Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether (a) grouse shooting and (b) trail hunting are exempted activities from the rule of six covid-19 regulations.

Some types of shooting and hunting may qualify for an exemption from the gatherings limit, as certain types of physical activity are allowed in groups larger than six. If someone on a shoot or hunt holds a permit or license, issued by a public body, that is required for the activity or any equipment used in that activity and the organiser of the has undertaken a risk assessment, the activity may be able to go ahead.

There is also an exemption which allows people to participate in fitness-related activities in larger groups. Some types of hunts may therefore be exempt where riders are undertaking equestrian activity related to fitness. Individual hunts will want to take their own advice about whether the rule of six applies to them. For fitness related activity, a business, a charitable organisation, benevolent or philanthropic institution, a public body, or a political body must organise.