Rules on shooting ravens to be relaxed

Rules on shooting ravens to be relaxed

The move is seen as a quicker course of action than applying for licences.


By Barnaby Dracup

Tuesday, 06 January 2009

In an effort to protect newborn lambs and calves, farmers are to be allowed to shoot more ravens than previously permitted, NFU Scotland has said.

Britain's largest species of crow has long been known to prey on livestock, but attacks have become increasingly worse in areas of the Highlands, Scottish islands and Argyll.

This springtime, in consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), the numbers permitted to be shot will be increased.

The move is seen as a quicker course of action than applying for licences.

Details of where the rules on controlling ravens have been relaxed are contained in a letter to NFU Scotland from Environment Minister, Mike Russell, and Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP, Jamie McGrigor.

NFU Scotland’s head of rural policy, Jonnie Hall, said: “We were relieved to receive this news, which should make a big difference to farmers who have struggled with raven predation on young livestock. The suffering experienced by animals attacked by groups of ravens was particularly striking, as was the distress it caused to the farmers involved.”

Last April, farmers and the Scottish Gamekeepers Association called for limits on shooting ravens to be lifted.

Their call followed incidents involving flocks at Nethy Bridge and Stratherrick, south of Inverness.

A condition in the Wildlife and Countryside Act allows for ravens to be killed on licence - if the government considers it to be appropriate.

Applications must be made to the Scottish Government or its agency SNH.


CompPrevious
Scottish minister's pesticide warning to landowners

Scottish minister's pesticide warning to landowners

Scottish landowners and shoot owners could still f...

CompNext
From The Field Miscellany

From The Field Miscellany

A FUSE TO BOLT BEARSYou need: 18oz sulphur, 15oz n...


Gundogs Training

Gun dog training video

How to train your gun dog with the first video in a new series, with p... Read more


More in Gundogs Training...


Gundogs Events

Wye Valley tests at Ravenhill Court

Wye Valley Retriever Club held open and novice working tests at Ravenh... Read more


More in Gundogs Events...



Comments

Shooting Gazette September 2010

Shooting Gazette September 2010

PERFECT DELIVERY - The best in driven shooting direct to your door

The Field September 2010 issue

The Field September 2010 issue

Harleys, shoot insurance, fungi, monster veg

Shooting Times & Country Magazine

Shooting Times & Country Magazine

Don't miss our partridge and duck special in this week's Shooting Times (on sale Wednesday 1st September). Plus, how to save money on feed on your shoot and as his Labrador nears the end of her pregnancy, Tony Jackson gets ready for the new arrivals. For all this and much more get down to your newsagents today!


Latest articles

Firearms control: deadline for your submissions extended

Firearms control: deadline for your submissions extended

Shooting community crashes Westminster computers as deadline for firea... Read more


BASC submits firearms evidence to Parliament

BASC submits firearms evidence to Parliament

After submitting written recommendations to the HASC, BASC seeks to gi... Read more


More in Latest articles...