Legality and Efficacy of Bowhunting in the UK

[OllieRiordanDeer]

Good Afternoon all,

I've scrubbed over the past forums however given the rise in popularity over the last couple of years both with our cousins across the pond and on the continent I was curious as to where the community stands on this issue now.

I myself have participated in the sport in the states and found that the effectiveness with which a bow puts down game is comparable to a rifle in terms of ethics (providing your placement is good and range within your capabilities). However understand the legislative issues that could be brought into play. For those who haven't yet been exposed to bowhunting I recommend watching this film. It truly shows in my opinion what bowhunting is all about.



My position is as follows:

Bowhunting should be legalised in the UK in the same way that rifle hunting is. It should require a slot on the FAC specifying that a bow can be used for game. It is then down to land owners whether or not a bow can be used for their deer. Legislation should then be put into place requiring minimum draw weight, grain weight and type of broadhead used. It is then down to individuals and hunting outfitters to ensure that they (or their clients) are competent with the equipment.

I'd appreciate opinions and any good/bad experiences that people have had with this method of taking game.

I do request we keep it civil as I know this is a marmite subject for many!

I look forward to having my mind changed or my position affirmed!

 

[VSS]

 

[SimonDodsworth]

I'd be curious to see what the take-up would be over here. I agree that ownership of bows would have to be as stringently controlled as centrefire rifles. If that were the case, how many would take it up. In the US, where they have millions of acres of public land they have different seasons for bow hunting, which gives the hunters a chance. Here, with our stalking all on private land, I think it would be a more difficult proposition to regulate

 

[ashray]

my vote is no. as i live in the south east of england . a very over populated area, where a bow would appear to be far more dangerous that a fire arm using a safe back stop and safe practices .an arrow can pass through a game animal and not expand like a cup and core lead bullet does and can be deflected and head in a different direction etc ,perhaps in the north of the country it would be safer but down here a no it is.

 

[Klenchblaize]

I’m up for it.

Moccasins ordered!

K
Ps: Don’t see any reason or benefit to having a bow & arrow detailed within a FAC unless the Op envisages heads being treated as expanding projectiles once were?

 

[OllieRiordanDeer]

my vote is no. as i live in the south east of england . a very over populated area, where a bow would appear to be far more dangerous that a fire arm using a safe back stop and safe practices .an arrow can pass through a game animal and not expand like a cup and core lead bullet does and can be deflected and head in a different direction etc ,perhaps in the north of the country it would be safer but down here a no it is.

An very interesting comment Ashray and one I hadn't considered. Obviously a complete passthrough is desirable for the quickest kill. Maybe the use of high seats/ tree stands could mitigate in flatter ground similar to a rifle?

 

[OllieRiordanDeer]

I’m up for it.

Moccasins ordered!

K

I'll order with you and we can save on postage!

 

[OllieRiordanDeer]

I'd be curious to see what the take-up would be over here. I agree that ownership of bows would have to be as stringently controlled as centrefire rifles. If that were the case, how many would take it up. In the US, where they have millions of acres of public land they have different seasons for bow hunting, which gives the hunters a chance. Here, with our stalking all on private land, I think it would be a more difficult proposition to regulate

Simon,

A very valid point. I doubt many land owners would want to impose a dedicated 'bow season' on their land but I guess I can dream!

 

[Dalua]

I've no particular thoughts on this, apart from that it seems ungenerous even to consider suggesting that bows should be more-restricted than they currently are.
That might invite the response that it the restrictions are only suggested for those using bows for 'hunting' - but that would be to ignore the pattern of evolution over more than 100years of restrictions on the public's ownership of weapons.
It seems harsh to wish that on our non-firearm-using target-shooting bretheren.

 

[Morkai]

I'd hate to have bows on a licence, its bad enough already with firearms.

 

[Subsistence]

Pretty sure that it would not fit in with what is trying to be pushed through in scotland right now.

Personally I wouldn't be against it under the right circumstances. Though I don't thinks it will ever happen (legally) in the uk.

 

[Tazz]

If it were ever to get legalised your FEO would then have to check out your land and decide what poundage of bow he would sign off

 

[OllieRiordanDeer]

I'd hate to have bows on a licence, its bad enough already with firearms.

Agreed Morkai, I think it should only be on licence if intended to be used for hunting. The law doesn't stop the poachers anyway!

 

[Adyb]

General point that bows are dangerous ok but cant see how you could say an arrow from a bow is more dangerous than a .308! Or any cf round for that matter.. yes different deflection scenarios but cf's are deadly at far far greater distances if backstop missed/missing

 

[Adyb]

An very interesting comment Ashray and one I hadn't considered. Obviously a complete passthrough is desirable for the quickest kill. Maybe the use of high seats/ tree stands could mitigate in flatter ground similar to a rifle?

You need a decent backstop full stop, same scenario can happen with a cf round - especially mono copper, just less visible when it happens.

 

[HonestJohn]

I'm up for it, love creeping into a deer with open sights to 15-30 yds already, can't see why the bow would be any less effective at that range than my CF rifle.

 

[Adyb]

I'm up for it, love creeping into a deer with open sights to 15-30 yds already, can't see why the bow would be any less effective at that range than my CF rifle.

Some really great bowhunting vids on y tube etc. Take a look at the Cameron Haynes stuff!

 

[Tim.243]

Good Afternoon all,

I've scrubbed over the past forums however given the rise in popularity over the last couple of years both with our cousins across the pond and on the continent I was curious as to where the community stands on this issue now.

I myself have participated in the sport in the states and found that the effectiveness with which a bow puts down game is comparable to a rifle in terms of ethics (providing your placement is good and range within your capabilities). However understand the legislative issues that could be brought into play. For those who haven't yet been exposed to bowhunting I recommend watching this film. It truly shows in my opinion what bowhunting is all about.



My position is as follows:

Bowhunting should be legalised in the UK in the same way that rifle hunting is. It should require a slot on the FAC specifying that a bow can be used for game. It is then down to land owners whether or not a bow can be used for their deer. Legislation should then be put into place requiring minimum draw weight, grain weight and type of broadhead used. It is then down to individuals and hunting outfitters to ensure that they (or their clients) are competent with the equipment.

I'd appreciate opinions and any good/bad experiences that people have had with this method of taking game.

I do request we keep it civil as I know this is a marmite subject for many!

I look forward to having my mind changed or my position affirmed!

What is you back up shot when you have pulled the shot and it has run 150 yds?

 

[Adyb]

That's the key point in bowhunting - u got to get close and choose your shot. Know your limits...

 

[HonestJohn]

Some really great bowhunting vids on y tube etc. Take a look at the Cameron Haynes stuff!

Will do, been enjoying that Spanish bloke's videos recently.