Enough reared Red-Legs for today, but fewer wild ones for tomorrow? The dilemma of gamebird rearing and releasing

Abstract

Owing to the long-term decline of wild gamebird populations and the advances on poultry production, rearing has become increasingly popular for put-and-take shooting rather than for re-establishing wild populations. Although hunters may prefer shooting wild gamebirds, reared ones ensure hunting bags at a reasonable cost; hence the majority of gamebird shooting in Europe, either commercial or non-commercial, rely on reared birds. This chapter reviews current knowledge on gamebird rearing and releasing, with a special focus on red-legged partridges.

It is estimated that around 14 million red-legged partridges are reared for shooting in Europe annually, being the vast majority of them reared under commercial methods. Research confirms that commercial rearing and releasing cause a long list of detrimental effects on reared birds, their wild counterparts and other wildlife. However, non-commercial rearing and releasing for re-establishment attempts may be helpful for conservation purposes; reared birds in general will fly well in front of guns, and a small proportion may breed if given the chance.

To ensure the fate of wild gamebirds' populations and the feasibility of rearing, we suggest changing from large-scale releasing for shooting into releasing for conservation. To do so, quality labels to certify estates producing wild red-legged partridges should be launched, and wild gamebird management should get funding (private and public) and recognition. We suggest ways to improve commercial rearing and provide guidelines for rearing and releasing for re-establishment purposes.