New grouse Bill must not create barriers or ban for shooting
The intention is to introduce the recommendations of the “Werritty Review” including licensing for grouse moor management.
Get information on the legal shooting season for mammals and birds in the UK.
Learn about our current conservation projects and how you can get involved.
Comprehensive information and advice from our specialist firearms team.
Everything you need to know about shotgun, rifle and airgun ammunition.
Find our up-to-date information, advice and links to government resources.
Everything you need to know on firearms law and licensing.
All the latest news and advice on general licences and how they affect you.
BASC Scotland provided oral evidence to MSPs on the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill in Holyrood last week, specifically regarding the potential impact on rough shooting.
Following our written submission, the Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment (RAINE) Committee invited BASC Scotland’s public affairs manager, Peter Clark, and stakeholders to participate in a roundtable evidence session to discuss the issue of rough shooting.
In its current state, the Bill would impact rough shooting through the introduction of a two-dog limit and the inclusion of rabbit in the definition of a “wild mammal”.
Members of the RAINE Committee have been gathering further evidence following concerns from countryside organisations. A supplementary session was called in light of complex issues arising pertaining to the wording of the Bill.
From the outset, it has been made clear that rough shooting must not fall foul of the wording of the Bill. BASC has repeatedly stated that an exception within the Bill would be required to ensure rough shooting with more than two dogs is protected.
During the lively session, some MSPs raised concerns that this could be exploited as a loophole for illegal fox control to continue.
However, public affairs manager Peter Clark made it clear that mixed quarry rough shooting differs significantly. Those carrying out illegal activity are unable to use an exception as a defence, given dogs do not form a pack, nor do they chase or kill wild mammals while being used for rough shooting.
This point gave rise to the issue of enforcement and proportionality. Our good working relationship with Police Scotland was noted and it was articulated that shooters should have the ability to conduct a rough shoot with confidence, knowing they aren’t breaking the law.
The Bill is currently in Stage 2 for RAINE Committee MSPs to consider, scrutinise and vote on amendments, including BASC’s amendment which includes an exception for rough shooting.
In the coming weeks, it will become clearer whether the Scottish Government is willing to move from its current position and allow an exception to ensure rough shooting can continue unhindered.
Following the evidence session, Peter Clark said: “BASC made it clear the ambiguous wording of the Bill prevents rough shooters from partaking in a shoot with more than two dogs.
“Rough shooting is part of the social fabric of rural Scotland. It acts as a conduit for young people and newcomers to take up an interest in shooting or pursue a career in gamekeeping. We raised this point during the evidence session to emphasise the need for an exception.
“We need to see the Scottish Government pass an exception to allow rough shooting to continue, because the Bill’s current wording around the issue is vague. BASC members have serious concerns over the draft wording of this Bill, its implications, and enforcement consequences.”
BASC has a tabled amendment (Amendment 142) which would ensure an exception for rough shooting, whilst denying those who break the law any opportunity to use it as a loophole to continue illegal fox control activities.
We will be meeting Minister Mairi McAllan in the coming weeks to stress the importance of an exception in light of the further evidence session.
Want to read more news from BASC Scotland? Click here to head to our dedicated pages.
The intention is to introduce the recommendations of the “Werritty Review” including licensing for grouse moor management.
Angus SNP MP Dave Doogan visited an estate within the glens of his constituency ahead of the start of the grouse season.
BASC has urged all MSPs to vote down the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill in a debate taking place tomorrow.
Sign up to our weekly newsletter and get all the latest updates straight to your inbox.
© 2023 British Association for Shooting and Conservation. Registered Office: Marford Mill, Rossett, Wrexham, LL12 0HL – Registered Society No: 28488R. BASC is a trading name of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm reference number 311937.
If you have any questions or complaints about your BASC membership insurance cover, please email us. More information about resolving complaints can be found on the FCA website or on the EU ODR platform.
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.
This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.
Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.
Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!
More information about our Cookie Policy