Vermin Control London/Kent Area

[edlondon]

Hi all,

This is my first proper post here following my introduction. I've been umming and ahhing whether or not to post, but as they say, "if you don't ask, you don't get".

I'm looking for permissions from landowners or fellow shooters for rabbits, squirrels, pigeons, rats and other vermin shooting in the South East London and North West Kent areas.

I am currently down to 1 permission at an equestrian centre local to me as my second permission changed owners and they are not keen on shooting on their land. I have tried reaching out to numerous farms, equestrian centres and smallholdings local to me, but no-one seems to want or need shooters on their land.

I am a member here and also the of farming forum, but sadly there seems to be little in the way of opportunities at the moment. I am a full BASC member, fully insured and currently use a PCP sub-12 air rifle. FAC and SGC applied for back in March with the Met Police.

I am a keen outdoorsman and enjoy spending time in nature.

Thank you in advance if you are able to help or even just point me in the right direction.

 

[stubear]

Your best bet is going to be like the rest of us - paid outings, getting to know people, keep an eye on the shooting opportunities pages for syndicates that come up etc. It’s also worth joining rifle clubs as you’ll meet people that way - I hooked a couple of guys at one of my clubs up with a deer stalking permission a few years ago. Do beating days, driven days, anything you can to get to meet people and failing all of that get out knocking on doors and offering your services. There are dozens of threads on here about how to do that effectively so I won’t reinvent the wheel here in that regard.

Best of luck!

 

[edlondon]

Thanks stubear.

That's sound advice. I have a paid deer stalk coming up in September. Only problem is it's in the Cotswolds so a little far out for me for regular pest control opportunities being based in London. Hugely excited to be getting out and stalking though so I'm not moaning about that. I've spent a bit more time with a shotgun recently as well to broaden the group I shoot with. I'll keep a look out for beating days and hopefully can make some inroads that way.

 

[B&W FOX]

I just go and ask farmers they can only say yes or no.

As all neighbouring farmers know each other, my name has obviously come up in conversations about pest control, so when I go and see a new farmer I usually get a favorable response.

 

[edlondon]

Hi B&W Fox, I've tried the knocking on doors tactic with no success so far. I've also tried calling ahead and emails in advance so as not to force a "cautious no" from the farmer. I'll happy keep trying. As you say, it only takes one to say yes and that may open many more doors. thanks

 

[nun_hunter]

Hi B&W Fox, I've tried the knocking on doors tactic with no success so far. I've also tried calling ahead and emails in advance so as not to force a "cautious no" from the farmer. I'll happy keep trying. As you say, it only takes one to say yes and that may open many more doors. thanks

Use your existing contacts at the equestrian place to look for more. Either ask them if they know anyone, put up a small notice for all visitors to see saying that you manage the pests there and can help elsewhere.