Social License & Hunting Explained | Wildfowling in the UK with BASC

What is social license, and why does it matter for the future of hunting?
In this episode, Patrick O’Reilly, social scientist with the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), joins us to break down the sociology behind what allows hunting to exist in modern society—and what threatens it.

This conversation dives deep into wildfowling in the United Kingdom, exploring how public perception, cultural values, and communication shape the future of hunting—not just in the UK, but globally.

From an Irishman’s perspective to a South African lens, this episode unpacks how social license impacts conservation, wildlife management, and the narrative around hunting worldwide.

More importantly, it challenges a critical question:
👉 If hunting is scientifically sound and conservation-driven, why does public approval matter?

This marks the beginning of a powerful collaboration between BASC and The Origins Foundation—focused on telling the truth about hunting and its role in conservation, communities, and wildlife.