Shooting UK

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

Are snipe and woodcock numbers on the wane due to habitat loss?

Are snipe and woodcock numbers on the wane due to habitat loss?

The British population of woodcock is also in serious decline, though the reasons are less clear.


By David Tomlinson

Thursday, 27 December 2007

If so, should we refrain from shooting them? I'm seriously considering this step as I have a feeling of guilt at times, especially with woodcock.

A: Numbers of breeding snipe have plummeted in England over the past 30 years due to loss of habitat.

The British population of woodcock is also in serious decline, though the reasons are less clear.

Fortunately, most of the woodcock and snipe that winter in Britain come from northern Europe, where populations remain healthy.

If you want to help local populations it's probably best not to shoot these birds early in the season. Many people (myself included) refrain from shooting them altogether.

My advice is shoot with restraint, and only if you enjoy eating them.


CompPrevious
How do you teach a labrador respect?

How do you teach a labrador respect?

My friend has a two-year-old chocolate labrador wh...

CompNext
How can I stop herons from taking my koi carp?

How can I stop herons from taking my koi carp?

A: First off, you would be breaking the law if you...


Guns

Blaser K95 Luxus single-shot rifle review

Blaser K95 Luxus single-shot rifle review

The Blaser K95 Luxus single-shot rifle is a traditional, and well-buil... Read more


More in Guns...


Sporting Answers

Can you help my dog with its phantom pregnancy?

Can you help my dog with its phantom pregnancy?

My two-year-old working bitch is experiencing phantom pregnancies. The... Read more


More in Sporting Answers...


News

Call for more land registration

Call for more land registration

The Land Registry wants information on nearly half the land in England... Read more


More in News...



Comments


Post your comment:

Shooting Times Magazine

What's in this issue?

In this week's issue, Shooting Times joins a team of friends in Herefordshire for a twilight duck flight, plus spectacular stalking: hunting chamois in the snowbound Austrian alps

Subscribe to magazine

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


Subscribe to Shooting Times

Shooting Gazette Magazine

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


Latest articles

Will poult orders be down this year?

Will poult orders be down this year?

ST asks if the global downturn will force gamefarmers to raise fewer p... Read more


Scottish minister's pesticide warning to landowners

Scottish minister's pesticide warning to landowners

Minister warns that landowners using banned poisons can still lose sub... Read more


More in Latest articles...



Shooting Poll Take part in our poll

Will the economic downturn result in you downsizing your shooting next season?