National Federation of Fox-shooters

[Keith Edmunds]

Is there one or anything like it in the UK?

I am not a (nocturnal) fox-shooter but can see a lot of politics on the horizon, especially if trail-hunting looks like being banned. The spot-light will probably be swung around to terrier-work and fox-shooting. I wondered had anyone thought of setting up such an organisation with a code of conduct? Might be good to get ahead of the curve.

 

[John Gryphon]

The spot-light will probably be swung around to terrier-work and fox-shooting.

That is already on their list no doubt. It is of great annoyance that so few in cities that are unaffected by foxes predatory ways have so much to say.

 

[Keith Edmunds]

That is already on their list no doubt. It is of great annoyance that so few in cities that are unaffected by foxes predatory ways have so much to say.

It has been for some time but I can see the tempo going up. Fortunately, even UK conservation organisations, that might have a neutral stance towards field-sports, do understand the need for effective and efficient fox-control. However....politicians would probably find it easier to support or defend if there was a defined code of conduct.

 

[John Gryphon]

even UK conservation organisations, that might have a neutral stance towards field-sports, do understand the need for effective and efficient fox-control.

And then we have the rabid anti mob that will not be placated with anything other than a total ban.

 

[Keith Edmunds]

And then we have the rabid anti mob that will not be placated with anything other than a total ban.

Given the choice....many anti's (currently) advocate swift and efficient shooting - with lethal calibre - over hunting with hounds.

 

[John Gryphon]

many anti's

Perhaps but the rabid 'antis' want no hunting and no guns, not even for clay targets.

 

[Bo Diddley]

I think most people with a CF who undertake fox control are already efficient & effective, can't for the life of me see any benefit from a load of red tape, before you know it we would be having to take some sort of claptrap test to recognized & identify a red fox, then take three shots from a high seat, three shots from a standing position and possibly even three shots from a prone position

 

[John Gryphon]

then take three shots from a high seat, three shots from a standing position and possibly even three shots from a prone position

And then only with a calibre specifically for the job to be used.. cant go shooting a fox with a 300 winny eh wot,it may kill them 'too dead'

 

[Keith Edmunds]

I think most people with a CF who undertake fox control are already efficient & effective, can't for the life of me see any benefit from a load of red tape, before you know it we would be having to take some sort of claptrap test to recognized & identify a red fox, then take three shots from a high seat, three shots from a standing position and possibly even three shots from a prone position

I totally agree but there will be phrases coming out like....the task should be undertaken by a....wait for it......"trained marksmen".

I will share some extracts later (used by the fox-hunting fraternity) that make most fox-shooters sound like a bunch of amateurs. It will be precisely the same with the terriermen but at least they have the National Federation Working Terrier Federation.

I am playing devils advocate and looking into the crystal ball.

 

[Herb64]

I think most people with a CF who undertake fox control are already efficient & effective, can't for the life of me see any benefit from a load of red tape, before you know it we would be having to take some sort of claptrap test to recognized & identify a red fox, then take three shots from a high seat, three shots from a standing position and possibly even three shots from a prone position

Well said sir.

 

[Herb64]

What would you have in the code of conduct if you ran this outfit?

 

[John Gryphon]

What would you have in the code of conduct if you ran this outfit?

Only people conversant with shooting/firearms in charge.

 

[Andy RV]

Keep it discreet and crack on.

 

[finnbear270]

I think most people with a CF who undertake fox control are already efficient & effective, can't for the life of me see any benefit from a load of red tape, before you know it we would be having to take some sort of claptrap test to recognized & identify a red fox, then take three shots from a high seat, three shots from a standing position and possibly even three shots from a prone position

I aint lying down in no sheep ****.

 

[Len the dog]

If only there were a shooting organisation that would take an interest in all forms of shooting, and not just the big bag brigade. We could call it the 'Community for Shooters Across Britain', or CSAB for short.

 

[Old Codger]

Or…..Shooting Community Across Britain…..SCAB…
Just for Larfs.

 

[Nickb]

Foxes Under Constant Killing...

 

[Cyres]

Well BASC might set up a register of competent fox shooters! FSC level one and 2!
D

 

[Beretta V]

I have actually picked up a few permissions because anti shooting community moved to the country and lost their precious plants or pet chickens!
It’s surprising how they change their mind about certain things once they realise what certain animals do!
One permission asked me to shoot muntjac only. Now the song birds are disappearing I’ve been asked to get shot of magpies. I explained that squirrels also have an affect but was told how cute they were!
A few weeks later they called and asked for me to shoot squirrels as one was seen pulling chicks from a nest box!
Some but not all anti’s come round.
The ones that have never left their cities have no hope

 

[Keith Edmunds]

Well BASC might set up a register of competent fox shooters! FSC level one and 2!
D

Now, I know how that sounds...money making machine etc. But, speaking from the side-lines and predicting a huge sweep of scrutiny on the horizon, should labour attempt ban trail hunting, then I can see that a 'society' or 'federation' giving fox-shooters a voice might be useful.

Charlie Pye-Smith's book - Rural Wrongs - has been thrust into the hands of MP's from all parties. It is meant to be a pro-hunting book but it contains many quotes such as....
* Just Google 'shooting foxes on YouTube you will see plenty of footage of shooters killing 20 or more in a single night. Many of the videos are made for entertainment with jaunty. blokes-in-a-pub commentary and mood music.
* Fox control at this time of year has a significant downside from an animal welfare point of view as gamekeepers and others will frequently shoot milky vixens*
* Shooting is undoubtedly more cruel because the wounded escape*
*Swales had recently been in the back of a beaters' lorry and he recalls how the keepers were comparing photos on their mobile phones of the latest fox kills - it breaks my heart*

Firstly, I wondered if such an organisation already existed...it seems it doesn't. Secondly I wondered if fox-shooters thought it might be a progressive move?