Out stalking during restrictions

[Erik Hamburger]

Well, yesterday evening, just before the latest restrictions were announced, I did go out exercising, and combined that with essential food collection ( a Muntjac buck) , some of which food will be delivered cooked to the landowner, a self-isolation old vunerable person, while avoiding any close human social interactions. Win -win - win!

But seriously, I do understand the restrictions, but cannot see any good reason of why solitary stalking close to home should not and cannot continue.

 

[75]

I think that making a big point of it on a public forum isn't the right way to go about it to be honest. But daily exercise in complete isolation is recommended.

 

[Sampo]

I believe if you are able to walk to your stalking ground which is behind your back garden (for those lucky ones), then it doesn't break any laws as you are on private land minding your own business. Else if you have to drive to get to a place, then there's the need to stop for fuel or having an accident which consumes more of public resources at a time of need. I guess it all boils down to common sense and what each of us could do to mitigate a remote chance of being a carrier or spreader of the CV.

 

[sauer]

Deer stalking UK group ... someone has asked their FEO this morning ( knew someone would)
If our stalking and caught / stopped by police certs will be revoked for being irresponsible


Call your own local firearms dept and ask
For your area

Cover your ar5e..... don’t want to see anyone lose their certs / hobbies or even their job over something unavoidable


Paul

 

[Sika-Hunter]

But seriously, I do understand the restrictions, but cannot see any good reason of why solitary stalking close to home should not and cannot continue.

FFS Its not essential

 

[VSS]

FFS Its not essential

That depends entirely on your situation.
I could not afford to buy meat if I were to run out.

 

[ChesterP]

I have asked the same question as I would have otherwise considered it irresponsible not to. It's something of a grey area as every force may have a different view on what is considered "essential". Strictly speaking, deer stalking one might reasonably argue is a non essential service (certainly the sporting side of it) presently unless it is for the purposes of humane dispatch (injured or diseased animals) or that deer damage to crops is impacting significantly on food production. There, the argument I feel is more reasonable to undertake some limited duties. I'll share the response that I receive but it's really for all certificate holders to act responsibly and seek advice from their FEOs in advance. Travelling halfway across the country to do this would not appear to meet anyone's criteria of reasonable though.

I think you're on sticky ground if you start using the argument about not being able to afford to buy meat as cartridges and petrol cost money!

 

[Sika-Hunter]

I could not afford to buy meat if I were to run out.

Just eat the one in your profile

 

[Sika-Hunter]

There, the argument I feel is more reasonable to undertake some limited duties.

I think if FC can stand down then so should all Stalking folk, its just for a limited time

 

[VSS]

Just eat the one in your profile

Ha ha! I'm not going to run out of meat, that's for sure!
But it would be very hard for anyone on a similarly low income who were to run out.

 

[Sika-Hunter]

But it would be very hard for anyone on a similarly low income who were to run out.

This didn't happen yesterday there has been time to plan ahead

 

[Erik Hamburger]

My wife is a bee-keeper, they need looking after, and she has to travel by car (locally) to some of the farms where she keeps her bees. Bees are classed as life-stock. Bees are essential for pollination. However, it is her HOBBY, (ok a 'paid' hobby), as she sells honey and candles. 'Essential' travel, or not?
Similarities to deer stalking on local permission?
Another issue that just came up is that one landowner told me his woodland had been full with families and kids playing, including non-public access areas. Not a good idea to go stalking there...

 

[finnbear270]

Pretty sure my own DMG management has it about right, Just in case some people are hard of hearing,,


Dear all,


please find attached a newsletter to provide update and news of the DMG





I am afraid, in these unprecedented times, that we are ceasing all bookings and attendance at the forest forthwith following the announcement from HMG



We (I) cannot stretch recreational stalking to fit within the most recent instructions:



STAY at Home



Only Go Out for FOOD, HEALTH REASONS OR ESSENTIAL WORK



STAY 2 METERS FROM OTHER PEOPLE



WASH YOUR HANDS AS SOON AS YOU GET HOME





Deer management does not come within the current description of essential working



I would suggest the forestry companies will be shut down for the foreseeable future







I appreciate this will not be welcome news, but we MUST ALL do our part to prevent or slow down the spread of this virus



The images of people gathering at beauty spots, carrying on as normal last weekend have done nothing to assist our country in the fight





May I ask you do not ask for special dispensation or ask when things will be relaxed - I do not know





It is highly likley this is just the start and my own feelings are we are likley to be in lock down for several months (and should have been at least a month ago)





To reiiterate - NO vists to the forest from NOW ON - all pre booked stalking is not allowed untill further notice







Kind regards

 

[ChesterP]

I think if FC can stand down then so should all Stalking folk, its just for a limited time

If it is genuinely going to be for a very limited time I agree whole heartedly and have no plans myself to go anywhere for the foreseeable. However, I suspect it will go on far beyond the stated 3 week initial period (the clue's in the word "initial") as it's likely that the peak will need to be flattened and spread over 3 months or more. We just have to watch this space and be patient. One concern is crop damage as feeding the nation is a top priority. It will be interesting to follow BASC's take as things develop and that of government advisors whom, ultimately, the police will rely on for advice. Recreational stalking needs to cease with immediate effect though as per the post above.

 

[Mossypaw]

Just read (BBC NEWS) that anyone arrested,for flouting the lockdown rules, by Police Scotland will get a criminal record !

 

[griff]

As of 10pm lastnight 23/3/20 all stalking on FLS ground is terminated for everyone until further notice..

 

[Sika-Hunter]

One concern is crop damage as feeding the nation is a top priority

World War 2 lasted for 6 years and 58 days i'm sure a few extra deer won't stop the country eating!

 

[Roestalker39]

World War 2 lasted for 6 years and 58 days i'm sure a few extra deer won't stop the country eating!

Although I do wonder how many the home guard took care of

 

[VSS]

This didn't happen yesterday there has been time to plan ahead

Not if there's nothing spare in your weekly budget to allow for gradually buying a bit extra from time to time in order to stockpile.
People on very low incomes lead a hand to mouth existence through necessity. They will be the ones who suffer.

 

[splash]

My wife is a bee-keeper, they need looking after, and she has to travel by car (locally) to some of the farms where she keeps her bees. Bees are classed as life-stock. Bees are essential for pollination. However, it is her HOBBY, (ok a 'paid' hobby), as she sells honey and candles. 'Essential' travel, or not?
Similarities to deer stalking on local permission?
Another issue that just came up is that one landowner told me his woodland had been full with families and kids playing, including non-public access areas. Not a good idea to go stalking there...

Animal welfare is ok !