BASC is calling on all who shoot ducks and geese in Scotland to exercise special restraint in their shooting.
BASC makes this call because today, Thursday 12 February 2009, is the eighth day of freezing conditions in Scotland. Under the agreed procedures for managing the shooting of ducks and geese during prolonged severe weather this is the point at which such a cautionary warning is to be put out.
If the conditions were to continue they could lead to a statutory suspension of such shooting on the 19th February. However, this would be the penultimate day of the foreshore wildfowling season in Scotland and it would be unlikely that Scottish Ministers would impose a suspension for just two days. This also seems unlikely at present as milder weather is expected throughout Scotland this weekend.
Guidance on how to exercise such restraint is available on BASC’s website: www.basc.org.uk. Up-to-date information is also available from BASC Scotland on 01350 723226.
BASC’s director for Scotland, Dr Colin Shedden, said: “While this freezing weather persists BASC considers it appropriate to call on all who shoot to exercise voluntary restraint in their shooting, where local conditions require it. BASC is also asking wildfowlers in Scotland to keep BASC Scotland informed with reports of unusual bird movements or birds in poor condition.”
ENDS
