The British Association for Shooting and Conservation, a representative body for live quarry shooting and the largest shooting association in the UK issued the following statement in response to the launch of the RSPB campaign to protect birds of prey.
"The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) unequivocally condemns all persecution of birds of prey and has and will expel any member found guilty of killing them or related offences. Expelled members risk losing their jobs and shooting opportunity as well as shoot insurance.
BASC works closely with shooters and conservationists including the RSPB to research and advise on how to reduce possible conflict between birds of prey and game. The success in lowland England is there for all to see where buzzards, sparrow hawks and red kites have increased in recent years. Shooters and conservationists must continue working together to see a similar improvement in the uplands."
NOTES FOR EDITORS
• BASC is a member of the Partnership Against Wildlife Crime (PAWS). BASC has published advice to gamekeepers “Birds of Prey at Pheasant Release Pens” which is endorsed by the RSPB, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and Scottish Natural Heritage.
