GunsOnPegs & Smiths Gore Shoot Benchmarking Survey 2011
The results of this year’s Shoot Benchmarking Survey, conducted by awarding-winning website GunsOnPegs.com and leading rural property consultants Smiths Gore, has shed some much needed light on how shoots up and down the country have fared over the past 12 months.
Who took part?
At the recent CLA Game Fair, the team revealed the highly anticipated results of its second-ever nationwide survey, which attracted more respondents than ever before. In total, 110 shoots took part, which accounted for 2,400 shoot days, 350,000 acres and 1.1million pheasants and partridges. The data provided greater clarity of the economic realities of running a shoot and demonstrated how shoots could work to improve their bottom line.
What does the survey show?
A whole raft of information was gleaned, such as the average number of birds released, gamekeeper remuneration, overage policies, profitability and the average price per bird. James Horne, managing director of GunsOnPegs said some of the statistics made for uncomfortable reading: “The results may act as a wake up call to the industry – we are seeing a greater focus on customer service and more innovative approaches to marketing days. The full results give a real insight into how the industry coped in the aftermath of the economic downturn.”
The results PDF can be downloaded on the right.
The team is now urging shoots to take part in the survey next year. “If you have not already completed the survey, please take part next year. Rest assured, the information is entirely confidential and anonymous and the results will greatly help all shoots who complete the survey to benchmark against trends for the future, said Savid Steel, head of sporting at Smiths Gore.
Ten Top Tips to increase a shoot's profit
1. Maximise your recovery rates by ensuring proper and adequate vermin control throughout the year.
2. Boost your wild bird population by correct feeding between Feb 1 and August.
3. Buy poults from recognised sources to ensure you have top quality healthy birds.
4. Buy feed carefully and strategically to minimise costs and then minimise wastage.
5. Control beaters and pickers up costs. Well-trained staff can help reduce costs.
6. To maximise profitability (not necessarily customer service though) sell days based on birds shot.
7. Ensure the highest levels of customer service, from taking the booking right through to the end of day’s shooting. This will ensure repeat business.
8. Increase bag sizes to the maximum your market will bear, thereby spreading fixed costs over greater income.
9. Work scientifically with parties such as GWCT, game cover suppliers, feed suppliers to manage habitat and bird welfare.
10. Use all available channels to sell days and individual guns. GunsOnPegs can sell those last minute gaps that are the difference between profit and loss.
Regional Shoot Seminars
As a spin off from the hugely popular Shoot Benchmarking Survey, GunsOnPegs and Smiths Gore are planning regional shoot seminars for groups of 10 shoots or more to explore shoot performance and profitability. To find out more details, contact GunsOnPegs on 0207 491 1363 or Smiths Gore on 01904 756316, or please read the PDF results found on the right hand side of this page.
29 July 2011 by , 0 comments
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