DERBYSHIRE POLICE GUIDANCE DURING THE CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS

[martyn52]

This was sent out to all FAC SGC holder’s who are registered with Derbyshire Alert.

Firearms Licensing Dept

AFTER consulting Defra, BASC has updated its UK-wide advice for conducting essential pest control during the Coronavirus restrictions imposed by government: In line with the Prime Minister’s statement, when making a decision on whether or not to conduct essential wildlife management you should consider: 1. Is the landowner, or person responsible for giving permission, happy for you to be on the land in the current crisis? 2. Can you maintain effective social distancing? 3. Is the management involved absolutely essential? 4. Is there a risk that your activities could result in the emergency services being called out? For example, someone reporting shots being fired. 5. Should you inform the local police in advance that you are going out? If you do, secure the reference number for the call. Everyone’s circumstances are different so individual decisions will have to be made, although the onus will be on remaining off the land. So-called ‘recreational shooting’ or taking clients shooting are ruled out at present. Be aware that you should be able to stand up your decision if you are challenged by the enforcement authorities or you risk a fine and may put your certificate at risk. This is clearly referring to the farmers now drilling seed and birds decimating that activity and the potential for crows and other such birds attacking lambs. I see no other reasons for going out shooting. As far as this Department is concerned,protection of the food supply is essential. You should have already conducted this sort of activity before. If conducting it, you should be alone. You should have the permission of the farmer. This is not an excuse to go out shooting and risking further life and or incidents reported to the emergency services. Hope that helps, Many thanks Malc Bibbings

Message Sent By Malcolm Bibbings (Police,Firearms Licensing Manager,Derbyshire Firearms licenced holders)

 

[CarlW]

Irrespective of local advice, I think best to act like the second little piggy...

 

[Essex stalker]

This being the same Derbyshire police that has recently been heavily criticised in the press and media for the heavy handed way it's enforcing the stay at home policy

 

[Sika-Hunter]

I think stronger measurers will come into force after today's figures.

 

[EccentricJackal]

This is almost word for word the BASC advice, I suspect it all comes from the same clarifying guidance by the government in response to shooting org's questions. BASC have issued this statement along with one saying their insurance will cover you out shooting provided you're not being an idiot and it is essential pest control.

 

[hendrix's rifle]

I think stronger measurers will come into force after today's figures.

They need to around here...

 

[Sika-Hunter]

They need to around here.

I think anywhere that relies heavily on public transport really need sorting watching the tubes in London this morning on tv cramped with folk is just ridiculous

 

[Primate]

This was sent out to all FAC SGC holder’s who are registered with Derbyshire Alert.

​

​

​ ​ ​ Firearms Licensing Dept

AFTER consulting Defra, BASC has updated its UK-wide advice for conducting essential pest control during the Coronavirus restrictions imposed by government: In line with the Prime Minister’s statement, when making a decision on whether or not to conduct essential wildlife management you should consider: 1. Is the landowner, or person responsible for giving permission, happy for you to be on the land in the current crisis? 2. Can you maintain effective social distancing? 3. Is the management involved absolutely essential? 4. Is there a risk that your activities could result in the emergency services being called out? For example, someone reporting shots being fired. 5. Should you inform the local police in advance that you are going out? If you do, secure the reference number for the call. Everyone’s circumstances are different so individual decisions will have to be made, although the onus will be on remaining off the land. So-called ‘recreational shooting’ or taking clients shooting are ruled out at present. Be aware that you should be able to stand up your decision if you are challenged by the enforcement authorities or you risk a fine and may put your certificate at risk. This is clearly referring to the farmers now drilling seed and birds decimating that activity and the potential for crows and other such birds attacking lambs. I see no other reasons for going out shooting. As far as this Department is concerned,protection of the food supply is essential. You should have already conducted this sort of activity before. If conducting it, you should be alone. You should have the permission of the farmer. This is not an excuse to go out shooting and risking further life and or incidents reported to the emergency services. Hope that helps, Many thanks Malc Bibbings

Message Sent By Malcolm Bibbings (Police,Firearms Licensing Manager,Derbyshire Firearms licenced holders)

So just a copied statement from BASC then there from Derbyshire Police. Seems sensible but he forgets to mention foxes.

Also see BASC FAQ'S on coronavirus. It may be of interest to anyone thinking of venturing out.

The latest coronavirus restrictions and their impact on shooting

Read how coronavirus restrictions impact shooting in your area and download country-specific guidance documents.

basc.org.uk

 

[bongo]

What are the thoughts on vermin control ie rabbits + crows during this period . Is it a big no no , or is it essential . I cant make my mind up , i sort of think yes as i'm alone , but i'm going to be bias't as i want to get out .

 

[riflerob]

What are the thoughts on vermin control ie rabbits + crows during this period . Is it a big no no , or is it essential . I cant make my mind up , i sort of think yes as i'm alone , but i'm going to be bias't as i want to get out .

the question is this :

Is it essential to the farmer that you carry out the activity ?

For example, round me, the hill lambing season in just getting underway. Fox control is therefore probably going to be needed. However, I've spoken to the farms where I do this, and we've agreed that only if losses are bad, and the farmer contacts me to request it, will I be going foxing.
If it's just a little "Ooh, I'm bored, fancy bashing a few bunnies", then no, it's not really essential.
Again with crows. Has the farmer tried all other means (in accordance with the GL), only when those have been done and failed, and losses still bad, should you be getting the gun out.

 

[oowee]

the question is this :

Is it essential to the farmer that you carry out the activity ?

Has the farmer tried all other means (in accordance with the GL), only when those have been done and failed, and losses still bad, should you be getting the gun out.

This is not a requirement in the GL .
(unless their use would be impractical, without effect or disproportionate in the circumstances)

 

[Sandyb]

I got this text message last night from a farmer I reliably shoot for, but not been since I dropped four just before Christmas.

'Sandy iv two foxes down wood and they are bothering sheep lambs can you have em asap'

I explained about the lockdown, but he wants them shot as they're in with the lambs

I never encounter anyone when I go out, the farm is huge, 460 acres or so social distancing isn't an issue and protection of livestock is essential...

I've the text message and guess the police can always speak to the farmer

 

[Apthorpe]

It's absolutely clear that shooting to protect farming activities is part of an "essential" occupation. Crack on.

 

[David.evans]

The thing is sandy
how far have you to travel .
and if you got stopped do you think the bobby would except your reasons
only asking mate
atb