• Chloeee
  • 14 Feb 2023 10:19 AM
  • Replies 8 replies
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What are farmers shooting all day long?

Hi, apologies for the noob-style question. I have been living in the Northumberland countryside, near the coast, in a pretty rural area for a few years now. For the last five weeks, I've heard gunshots 8am-5pm. I am just wondering what on earth farmers can be shooting all day long... I thought there might be the odd shooting sound now and again, but not all day long, especially as pheasant open season is finished (If i'm not mistaken). I'm an animal lover and do a lot to help wildlife, and it just makes me so uncomfortable and upset knowing living creatures are dying or, worse still, being injured.

  • THOMO
    It depends on the area of Northumberland. Anything from Game Bird’s which are allowed to be shot during part of the year. But it depends on where youve actually heard the shooting andI would want more information and detail about exactly where you’ve heard the shooting as it could all be quite legal. Just to say. The 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act is not straightforward as some might think!

    Regards,

    Ian.

  • PimperneBloke
    Could be crow scarers?
  • Chloeee

    In reply to THOMO:

    Thanks so much for replying. Yes, I reckon it probably is legal. It's on private farmland and I'm sure there is a legitimate explanation. I'm just trying to find out without offending the local farmers (who, incidentally, seem very nice).
  • Chloeee
    Cheers for this. I hope so. It would make sense given the frequency of the bangs.
  • ItisaRobbo

    I agree that it's more likely scarers. There was a lot of shooting during the day over the weekend here though. Clearly, day after day suggests scarers.

  • Peewit

    In reply to ItisaRobbo:

    Agreed with Crow scarers and for birds in general

    Farmer's way to keep their sown/sprouting seeds intact for crop growth for the year.

    Regards

    Kathy and Dave

  • tuwit

    In reply to ItisaRobbo:

    "Clearly, day after day suggests scarers."

    Bonus points awarded if someone correctly identifies the power source for these type of scarers.
  • Seaman
    Now that the corn sown earlier this winter has started sprouting the local farmers are using these gas guns to try to stop the pigeon population from eating all the shoots as fast as they grow. Woid Pigeons are fascinating birds but they are in such high numbers at this time of year that they can soon decimate a crop.

    Pete

    Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can