Sharpshooter

The rise of plant-based ‘meat’ is yet another sign that game shooting needs to defend its position and ensure the antis don’t gain a foothold

- Alasdair Mitchell

Some of those who oppose the voluntary transition away from lead shot see it as a gesture to appease the antis. They point out that those who are implacably opposed to fieldsports won’t let up if lead shot is out of the equation. Instead, they will redouble their efforts, having notched up another victory in their ongoing war.

I can understand this argument, even if it misses a couple of essential points. The first is that prejudice comes in packages. Our opponents are opposed to shooting on many grounds, of which alleged environmental degradation is only one. But they use it in support of their campaign. Secondly, animal rights activists often disguise, or perhaps pad out, their central motivation with a welter of side issues precisely because these may have greater traction with the public and legislators.