HALF a million people were expected to join shoots on the last day of the pheasant and partridge seasons.

Record numbers of people were expected to take advantage of the final day of the pheasant and partridge seasons on February 1.

The last day of the season is the beaters’ day on many shoots, when those people who have worked throughout the season take their turn with a gun.

The Countryside Alliance estimates 25,000 shoots took place around the country, with as many as 500,000 people – 200,000 guns and another 300,000 family and friends. The alliance says shooting plays a vital part in rural Britain, and is worth more than £1.6billion to the UK economy and supports 70,000 full-time jobs.

Countryside Alliance executive chairman, Barney White-Spunner, said: “Having so many people going out shooting on the final day of the season is a true success story, showing that support for shooting is stronger than ever.

“Come rain or shine, around half a million people enjoyed the last day of the season in traditional style.”