David BASC

No, more than that , but those we contacted were, based on the information we had at the time, planning on doing running a story based on what the Times had published, consequently, apart from a couple of radio interviews over the following couple of weeks, this did not get much traction in the media. Lets face it, gamekeepers are some of the best custodians and conservationists in the country, and we were concerned that if statements like that published further it could do harm to the image of the profession.

Gordon R For clarity, it was The Times that carried the headline in early 2000 'Gamekeeper's to slaughter 1000000 birds' Yes BASC contacted the media after this not just the Times, but also the Independent who were planning on running the story, and a total of 15 newspapers, radio and TV stations asking them not to publish stuff like this, as it could be damaging to the General licences, that were only, at the time 7 years old.

Some useful info here on bereavement and firearms - Guidance and fact sheets - The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (basc.org.uk)

Afternoon, Should be working fine, go to the join facility. https://basc.org.uk/join-basc/ Not heard of any other online issue, but I agree the phones can quickly get fully engaged this time of year! David

Sorry for the delay in responding, best bet is my direct email david.ilsley@basc.org.uk

They are free - just ask and I'll get one posted out, or pick them up form the BASC stand at shows and events

Give me your address and I will send you one, you can email me at david.ilsley@basc.org.uk David

Fair point, the key issue I was trying to cover was the insurance point ta David

As far as I know the Ground Game Act has not changed. But, keeping rabbits or anything else you have shot as a reward, or exchanging for payment is irrelevant as I said in the context of the BASC members insurance packages and I would be amazed if any of the organisations insurance packages was invalidated because you shot a rabbit and took it home to eat!

Not correct at all. Certainly with regard to the BASC members insurance, and I suspect any other similar membership insurances, keeping what you shoot is not going to invalidate the members insurance, selling some or all of it wont either in the case of BASC cover, provided that its not your main source of income. Of course if you are a professional or full time pest controller for example , then yes you will need separate cover for your business and anyone you employ. David

Dear all, if you did download it from this anti hunting sight I suggest you run a full virus / malware scan on your PC / Tablet ASAP as I have heard reports of the file / download link being contaminated

A bit more info from BASC here, this will be updated of course as and when we learn more BASC issues firearms advice after hackers steal data - The British Association for Shooting and Conservation

No problem, glad I could help David

Just checked with our IT team, the site was down for a while but its all fixed now, I have just been on it and it seems to be working fine

Morning Please call the BASC Membership Services team on 01244 573030 they can sort this out for you, if you cant get through then PM me a contact phone number and I will get someone to call you. Ill ask about the website too David

Probably about the same as you to be honest, I am a member of a small club and we rent woods and surrounding farmland, this costs me £30 a year, and although I go for a wander around there weekly, I don't usually have more than a few shots at rabbit etc each time, I can also use the same land with my airguns too. Don't go clay shooting as often as I should, but usually go beating every 2 weeks in the season, although this year the shoot has been mothballed

I have presumed nothing I can assure you. But have you looked at the proposals from the EU on how broad the definition of wetland could be? Potentially not just what you and I would traditionally consider a wetland or SSSI. That is the issue and that is why BASC is opposing the EU / Reach proposals. There may well be exceptions too, just like there is with fishing weights for example, I am also aware or work being done on 22rf by Hornady, Federal/CCI, and Winchester have been coming up with nonlead rimfire offerings since 2011.

For those that have missed the important points , here is the link to the initial press release - note it clearly says 'live quarry shooting' https://basc.org.uk/a-joint-statement-on-the-future-of-shotgun-ammunition-for-live-quarry-shooting/

The reasons behind the phase out are on the BASC website, and all the other organisations web site who are together on this. No the EU is not just 'wetlands' as you seem to think it just applies to coastal areas , marsh etc, it does not under the EU proposals, its far wider than that , plus the 100m buffer zone, plus of course there are further offences for having lead shot with you if you are within the buffer zone of wetlands, so think about that too. Again as I say look at the legislation and then you will see how wide such an EU ban would be by 2023

Firstly, BASC has not proposed a ban - get your facts right! We, together with many of the other shooting organisations have proposed a voluntary phase out over 5 years. Secondly, before you praise the EU proposals, please check what is to be defined as a wetland and the buffer around it, you will then see how much of the UK will be out of bounds for lead shot. Thirdly, please look at how quickly the EU would want to see this ban in place and then assess how much alternative to lead ammunition would available within that time scale...

BASC lobbied to make sure it was on the list , lobbied to make sure it remained on the list - simple as that. This started many months ago with pigeon shooting and other forms of pest control and deer management too and extended to game shooting as we came towards the game season. All this has been reported on the BASC website and in emails to members, and we have tried to keep non members up to speed with what we are doing by posting on forums and social media too. Glad to say other organisations joined in the lobbying too. There was opposition to it being included as has been widely reported in the media, which we have also been dealing with this week. But as some have claimed this did not happen due to lobbying by BASC et al or that it would have happened anyway, is this just personal opinion or have you actually checked this with Parliament? Edit for correction , it was a typo, say should have been stay - maybe that's where the confusion is?

Lead shot has not been banned apart form on some wetland sites and from some species as I as sure you know BASC has no power to ban lead shot There is increasing pressure from the EU to ban lead shot almost immediately, that BASC is opposing, as you can see on the BASC web site BASC and others are asking for a gradual phase out of lead over 5 years

Shooting did not appear in the list by magic - it was there due to lobbying. It did not say on the list, despite opposition, but for lobbying. Those that say otherwise … perhaps they have evidence from Parliament to back it up? Interested to hear what the other issues that are allegedly being brushed under the carpet are ta David

Not fully at the moment, waiting for confirmation form the Government but we hope and for these to be excluded from restrictions as they are now

Latest here, more updates to follow https://basc.org.uk/basc-statement-england-restriction-on-social-gatherings/