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• Sales of some shotgun cartridges down by as much as 50% • Total confusion among shooters about who can shoot what, and where • Uncertainty set to continue...
Issues over General Licences for bird control cause chaos in the shooting world as confusion reigns supreme over who can shoot what, where and when! Is there an end in sight?
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t’s a little over a month since Natural England shocked the shooting world by revoking three general licences in England for controlling certain wild birds. The licences, GL04/05 and 06 covered 16 species of birds including several members of the crow family, Canada goose and some gulls and pigeons. The licences meant that anyone could control the species with lethal force. The shooting industry was given a little 36-hours notice that the licences would be revoked – and with no immediate replacement licences - it took a little over 24-hours for the shooting world to descend into chaos
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and confusion as to who can do what, where and when! Simon West, director of the
Gun Trade Association, said: “As you will know Natural England recently withdrew three essential general licences for the control of a range of pest species as a result of a legal challenge from an activist group led by Chris Packham. “General licences allow everyone to be able to use lethal control under the one licence; nobody has to apply individually to seek permission. They have since re-issued amended general licences for the control of pigeons, Canada geese and crows. The
others, including magpies and jays are expected soon. “Michael Gove and DEFRA, the ministry responsible for Natural England were unhappy that the changes were issued with no warning or consultation and have taken back the regulation of the licences. The GTA, together with all the shooting organisations, have made strong representations to him on the issue.
“In my letter to the Minister I made the point that shooting provided the essential controls on these species to preserve crops and the biodiversity of the countryside. I also made him aware that the provision
of safe and effective guns and ammunition relied on manufacturers, proof houses, gunsmiths and traders playing their part in supporting those managing of the countryside. Real people and their livelihoods depend on proper management of licences by government and this recent mess puts us all at risk. We are all watching now to ensure this is properly resolved. “I am more than ready to
turn up the gas if we face much more delay. If you continue to be affected by this issue, please drop me a line to ensure we can represent your interests.”
Continued on p6 June 2019 | Tackle & Guns | 3
MAY 2019 JUNE 2019
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