificates granted has remained steady, with 15,457 issued in 2023/24, slightly down from the previous year.
Concerns over certificate refusals
A detailed look at refusals reveals some concerns. In 2023/24, there were 1,072 new shotgun certificate refusals, the highest since 2008. Notably, Devon and Cornwall saw a 1,109% increase in refusals, with 278 new refusals, more than the combined previous 15 years, with renewal refusals also reaching a record high. South Yorkshire reported a 92% increase in new applicant refusals.
Positive trends for women in shooting
Despite these challenges, there are positive trends for women in shooting. The number of female shotgun certificate holders recorded only a marginal decline, down by just 317 to 30,933, now representing an encouraging 6.7% of all shotgun certificate holders.
Additionally, the number of female firearm certificate holders increased to 5,090, a small year-on-year gain, though women still make up just 3.6% of firearm certificate holders, indicating room for growth.
The importance of advocacy and education
As the shooting industry navigates legislative changes and shifts in government policy, it is crucial for you the advocates and enthusiasts to support, engage and educate the sport. Encouraging more women to participate in shooting can help diversify and strengthen the community.
Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment
We can help build and grow the industry, but we need you, to help play a part. Invite a friend to the upcoming The Game Fair, attend a BASC women’s introduction day, join a ladies’ shooting club, or take someone to a local clay ground.
By fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, we can ensure the future of shooting sports remains vibrant and dynamic.
All-female environments provide great opportunities for women interested in trying shooting. Check out our list of women's fieldsports clubs here: Building a women’s shooting community – find your tribe – On The Peg Clothing