IR illuminators and their use with day/night scopes for deer

[Foxshot]

But using an IR is no different to using a lamp is it?

You are using artificial light to shine up a deer because it’s dark within the last hour, so therefore no different to lamping and in my opinion illegal without a night license.

A very grey area indeed

It’s not grey at all. It’s completely black and white. Using an artificial light to shoot within one hour before or after sunrise/sunset is completely legal. You can argue about morality but not legality. It isn’t even remotely bending any laws. Can you point to the part of the deer act that makes you think it’s a grey area?

 

[andyk]

But using an IR is no different to using a lamp is it?

You are using artificial light to shine up a deer because it’s dark within the last hour, so therefore no different to lamping and in my opinion illegal without a night license.

A very grey area indeed

On what basis do you say illegal?

I confess that I thought it was but I can’t find any reference for that, if the ‘lamping’ is within legal hours.

 

[Norfolk Deer Search]

On what basis do you say illegal?

I confess that I thought it was but I can’t find any reference for that, if the ‘lamping’ is within legal hours.

I personally would class it as a very grey area, I would also class those who need to do it as desperate

 

[andyk]

I personally would class it as a very grey area, I would also class those who need to do it as desperate

How is it grey?

If it’s illegal to use a lamp, it’s black and white illegal. If it’s not, it’s black and white legal.

The only ambiguity is whether it’s actually illegal to use a lamp, which I’m not convinced it is having had a proper look, it seems it may be one of those things that gets said so much it’s just accepted that it is.

 

[Foxshot]

I personally would class it as a very grey area, I would also class those who need to do it as desperate

Can you answer the question as to why it’s a grey area please, showing the part of the deer act that you are referring to. I’m not disputing wether you find it tasteful, purely the part in the deer act making it a ‘grey area’.

 

[Rural Management Services]

It’s not illegal but it will drive deer nocturnal.

Particularly fallow and muntjac. As fallow roam they will just either stick to thick cover until it’s totally dark or just go live somewhere else.

 

[Tulloch]

It is legal in both England and Scotland now and if you are shooting outwith those times you need a night license.

 

[Rob-E]

But using an IR is no different to using a lamp is it?

You are using artificial light to shine up a deer because it’s dark within the last hour, so therefore no different to lamping and in my opinion illegal without a night license.

A very grey area indeed

It’s not a grey area the law is clear.
Your opinion isn’t the law, it’s your opinion.

As for the difference the deer cannot see the IR lamp and won’t freeze in the light like most prey animals do when lamped.

 

[BenBhoy]

@Conor O'Gorman this subject is very grey.
What would BASC’s stance be on taking a shot at a deer using a digital scope with an IR illuminator 10 mins before last legal light.
Thanks.

That's conclusive then....

 

[Pellet Pinger]

That's conclusive then....
View attachment 445421

Yep, after exchanging pm’s its clear he has no interest in helping the SD as a collective on this subject.

 

[Spear Chucker]

Yep, after exchanging pm’s its clear he has no interest in helping the SD as a collective on this subject.

 

[shakey jake]

buthe did point out you cant shoot geese with a 410 loaded with lead, which was nice