DEFRA Consultation on Bird Open Seasons

[andyk]

Just found this:

Protecting wild birds: Consultation on Amending the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which allows certain species of wild birds to be killed or taken outside of their close seasons - Defra - Citizen Space

This site contains consultations that are run by Defra.

consult.defra.gov.uk

Looks like DEFRA is considering removing some things from the quarry list, shortening open seasons for others but also looking to add an open season for pigeon.

I’ve always been keen on the idea of an open season for pigeon, more so since the GLs have been tightened up. Always seemed a bit odd that you can blast away to your hearts content at pheasants but need to show a reason for wanting to shoot what is both an agricultural pest and a good meal.

 

[Nickb]

What would be an appropriate open season for woodpigeon though ?

 

[andyk]

They’re proposing 1 September to 31 January.

That’s just an open season when you wouldn’t have to rely on the GLs, which would still be in place for pest control.

 

[Nickb]

So still shoot them all year .

 

[finbar]

Insidious creep more intervention never good

 

[Smellydog]

So I'll be able to shoot them in my garden again?

 

[cjm1066]

Worth seeing how Wild Justice are briefing thier supporters, Respond to Defra’s consultation on shooting seasons, including for Woodcock – Wild Justice I hope our shooting organisation produce a similar briefing with the opposite viewpoint.

 

[the_greenman]

I might reply on their link and just put opposite replies. I especially like their response to do you have any recent evidence... Of course not, there's no evidence being used at all, just the fluffy brigade hate of shooting!

 

[Smellydog]

One day we can be outlaws and poach without any bounds!
Everyone will be happy.
The vegans will think the world will be more fluffy but quickly just have predators and scavengers until they then eat each other.
The poacher will feed his family with local meat that hasn't floated it's way here miraculously on the sea aka, vegan..!

 

[cjm1066]

BASC's advise on a response is British bird quarry species review

It's generally good but doesn't make the point that Monk and Ring necked Parakeets are considered Non Native Invasive species and are control is currently restricted by General Licenses.

 

[Dunwaters]

BASC's advise on a response is British bird quarry species review

It's generally good but doesn't make the point that Monk and Ring necked Parakeets are considered Non Native Invasive species and are control is currently restricted by General Licenses.

For some of the species BASC might consider contacting the NARGC. We had a similar list of species removed from the list and restored following review.

 

[Basil H]

Check out the proposed responses being suggested by Mark Avery (google mark avery blog) who is ex- Conservation Director at RSPB and a member of the Wild Justice team. Parakeets are the least of our worries. Legislation in the U.K. is all-or-nothing, never flexible or adaptive, and does not value wild quarry species as a valuable resource for all. He is even against shooting pigeons.

 

[fordman]

I would certainly agree with putting ravens on the GL.

 

[Nickb]

I would certainly agree with putting ravens on the GL.

And gulls..

 

[Mmamonster]

And gulls..

Definitely

 

[Basil H]

"gulls" eh ? There are about two dozen species on the U.K.list.

 

[Nickb]

"gulls" eh ? There are about two dozen species on the U.K.list.

Herring and blackbacks

 

[Basil H]

Herring Gull is, surprisingly, red-listed as a species in serious decline. Some years ago we used to destroy the eggs of Herring and Lesser Black-backed to protect terns etc. on a coastal reserve. The nests are virtually identical. Eventually Natural England (who had been all in favour) had to withdraw the licence because of the change in status.