ADVICE FROM HAMPSHIRE POLICE

[sparky9]

Essential Business For Firearm and Shotgun Holders

​

In these challenging times the Government advises that only people in essential occupations should continue to go out to work, with others being asked to work from home or remotely, and for all of us to observe the measures on social distancing. All organised sporting and recreational shooting activities have been suspended until further notice. With regards pest and vermin control and deer management by firearm or shotgun certificate holders, this activity should only continue if it is essential in preventing such things as crop damage or harm to livestock. If your occupation or employment is in pest and vermin control or deer management, you will need to be able to evidence your activity as being essential. The BASC website refers to gamekeepers and pest controllers who “require firearms to assist in crucial management” and further advice should be sought from this or other trade bodies or representative organisations. Unless the activity is taking place on your own land or tied estate and does not require travel between locations, our advice is that if you are not employed in pest or vermin control as part of your livelihood, employment or business, you should refrain from such activity. If you decide to engage in this activity or travel with a view to engaging in the activity and you are challenged by a police officer, you will have to show that your movements or activities are essential, and not unlawful under the new legislation. Holders should also be aware that if they do not heed this advice and are found in circumstances that suggest a danger to public safety or to the peace, this may result in consideration being given to the revocation of their certificate/s. These are exceptional times, and the potential risk of cross contamination and additional burden on the NHS must be considered before undertaking any activity outside the current movement control measures, which are in place to protect all citizens. Take care Tony Hill Head of Firearms Licensing

Message Sent By Tony Hill (Police, Firearms Licensing Manager, Hampshire and Isle of Wight)

 

[OJL1991]

I’m not against this in anyway but why can people still ride horses and go cycling, as I’m pretty sure there is a much higher accident rate and risk associated with these hobbies. Not starting an argument just a thought.

 

[bluesako]

as above says good point bs

 

[finnbear270]

.

 

[8x57]

I’m not against this in anyway but why can people still ride horses and go cycling, as I’m pretty sure there is a much higher accident rate and risk associated with these hobbies. Not starting an argument just a thought.

The logic being that horses like dogs need exercising, and cycling is considered to be part of your daily exercise routine, however in both instances people have abused the system.

 

[Hornet]

It could be argued that exercise for a stabled horse is essential, on some of my land which I now walk to for exercise, there are quite a few from one of the farms out riding, a little annoying perhaps, but there it is, we just have to take it on the chin.

 

[SOE]

I have been tasked twice in the last fortnight by Hampshire under our HAD Scheme therefore it is a reasonable assumption that HD is deemed as an essential activity so not an issue to those duly tasked,

 

[Orion]

If applicable:

Food & Farming Industry Key Worker Template

Might save some grief if legitimately engaged.

 

[Stalker62]

I have been tasked twice in the last fortnight by Hampshire under our HAD Scheme therefore it is a reasonable assumption that HD is deemed as an essential activity so not an issue to those duly tasked,

Would not hesitate to carry out HD in these (or any) circumstances. It would be a terrible thing otherwise.

 

[Oracle]

I have been tasked twice in the last fortnight by Hampshire under our HAD Scheme therefore it is a reasonable assumption that HD is deemed as an essential activity so not an issue to those duly tasked,

Interesting. I am on the TVP scheme. Some weeks ago emails from TVP were sent to all TVP volunteers outlining the current risk and the likelihood of volunteer services being cut back in the current crisis. Appears that most TVP volunteers are at risk as they tend to be aged 70 plus ( which I am not) and hence the decision.
Anyone on the TVP HAD scheme been deployed since the current restrictions were ramped up.

 

[interceptor]

I’m not against this in anyway but why can people still ride horses and go cycling, as I’m pretty sure there is a much higher accident rate and risk associated with these hobbies. Not starting an argument just a thought.

Please dont forget with the cycling and walking exercise , it only from your front door not driven and then do these activities!!! ( as far as i am aware of the moment )
All the very best ...............

 

[cookingfat]

I did ask my MP the same question,

He came back with
The Government is not saying only people doing "essential"work can go to work.
Anyone who cannot work from home can still go to work. Certain jobs require people to travel to their place of work.
My job as a gamekeeper and deer manager can't be done from home!
If your main employment is something other than pest control or gamekeeping then I guess your travel is none essential

 

[L1A1]

"In these challenging times the Government advises that only people in essential occupations should continue to go out to work."
Not correct information, everyone can go to work, but if you can work from home then you should.

 

[CarlW]

"In these challenging times the Government advises that only people in essential occupations should continue to go out to work."
Not correct information, everyone can go to work, but if you can work from home then you should.

Correct, although to be fair, there's no point going to work if you are employed at a leisure centre, an hotel, a shop other than the obvious, a dentist's, a barber, a dry-cleaner, etc. etc etc. The doors are likely to be locked.

 

[sh1kar]

I thought dentists and opticians still open?
S

 

[Moray Outfitting]

What's the point in shooting anything if you cannot dispose of it. Gamedealers have been shut for weeks now. Because it was not essential . J

 

[willie_gunn]

Interesting. I am on the TVP scheme. Some weeks ago emails from TVP were sent to all TVP volunteers outlining the current risk and the likelihood of volunteer services being cut back in the current crisis. Appears that most TVP volunteers are at risk as they tend to be aged 70 plus ( which I am not) and hence the decision.
Anyone on the TVP HAD scheme been deployed since the current restrictions were ramped up.

I am on that scheme too.

I received an email on 30 March from TVP saying "During this difficult time the Force has made the decision that all volunteering will cease for the time being. " I had assumed that covered the HAD volunteers as well, though if I do get called out then an incident number should suffice if stopped by the police.

 

[bullet chucker]

I was informed by a resident on the Isle of Wight that the tourists over there during the Bank Holiday was disturbing to say the least?

BC.

 

[Jelen]

I have been tasked twice in the last fortnight by Hampshire under our HAD Scheme therefore it is a reasonable assumption that HD is deemed as an essential activity so not an issue to those duly tasked,

Yes. Wiltshire Police called me out for HAD last week. I asked for an incident number and whether Police were on the scene. Yes and yes, so I went and no questions asked.

 

[jubnut]

The first two lines of their statement are incorrect. The govenrment has not asked that only people in essential occupations go out to work.