WinchesterStalker
Member
Tricky this one fellas - not sure which way to go!
I have been offered some Fallow stalking by a landowner in despair about damage to newly planted woodland and a substantial vegetable garden. Problem is, as we all know, today is the last day of the season until Aug!
My reading of the Deer Act 1991 (Section 7 (3)) is that provided the conditions set down in subsections (a), (b) and (c) are satisfied, I can shoot them.
The wording reads that a person does not commit an offence when shooting out of season if :-
(a) he had reasonable grounds for believing that deer of the same species were causing, or had caused, damage to crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber or any other form of property on the land;
(b) it was likely that further damage would be so caused and any such damage was likely to be serious; and
(c) his action was necessary for the purpose of preventing any such damage.
Having surveyed the ground, I am confident that these conditions are complied with.
In light of the landowners wish to dramatically reduce numbers very quickly, I am considering taking out bucks, and pregnant, young and old does so as to avoid the possibility of leaving dependant fawns.
Anyone got any experience of shooting out of season under the Deer Act Exceptions? I appreciate the potential moral and ethical issues, which I am struggling with to be honest. Im more interested in your thoughts about the practicalities and legal implications. This is a cull after all, not a sporting exercise.
Also, will the game dealer take the meat?
Any thoughts most welcome
Cheers
WS
I have been offered some Fallow stalking by a landowner in despair about damage to newly planted woodland and a substantial vegetable garden. Problem is, as we all know, today is the last day of the season until Aug!
My reading of the Deer Act 1991 (Section 7 (3)) is that provided the conditions set down in subsections (a), (b) and (c) are satisfied, I can shoot them.
The wording reads that a person does not commit an offence when shooting out of season if :-
(a) he had reasonable grounds for believing that deer of the same species were causing, or had caused, damage to crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber or any other form of property on the land;
(b) it was likely that further damage would be so caused and any such damage was likely to be serious; and
(c) his action was necessary for the purpose of preventing any such damage.
Having surveyed the ground, I am confident that these conditions are complied with.
In light of the landowners wish to dramatically reduce numbers very quickly, I am considering taking out bucks, and pregnant, young and old does so as to avoid the possibility of leaving dependant fawns.
Anyone got any experience of shooting out of season under the Deer Act Exceptions? I appreciate the potential moral and ethical issues, which I am struggling with to be honest. Im more interested in your thoughts about the practicalities and legal implications. This is a cull after all, not a sporting exercise.
Also, will the game dealer take the meat?
Any thoughts most welcome
Cheers
WS