Shout first, shoot later.

[Jimbo 0]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1511614,00.html

I'm not sure whether to roll around on the floor laughing or put my head between my hands and think what in the hell is this world coming to. I think it's a little bit of both.

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Gun law: don't shoot first, shout
By Valerie Elliott
Countryfolk must try to scare off their prey before opening fire
COUNTRY sportsmen keen on pigeon pie will need to put the cat among them first. Farmers and landowners will also need to hone their windmill gyrations and scarecrow impersonations if they are planning a potshot at crop-eating birds.

The Government has ruled that it is now illegal to shoot a crow, rook or pigeon for the pot without scaring it first. The legislation says shooters must attempt to frighten off the birds before pulling the trigger.

Only when the birds fail to respond can he or she shoot it for dinner. The same rule applies to farmers who have shooting days blasting woodpigeons and rooks to protect their crops or gamebirds.

At this time of the year thousands of people pull on their camouflages for a day’s rough shooting. They are now acting unlawfully. They too must first engage in frightening techniques to disperse the birds. Only if their antics are ignored can they shoot legally. Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to £5,000 or a maximum six months in prison.

The new rules emerged this week when new “general licences” were issued covering the killing of pest species, which also include magpies, jays, collared doves, Canada geese, and greater and lesser black-backed gulls.

However, without warning, a new rule was added that states: “This licence can only be relied upon in circumstances where the authorised person can demonstrate that appropriate non-lethal methods of control such as scaring are either ineffective or impracticable.”

The “licence” referred to means a general permission for everyone; it is not a piece of paper, it is simply a law. Firearms licences must still be applied for in the usual way.

There was uproar from country organisations but the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs denied that there was any change of law and issued a clarification. This has only added to the confusion, for it underlines that scaring must always be a precursor to shooting and that records of scaring may be required.

Defra said: “It is not a requirement that detailed records of non-lethal methods are kept, although this may be helpful under some circumstances. Users must however be able to explain why they believe that such methods are either ineffective or impracticable.”

The Country Land and Business Association, the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation, the Moorland Association and the Countryside Alliance have lodged objections with the Government.

Clarissa Dickson Wright, a countrywoman and cook who enjoys cooking pigeon, said she despaired at the “fluffy bunny brigade” in the Government. She said: “Scare them off. Where to? To the next field or vegetable plot.

“What’s more, though possibly inadvertently, they have removed the countryman’s right to one for the pot.”

The “open general licences” are to allow exemptions to the EU Birds Directive which protects all bird species. This allows any authorised person to shoot a pest bird to protect livestock, crops or human health or to prevent other damage to agriculture. An authorised person is anyone with a firearms licence but can also cover cage-trapping.

Defra said: “People have to demonstrate that they have looked at alternative, non- lethal measures. If these have not worked then, yes, they can shoot species thast are causing problems.”

Ugh.

-
Jim

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[PhreeZone 20]

US hunting laws are not that different. Accourding to Ohio law you can only shoot Morning Doves if they are in flight, shotguning trees that they have flocked to and are just resting on the branches is considered poaching. They increased the daily bag limit to make up for the now more sporting hunting required to shoot the birds.

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

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[Kennedy 0]

It's commonly accepted ethics that you don't shoot a sitting bird, but I'd say that's worlds away from being required to try to scare it away first.

Oy, those limey law makers.


Jimbo, I think this might honestly be the single dumbest thing I have ever read on dz.com. Wow. Just..... wow.

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Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards.
1*

[PhreeZone 20]

How the hell do you get a bird to fly if its sitting? Scare it.

I used to carry a handful of firecrackers with long fuses on them with me dove hunting. Wait until I find a tree or area where a bunch were roosting and toss a lit firecracker towards them and then sholder the gun in a half draw and wait for them to start to fly before finishing the draw to shoot. Worked like a charm. Also was challenging as hell with a .410 to hit doves. I learned a hell of a lot more about true shotgun skills that way then I ever did tossing clays around.

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[spidermonky 0]

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How the hell do you get a bird to fly if its sitting? Scare it.

Like this!

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[Skyrad 0]

***How the hell do you get a bird to fly if its sitting? Scare it.***

Point a gun at it it shits itself, you shoot it! No problem.

When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca

[JohnRich 4]

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Gun law: don't shoot first, shout

Going along with this idea, I think that mouse traps should be outlawed. They're inhumane!

If you have mice in your home, just shoo them out the door with a broom, but don't harm them. I'm certain they'll just move along and never return to bother you again.

Save the mousies!

[DrewEckhardt 0]

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It's commonly accepted ethics that you don't shoot a sitting bird, but I'd say that's worlds away from being required to try to scare it away first.

That's hunting for sport.

Protecting your crops and livelihood is business.