Gazza
Well-Known Member
Just returned home after completing a snaring course being run by the Game Conservancy and Wildlife Trust and a very well run event it was.
But where does this lead us. Very good steps have been taken to ensure the welfare of the target species when restrained in the snare and much has been achieved through design and use of snares to avoid capture and/or injury to non target species. Being made aware of these advances and putting them into practice is to the benefit of all who use snares. What I am wary of is being held responsible for the snares I deploy. I am in no way afraid of being held responsible for what I do but by law I only have to check my snares once in every 24 hours. This may take a few minutes but what about what is happening in the other 23+ hours. What mischief could a person with an anti snaring mind set place at my doorstep.
The lecturer himself spoke of one of his snares having been tampered with and a dead fox placed in the snare. Investigation showed that this fox had a fractured skull. Where will the balance of evidence lie?
Many people have now completed this course but a few long term trappers have decided to call it a day. I don't entirely blame them thinking that way. No doubt like all legislation the law abiding will take heed and the criminal element will continue in their ways.
But where does this lead us. Very good steps have been taken to ensure the welfare of the target species when restrained in the snare and much has been achieved through design and use of snares to avoid capture and/or injury to non target species. Being made aware of these advances and putting them into practice is to the benefit of all who use snares. What I am wary of is being held responsible for the snares I deploy. I am in no way afraid of being held responsible for what I do but by law I only have to check my snares once in every 24 hours. This may take a few minutes but what about what is happening in the other 23+ hours. What mischief could a person with an anti snaring mind set place at my doorstep.
The lecturer himself spoke of one of his snares having been tampered with and a dead fox placed in the snare. Investigation showed that this fox had a fractured skull. Where will the balance of evidence lie?
Many people have now completed this course but a few long term trappers have decided to call it a day. I don't entirely blame them thinking that way. No doubt like all legislation the law abiding will take heed and the criminal element will continue in their ways.