THEY MAY be nothing more than a dopey traffic hazard to local motorists, but the North Devon pheasant population is contributing more than £32m a year to the area's economy.

More precisely, it is the shooting of the game birds that is tipping the economy's scale to the tune of £32,500,000.

The figures take into consideration the money spent in the area, contributions through tourism providers and jobs.

The southern edge of Exmoor, towards South Molton and Barnstaple is said to provide perfect conditions for shoots, which have gained a world class reputation.

A detailed report by Exmoor National Park Authority four years ago has been followed by further research commissioned by the Greater Exmoor Shoots Association, (GESA) both of which confirm that the sport is a major contributor to the rural land-based economy.

Hugh Thomas from GESA said: "This figure is remarkable given that shooting is not generally intended for profit but is structured so that the provision of shooting — an unusual economic activity — is paid for by its participants."

He said that the benefits to tourism, are obvious.

"The accommodation taken by shooting parties during the winter months sustains hotels, guest houses and pubs, and the shooting lodges that are also being provided in our area, and should not be undervalued, especially because it is at a time of year when they would otherwise have had few visitors.

In total, 25,000 local visitor nights are estimated to originate from shooting."

Jobs are also a significant factor, with 1,600 direct jobs in the local area supported by the provision of shooting activities.

They include 127 paid game-keepers, of which 90 are full time jobs.

Mr Thomas added: "All dead game is used for food and production rose by 60% in the four years of our study. This also coincided with an increase in the market price per bird obtained so that the income from the dead game sales appreciated by 85%.

"Local businesses have developed the expertise to make oven ready pheasant and partridge readily available, and even produce packs of mixed game meat for game pies!"

He added: "Shoots are growing in popularity and importance to the community. 1,400 individuals participate as 'guns' but it should not be forgotten that your local shoot also provides opportunities to people living here for access to the countryside and for recreation.

"While the shooting is done by eight 'guns' on average, there will often be 32 people in the team of beaters, pickers-up, loaders and keepers."

And according to the study they spend a staggering £8m in the area.

"Participants and workers, such as beaters, spend money on food and drink in the local area as well as on vets' services, dog food and training, wet-weather clothing and their travel to shoots, to name a few, most of which mean the money is spent and retained locally."