FAC Help

[MikeM7]

Hi everyone,

We are starting to get into stalking and I've heard that our local force is currently taking a year to issue...

One of the issues I'm having is that they require me to have land to shoot on so would need to be part of a syndicate. I mainly do guided stalks but I'm keen to have my own equipment to be familiar with the rifle etc.

Is this normal? If this is a hoop I need to jump through it seems a waste of a few thousand pounds to join a syndicate but not actually be able to go out and use the land?

Thanks in advance!

 

[outdoor585]

You can join target shooting club it probably cheaper. But land is the best way but hard to get.

 

[Motul1974]

Book some future stalks and get receipts. This justifies your need of a rifle. That's all I needed with west mids.

 

[MikeM7]

Perfect, I'll get some more booked in and send off the application again!

 

[MikeM7]

You can join target shooting club it probably cheaper. But land is the best way but hard to get.

I'm right by Kingsbury MOD range which has a few clubs, I've noticed there doesn't seem to be all that many syndicates around my area unfortunately.

 

[ARMSID]

As said above get some booked stalks accompanied ,estate rifle etc while your application is in keep receipts to prove experience safe handling etc then ask landowner to use his land booked stalk for land clearance (Scotland easier for exp, etc)

 

[Bowland blades]

Hi everyone,

We are starting to get into stalking and I've heard that our local force is currently taking a year to issue...

One of the issues I'm having is that they require me to have land to shoot on so would need to be part of a syndicate. I mainly do guided stalks but I'm keen to have my own equipment to be familiar with the rifle etc.

Is this normal? If this is a hoop I need to jump through it seems a waste of a few thousand pounds to join a syndicate but not actually be able to go out and use the land?

Thanks in advance!

There is no Law that says you have to be in a syndicate . Most forces are fine if you have provable bookings at various places that could be on a farm or a booking with a guide . I think taking up days with a guide or various different guides are a good was to learn from others . BTW you can stalk with a lot of guides using your own rifle or borrow the guides gun under their licence / supervision BEFORE you even fill in your application to the Police .

 

[Making holes in things]

Hi,

When I first was thinking of getting my own rifle and over the years, different 'old-salts' told me all I need is to be able to motivate why I need the gun. So my understanding is the same as Motul1974's, as long as one has a valid reason, one should be OK. Also, do not let the long waiting period put you off, get on the waiting list as soon as you because you may be surprised with a quicker response as I was here in Scotland.

Good luck.

 

[MikeM7]

Thanks for the input guys, I'll give the police a call next week and attempt to up my current shotgun application to a coterminous one with the reason of guided stalks and see what they say. Failing that I'll see if one of the land owners on my upcoming stalks is willing to allow me to put their land down before looking at syndicates etc.

 

[B&W FOX]

You can join target shooting club it probably cheaper. But land is the best way but hard to get.

Careful with this, as your rifles could be conditioned for range use only and not stalking

 

[25 Sharps]

Hi everyone,

We are starting to get into stalking and I've heard that our local force is currently taking a year to issue...

One of the issues I'm having is that they require me to have land to shoot on so would need to be part of a syndicate. I mainly do guided stalks but I'm keen to have my own equipment to be familiar with the rifle etc.

Is this normal? If this is a hoop I need to jump through it seems a waste of a few thousand pounds to join a syndicate but not actually be able to go out and use the land?

Thanks in advance!

Some forces will insist on you having land and some will insist on it being cleared for the desired calibre.

The statutory guidance specifically states that stalking by invitation (paid or free) constitutes good reason to possess a rifle, so paid stalks should be enough. Google the guidance and have a read, then clarify this with your licensing department.

 

[Making holes in things]

Thanks for the input guys, I'll give the police a call next week and attempt to up my current shotgun application to a coterminous one with the reason of guided stalks and see what they say. Failing that I'll see if one of the land owners on my upcoming stalks is willing to allow me to put their land down before looking at syndicates etc.

Hi Mike,

I have also heard not that long ago, where someone used his gun on land where it was not approved for. He lost his licence because a "helpful" member of the public reported him to the powers who ought not be. I suggest you be clear as to where you may take yours, and ask about future other (new) locations, just to be sure.

 

[25 Sharps]

Thanks for the input guys, I'll give the police a call next week and attempt to up my current shotgun application to a coterminous one with the reason of guided stalks and see what they say. Failing that I'll see if one of the land owners on my upcoming stalks is willing to allow me to put their land down before looking at syndicates etc.

Very unlikely you’ll get someone allowing you to put their land down as permission, stalking ground is hard one and if someone guides on there also a source of income.

 

[Leec6.5]

Very unlikely you’ll get someone allowing you to put their land down as permission, stalking ground is hard one and if someone guides on there also a source of income.

I’ve had 3 ex clients who I’ve not seen for years ask so far this year

 

[25 Sharps]

I’ve had 3 ex clients who I’ve not seen for years ask so far this year

And I can guess your answer to all 3!

 

[timbrayford]

Some forces will insist on you having land and some will insist on it being cleared for the desired calibre.

The statutory guidance specifically states that stalking by invitation (paid or free) constitutes good reason to possess a rifle, so paid stalks should be enough. Google the guidance and have a read, then clarify this with your licensing department.

I found it particularly useful to send a copy of ho guidance to Hampshire FLD specifically referring to that clause, apparently they were unaware of it!

 

[Leec6.5]

And I can guess your answer to all 3!

I was polite

 

[25 Sharps]

I was polite

Makes a change

Had someone trying to jump in on my main permission last week, sorted with the farmer now but wasn’t best pleased.

 

[25 Sharps]

I found it particularly useful to send a copy of ho guidance to Hampshire FLD specifically referring to that clause, apparently they were unaware of it!

Bit of a farce really

 

[MidlandsPaperPuncher]

Careful with this, as your rifles could be conditioned for range use only and not stalking

That a true, but once you've got the rifles and good reason (as well as a range on which you can get truly familiar with them) it's minimal effort to book a stalk and send your ticket in to get use on deer etc added, that's what I did.

Police aren't as worried about someone with a year or more of regular target shooting experience under their belt going out on land with a deer rated rifle than someone with zero prior experience.