An open letter to Defra signed by BASC and the European Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FACE) has strongly encouraged the preservation of existing internationally agreed regulations relating to control on the import and export of hunting trophies.
Torbjorn Larsson, president of FACE and Eoghan Cameron, chairman of BASC, co-signed the letter to George Eustice MP, UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on the eve of the consultation on future imports and exports of hunting trophies closing.
The letter highlights the benefits to conservation, habitat restoration and local economies and communities from well-regulated hunting. The requirement for change is also questioned seeing that the UK is already a signatory of internationally agreed frameworks.
Martin Edwards, BASC’s head of deer and deer management, said: “Over the past four months, BASC has raised the importance of this consultation to our members and the wider shooting community.
“We have publicised our position ‘science over sensationalism’, discussed it at the highest levels of government, and have been featured in the press and media. This letter highlights the culmination of our committed work.
“BASC has been at the forefront of the discussion to ensure shooting and conservation in this country is not damaged by any decisions made. We will be monitoring the next steps of the consultation closely and will inform our members as soon as we know more.”
