Country Sports
Country sports, which are sometimes referred to as field sports are the traditional blood sports that have long been associated with traditional country life. One of the most commonly practiced country sports in the UK is the hunting of game birds such as partridges and pheasants. It is popular with many people and many people who do not live in the countryside but like to participate in country sports, particularly shooting will travel into the country for this purpose. Country sports that require the use of a lethal weapon, particularly the hunting of game birds which is usually done with a shot gun is heavily regulated and people must acquire the appropriate license before they can participate.
Country sports have been subjected to a great deal of bad press in recent years, particularly fox hunting which has been banned in the UK since 2004. Fox hunting was one of the most popular country sports and many people seem the ban as having a profoundly negative effect on a traditional way of life. Many fans of country sports carry on fox hunting regardless of this, flagrantly flaunting the ban.
Country sports in the UK have long been associated with the middle and upper classes; however this is not strictly true of country sports today. Many country sports, particularly the hunting of game birds, are popular with participants from all walks of life.