I was asked by some farmers if it was legal to use a shotgun to kill deer. I am going to reply as follows:
A shotgun may be used to kill deer in two circumstances:
1. If it is an act of mercy, andthis can take place during hours of darkness.
2. In order to prevent furtherserious damage to crops etc. The killing cannot take place during the hoursof darkness. In addition the shotgun used must be 12g or larger, AAA shot onlymay be used or single non-spherical projectile weighing not less than 350grains.
As an example, shooting a muntjac while out rabbitingwould be likely to be illegal on several counts:
1. Difficulty in proving preventionof serious damage.
2. There is no exception to killingdeer at night apart from act of mercy.
3. You would be unlikely to beshooting rabbits with AAA shot or a single non-spherical projectile weighing notless than 350 grains!
I am posting this for someone to please check to make sure I've got it 100% right! I know the relevant sections of the Deer Act so no need to cover those.
Thanks David
A shotgun may be used to kill deer in two circumstances:
1. If it is an act of mercy, andthis can take place during hours of darkness.
2. In order to prevent furtherserious damage to crops etc. The killing cannot take place during the hoursof darkness. In addition the shotgun used must be 12g or larger, AAA shot onlymay be used or single non-spherical projectile weighing not less than 350grains.
As an example, shooting a muntjac while out rabbitingwould be likely to be illegal on several counts:
1. Difficulty in proving preventionof serious damage.
2. There is no exception to killingdeer at night apart from act of mercy.
3. You would be unlikely to beshooting rabbits with AAA shot or a single non-spherical projectile weighing notless than 350 grains!
I am posting this for someone to please check to make sure I've got it 100% right! I know the relevant sections of the Deer Act so no need to cover those.
Thanks David