Shooting UK

From guns and gundogs to the latest shooting news; the complete online network for the British shooting community.

Deer stalkers alarmed at compulsory training proposals

Deer stalkers alarmed at compulsory training proposals

Scottish shooting organisations have condemned controversial new proposals from the DCS.


By Selena Masson

Wednesday, 11 February 2009

Deer stalkers are alarmed the DCS has proposed introducing compulsory competence training and changing restrictions on the close seasons.

Scottish shooting organisations have condemned controversial new proposals from the Deer Commission for Scotland (DCS), which include scrapping Scotland’s close seasons for male deer, reducing the female deer close seasons and imposing compulsory qualifications for stalkers.

According to the DCS, the current deer legislation is in need of significant reform, and it believes it is time to “clarify expectations on deer managers”.

Professor John Milne, chairman of the DCS, defended the proposals. He told Shooting Times: “The advice is made up of a range of different measures to support a modern approach to the management of deer in Scotland. The current legislation was largely drafted more than 60 years ago, when deer were less widespread and welfare and environmental concerns less prevalent. These proposals are now with the Scottish environment minister, Michael Russell, and he is likely to consult widely on them this spring.”

However, organisations representing Scotland’s stalkers are alarmed by the
proposals.

The Scottish Gamekeepers’ Association’s (SGA) Alex Hogg said he
would be calling on all stalkers to write to the Scottish Government in protest that the latest plans amount to treating the country’s native wild animals as vermin: “We must take a strong stand and demonstrate to legislators that experienced deer managers are best placed to understand how Scotland’s iconic animal should be treated,” he said.

“Stalkers live among the deer every day of the year. They know how they behave, understand when they need to be left in peace at key periods in the year and can identify the individuals which need to be culled for the well-being of the herd. There’s no room for sentiment when you are managing a wild resource, but respect for these creatures is paramount.”



What is YOUR opinion?

Join other readers in our forums to discuss your views.



Like this article? Mark this page on a social bookmarking website...



What are social bookmarking sites?


CompPrevious
Hunts are now innocent until proven guilty

Hunts are now innocent until proven guilty

Pro-hunting groups claim that a recent High Court ...

CompNext
GWCT seeks funds to eradicate mink

GWCT seeks funds to eradicate mink

American mink were originally brought to the UK fo...


Guns

Howa 1500 Varmint rifle review

Howa 1500 Varmint rifle review

Howa 1500 Varmint rifle review: The Howa 1500 Varmint rifle has a desi... Read more


More in Guns...


Sporting Answers

Can you help with training my labrador to the whistle?

Can you help with training my labrador to the whistle?

How do I train my labrador to the whistle? I am told an electronic col... Read more


More in Sporting Answers...


News

New challenge to snares north of the Border

New challenge to snares north of the Border

Scottish Executive launches new consultation... Read more


More in News...



Comments

Shooting Times Magazine

What's in this issue?

Don't miss the opportunity to nominate your favourite local gunshop to be included in the 2010 IPC Shooting Industry Awards in this week's issue (on sale 3rd February). Plus, Lewis Potter tests the Zoli Columbus, a new take on a classic over-and-under and Tony Jackson presents reports from across Scotland in the 2010 stag review. For all this and much more - buy your copy today!

Subscribe to magazine

Save up to 30% on a subscription to Shooting Times & Country Magazine, subscribe today!


Latest articles

Shooters face £400k bill

Shooters face £400k bill

The Government's estimate of the extra cost of making the... Read more


Study on gamebirds failure to breed

Study on gamebirds failure to breed

A new research programme is being launched by The Game & W... Read more


More in Latest articles...


Subscribe to Shooting Times

Shooting Gazette Magazine

Save up to 30% on a subscription to Shooting Times & Country Magazine, subscribe today!