Smith (Brit. Birds 115: 53–54) seems to misunderstand the work of Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) and makes unsubstantiated allegations about GWCT and its members. As a research and education charity, GWCT aims to produce scientific evidence that leads to effective wildlife conservation policies and informs best practice, for the public good. We believe that the hallmark of good game management is a net conservation gain. We have published peer-reviewed science indicating both negative and positive effects of gamebird releasing (Sage et al. 2020), followed by principles of sustainable game management and best-practice guidelines to promote high standards within the shooting community (www.gwct.org.uk/media/1148874/principles.pdf; www.gwct.org.uk/media/208606/Sustainable-gamebird-releasing.pdf). By being part of a group, such as the UK and Ireland Curlew Action Group, we bring expertise on gamebird and predator management, which can help in formulating workable solutions to issues and increase buy-in from practitioners. To suggest that GWCT could veto RSPB on its own policy is insulting to both organisations.