Wildfowler charged after two men accidentally shot

Two wildfowlers were injured when a shotgun accidentally discharged.

By Barnaby Dracup

Wednesday, 09 December 2009

The shooting of two wildfowlers by another shooter highlights the need for proper safety protocol.

A wildfowler has been charged with recklessly discharging a shotgun after he accidentally shot two other shooters in his party on 28 November.

The unnamed men had been shooting geese at Dalreach Farm, Dunning, near Perth, when a shotgun was accidentally discharged.

A police spokesman confirmed the incident, but was unable to disclose how the accident happened: “The men, who were part of an organised group, were injured when another shooter accidentally discharged his shotgun in their direction. Both men sustained leg injuries and were conveyed to Ninewells Hospital, in Dundee, for treatment. Neither sustained life-threatening injuries.”

He added: “Following a police investigation, a 46-year-old man, who was part of the group, has been charged in connection with the matter and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal at Perth.”

BASC Scotland’s Dr Colin Shedden offered his advice and said the party were not shooting with a BASC-registered goose guide.

“This appears to be a very unfortunate accident. Incidents such as this are very rare, despite the popularity of goose shooting. The last such accident that I can recollect that resulted in injury was in 1995.”

“The BASC Code of Practice for Sporting Agents and Guides Offering Inland Goose Shooting makes it clear that safety considerations must be paramount at all times. It also states that there should be no more than 8 guns in a shooting party, which must be supervised by at least one experienced guide. Extra guides must be provided to ensure adequate supervision of inexperienced Guns. We would strongly advise visiting goose shooters only to use BASC registered goose guides — they all take their responsibilities over client safety very seriously.”