Having just read this month's edition of Shooting Gazette (Feb 08) it is both interesting and concerning to see the predictions for the 08/09 season with regard to costs.

As those who own/run shoots know, the cost of grain went through the roof last year, as did the cost of many items associated with shooting - cartridges for instance went from around the Ł99 per 1000 for a general all-round cartridge ideal for pest control, to around the Ł120/1000 mark.

Coupled with increased fuel, electricity and other costs, are we going to see the cost of each bird rise beyond the reach of all but the most affluent of the land?

I dont think it will have much impact on the larger, commercial operations, but the small syndicates such as mine could face the prospect of an up-hill struggle, even to keep or attract new Syndicate Guns. In general, the average cost per bird this year, in my area, has been Ł30. Even with a general rise of say 10%, that puts the cost up to Ł33 per bird. I have already had concern expressed form Syndicate members that the cost may risie beyond their budget.

It is a concern that unless shoots can keep costs down, are we going to see the decline of the 8 x X-number Bird Day syndicate shoot and the increase of bigger bag/less day roving syndicates?

Couple all this with the fact that if we have another bad summer, it is posible that cover crops won't establish well and the loses from poor weather in relation to poults could prove the downfall of many a day.

What is the view of the rest of the forum membership? Is this time to re-address the way we operate, or should we gust grin and bare it?

It should be noted that as long as I break even, Im happy. But currently I face a loss which won't please 'er indoors!