Keen Shot and fisherman Jack Charlton died on 10 July, prompting an offensive response by York councillor and former Lord Mayor Dave Taylor who wrote on his Facebook page: “Jack ‘Bloodsports’ Charlton is dead. Good.” When somebody commented on his remark he responded: “I didn’t advocate being cruel to him,…
News
Wildfowlers face worrying future
Wildfowlers in two of the sport’s most important heartlands may be unable to shoot because long-standing ‘consents’, which allow sustainable wildfowling on European protected sites, have not been renewed by Natural England. One of the refused consents covers areas of the Humber Estuary and the other covers part of Morecambe…
Huge Scottish wild boar shot after Highlands sheep rampage
A large wild boar, estimated to weigh 24 stone (150kg), has been shot dead after being considered responsible for a spate of sheep killing on a Highland farm. Twitter account user @highlandfowler wrote on 17 June: “A keeper friend of mine was called to help find out what was killing…
Volunteers needed to monitor mink rafts in Scotland
A major Scottish project to remove American mink is looking for volunteers to help run mink rafts. Ben Seaman, with the Cromarty Firth Fishery Trust, said: “We monitor for mink presence using a network of mink rafts which are looked after by volunteers….we have gaps in the network we’d like…
Judicial review on gamebird release granted to Wild Justice
Wild Justice has successfully applied for a judicial review on the impact of releasing gamebirds on sites of nature conservation. If the review is successful it could have major implications for the 2021 pheasant and partridge shooting season. The animal rights activist explained its reasoning for pushing for the review…
Mountain hare shooting banned in Scotland
Mountain hares in Scotland will have year-round legal protection following an amendment to the law proposed by Green MSP Alison Johnstone, which passed by 60 to 19 votes. At present mountain hares are controlled between 1 August-28 February to protect trees, fragile habitats and to manage tick populations. The mountain…
General licence extension by DEFRA
General licence holders needing to control wild birds will be relieved to learn that DEFRA has reissued the current permits from 1 August to 31 December 2020. The department has confirmed that no action is required by the licence users beyond the ‘ongoing requirement to act in accordance with the licence…
Two new eco-friendly cartridges launch in the UK
Environmentally-minded shooters and wildfowlers will welcome the arrival of BioAmmo cartridges in the UK, available in lead and steel in both clay and game loads. “They are unique” says importer Nick Levett-Scrivener of Shooting Star, speaking to Shooting UK. “There has been nothing like them in the UK before.” Fully…
Gundog thefts soaring as prices rise
Gundog owners are being warned to be particularly careful following a dramatic increase in gundog thefts, with spaniels seeming to be a particular target. Keeper Jon Gaunt had three springer spaniels stolen from his East Sussex home in early May. Despite an extensive publicity campaign and “brilliant” support from his…
COVID-19 making gundog puppies pricier and harder to come by
Gundog puppies from traditional breeds such as spaniels and Labradors are becoming more expensive and harder to find due to raised demand following lockdown. Shooting Times contributor and gundog breeder Jeremy Hunt of Fenway Labradors remarked: “The demand for Labrador puppies, and not just working ones, has gone crazy. The…
What will the Scottish stalking season be like this year?
Usually at this time of year everyone involved in deer stalking in Scotland – ghillies, agents and guides – would be gearing up for the season ahead. However, thanks to the COVID-19 crisis, recreational stalking and sporting tourism have been hit hard. Scottish National Heritage (SNH) has ruled: “… Unaccompanied…
July launch for new Gamebore environmentally friendly cartridge
Environmentally minded Shots will be able to shore up their eco credentials with an exciting new cartridge being launched by Gamebore in July – the Dark Storm with Quad Seal – a new version of the famous Dark Storm cartridge. On its website Gamebore says that: “The benefits of the…
GWCT calls for vital funds to continue essential work
A letter to members of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) from chief executive Teresa Dent CBE, has illustrated the extent of financial support urgently needed by the Trust. In spring the charity was forced to cancel its fund raising events and lost its paid work due to the…
Clayshooting grounds in England that are open for business again
Clayshooters in England are celebrating the re-opening of their sport after the COVID-19 shutdown. We’ve had a look around to see which clay grounds are open again in which regions (or are about to open). If there are any to add which you think should be included, please let us…
What will be the long-term effect of COVID-19 on shooting?
What will be the longterm effect of COVID-19 on shooting?
Clay grounds in England get the green light
The Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA) has announced that clay grounds in England can reopen in a phased return. Iain Parker, CEO, has declared that the CPSA has now received governmental confirmation to recommend the re-opening of clayshooting grounds. He explains: “Over the past 48 hours we have been working…
Who has won in the Eat Game Awards this year?
The annual Eat Game Awards, in association with Taste of Game and Purdey, reward those who encourage the cooking and eating of game and wild British produce, whether they excel in retail or in impressive culinary achievement. The nominees are chosen by the public. The consumption of game is rising…
Support NHS heroes by funding a game-based meal bag
We know that medical staff have been under immense pressure during the COVID-19 crisis and for many it’s hard to find time to grab a bite to eat. So Game Aid is delivering free delicious meal bags to frontline NHS workers which contain a pheasant and pork pie, some fruit,…
Conservation in the age of coronavirus
I write this at a time of uncertainty and trepidation for all. COVID-19 has utterly changed our lives in a few short weeks. What the ramifications will be, both financial and physical, in the medium to long-term are topics of much concern and speculation. Those of us who live and…
This evening’s entertainment sorted. The Shooting Times Lockdown Pub Quiz takes place at 7pm.
So you’ve watched basically all of Netflix and you’re wondering how to spend lockdown this evening. Well, here’s the answer for all you fieldsports fans. Join in the Shooting Times Virtual Pub Quiz at 7pm and test your knowledge of shooting, gundogs and country matters. The quiz is free and…