We live in SW Scotland and come across groups of wildfowlers from time to time, who all share a completely baffling enthusiasm for blasting beautiful wild fowl from the skies.
I'm aware that the Scottish Parliament have placed a temporary suspension on these activites (until Friday at worst) due to the current wintry conditions, however how does wildfowling actually sit in terms of wild bird management and conservation (as per B.A.S.C.) ?
SW Scotland suffers hugely from lack of tourism, however this 'sport' seems almost barbaric.
Is there something I'm missing here ?
Thoughts on this one would be greatly appreciated
Hi compulsive 1 and welcome to the RSPB Froum. Enjoy yourself here
IMHO, I have to say this is probabily not the best Forum for a debate as this one is a wild bird Forum.
It is too contraversal to many members here. You are better finding out on 'Shooting Forums' where they can tell you the rules to suit the hunter and the hunted.
To me this is very distasteful, and this is all I am going to say on the matter here.
Regards
Kathy and Dave
thanks kathy, your very diplomatic. mac
I think the thread is perfectly suited to this forum, though I'm afraid the poster is unlikely to get a broad range of views here. Topics of debate aren't excluded afterall and we can't expect all topics to be nicey-nicey and exclude anything on the more unpleasent side. Unfortunately there is no righht or wrong answer to this and all that can be given are an individuals opinions. This is mine:
I don't agree with hunting as a sport as I don't agree with killing any animal for the pleasure of it end of story, however I don't mind when people are out hunting to get a few birds for the pot. It is probably a lot better from the environment than someone who goes down to tesco for their meat afterall. As long as it is done in a sustainable manner, I don't really see it as any different to any other predator taking their share. Land used for hunting is usually relatively safe from the threat of development, which benefits other wildlife, as that land is a reasonable source of income so the owners usually don't need to sell up to the hungry developers and their concreting machines that are waiting in the wqings to snap up any piece of potential land that becomes available. And that land will be home to other wildlife as the management of the land will often benefit others, though this can be done in ways that are negative also. However, there are good shooting estates and bad shooting estates - some stick to the rules, others break them though it is wrong to tar all shooting activities with the same brush due to a few bad eggs that are around. Often you will find other shooters are also appauled at things also - a few years ago someone had shot a dozen or so pinkfooted geese and then dumped the lot in a ditch (they were found by another wildfowler)! The regular wildfowlers there were just as disgusted as everyone else as the majority of them only shoot what they (or their family/friends) can eat and wouldn't just shoot and dump the kills.
Edited to add - welcome to the forum Compulsive1! :-)
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
This forum is a place for healthy discussion like this one and new members should not be discouraged from debating important issues of conservation and wildlife.
THE shooting of certain species of wildfowl in Scotland has been suspended by the Scottish Government due to the severe weather conditions. Announced by Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham, the suspension, brought into force under Section 2 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, has prohibited the shooting of birds from last Friday (December 10) for 14 days. The move follows a recommendation for a temporary halt on wildfowling from Scottish Natural Heritage, on behalf of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Tom
Why not check out the news from the wildlife enquiries team?
Cheers Mac
Will look it up.
I kind of get the grouse/pheasant shooting thing - the birds are purely bred for the activity, but I just needed views from the RSPB community.
Have a great festive break.
Thanks for the reply Kathy & Dave
Taking on board all comments.
Have a great Christmas
Another point to add - The suspension is in place in Scotland and Northern Ireland and has now been extended for a further 14 days (reviewed after 7). This is important as it now covers the two busiest shooting days of the year (boxing day and new years day). For info, it covers all species of wildfowl including reared ducks and most waders (woodcock, snipe etc). Voluntary restraint is in place in England and Wales.
Take Care, Have a safe and Happy festive break
Hi Compulsive1,
Have to agree with the views of KatTai and Tom on this one. It's also good to know that you have found the Forum a good place to get relevant information and read a range of views.
Regards, CM
"The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom" - Wlliam Blake
Thanks for the welcome KatTai
From a RSPB perspective, it just seems a wee bit out of kilter with wild bird protection. I suppose like any traditional hunting & shoooting activity, modern values will gradually take hold.
Maybe I'm being too sentimental - I'm currently feeding the ducks on the local frozen lochs hoping they don't stray into war zone areas.