In what capacity is it legal to use a vehicle to shoot the likes of cr

[bicykillgaz]

If its crossed wire fair enough but it did seem to be a direct reply to what I had asked for clarification on. I personally didn't see the need to add the bit about 'any fool' knowing when there was clearly people stating they shot from the road, I found that part condescending.

 

Forums are great when people don't get high and mighty just because its their topic/thread.

Edited April 23, 2013 by bicykillgaz

[wymberley]

If its crossed wire fair enough but it did seem to be a direct reply to what I had asked for clarification on. I personally didn't see the need to add the bit about 'any fool' knowing when there was clearly people stating they shot from the road, I found that part condescending.

 

Forums are great when people don't get high and mighty just because its their topic/thread.

Rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men. Only fools shoot.

[thepasty]

If its crossed wire fair enough but it did seem to be a direct reply to what I had asked for clarification on. I personally didn't see the need to add the bit about 'any fool' knowing when there was clearly people stating they shot from the road, I found that part condescending.

 

Forums are great when people don't get high and mighty just because its their topic/thread.

 

Upon clarification said people who made reference to shooting from road made it clear they were indeed private roads.

 

Making reference to fools was through my own frustration of people rushing to point out in-correctness when its clear (at least to myself) that its simply forum fog.

 

Its a shame you took my post in a way it was not intended but that is part of the fog of forums.

 

I wasnt being high and mighty, I am a firm believer in all men are equal, as said already I simply stated facts already covered on this thread and I would hope is general common sense...

 

I can only be responsible for what I say not how others interpret it.

Edited April 23, 2013 by thepasty

[bicykillgaz]

Ok mate as you say fog of the forum, it is easy to misinterpret how things are written/meant. Sorry if I've read your replies wrong.

[thepasty]

no probs... **** happens

[tjm160]

Repeating what I said earlier but; Had my interview with the FEO today and asked this question (amongst others). He commented that this particular law is frequently misinterpreted by shooter and police alike. So long as "not causing a danger or annoyance to passers by", it is perfectly acceptable to shoot from the roadside. The question was specifically asked about a (quiet) public road.

[bazzab]

Repeating what I said earlier but; Had my interview with the FEO today and asked this question (amongst others). He commented that this particular law is frequently misinterpreted by shooter and police alike. So long as "not causing a danger or annoyance to passers by", it is perfectly acceptable to shoot from the roadside. The question was specifically asked about a (quiet) public road.

So to be crystal, Im driving down a public road not closed or part of farm etc and I clock quarry in a field as long as i don't endanger or annoy anyone im ok to pull over and take a shot from my car whilst still on the road/verge?? Is that what they said?

 

If so, don't think ill be doing that then!!!

[thepasty]

Nor I.

 

I think its safe to say we have covered the topic of the original question and the conclusion is you can shoot BIRDS from a vehicle as long as you are not in immediate pursuit i.e. the vehicle is stationary with engine off.

 

We have also cleared up the sweeping statement passed to me that shooting birds from a vehicle in any capacity is illegal... that isnt the case.

 

I dont and wont be shooting from or near a public road/highway in any capacity and not just because it would be illegal, the are many reasons link to things like common decency to road users and the possibility of resulting strife from none shooters i.e. dog walkers, cyclists, a family out for a walk etc etc etc. To someone not used to hearing a gun shot it can be very alarming.

Edited April 24, 2013 by thepasty

[CharlieT]

Repeating what I said earlier but; Had my interview with the FEO today and asked this question (amongst others). He commented that this particular law is frequently misinterpreted by shooter and police alike. So long as "not causing a danger or annoyance to passers by", it is perfectly acceptable to shoot from the roadside. The question was specifically asked about a (quiet) public road.

I think the problem here is that you yourself do not understand the question you posed to your feo.

 

There are now two different pieces of legislation being discussed. One being the the question asked by the OP which is covered by the Wildlife and Countryside act,the second, to which you are refering, is covered by the Highways Act.

 

 

 

I suggest you read the relevant acts and familiarise yourself with them.

[tjm160]

I was refering to the later. The exact scenario put to the FEO was this;

 

'Explanation of the field in question' (which he knows personally). The rabbits frequent the hedgeline running at 90 degrees away from the road. As the rabbits are so readily spooked, the ideal approach would be to park the car a little way away, stealthily approach the adjacent gateway and take the shot from there. However, this is just yards from the side of the road. I understand there is a law that prohibits shooting from within 50 feet of the centre of the highway, is this the case? His answer was as described:

 

"This particular law is frequently misinterpreted by shooter and police alike. So long as "not causing a danger or annoyance to passers by", it is perfectly acceptable to shoot from the roadside in the scenario described."

 

Taking such an approach with people or vehicles passing would clearly be unwise since interpretation is subjective.

 

 

 

A goggle of "shooting within 50 feet" brought up another forum where the topic has been discussed (http://forums.shootinguk.co.uk/showthread.php?1189-Minimum-shooting-distance-from-the-highway). This position is echoed within the thread:

 

"It is NOT an offence to shoot within 50 ft of the centre of a highway......

UNLESS - you injure, interrupt, or endanger a user of that highway.

Shooting from the inside of a hedgerow by a quiet country lane is unlikely to cause offence - particularly if there is no-one else present, although I agree that common sense should be used.

Forums like this are great for informal discussion, but I'd always suggest that if you are going to act on legal advice (including this!) that you speak to whatever shooting organisation you belong to first - after all, that's what you've paid them for, isn't it ? Get your money's worth.

Picture the scene - you've been arrested for an offence involving firearms and you're up before the magistrates explaining yourself -

"I thought it was OK - I took advice from "wizzykillemall.357" on an internet forum."

That isn't going to help much !"

[CharlieT]

tjm 160

 

Yes, we all know what the Act says but it's a little different to your statement in post 56 where you stated that it's that it's perfectly acceptable to shoot from the roadside. I doubt you would have the landowners permission to shoot from the roadside but of course that doesn't matter as what you are really talking about about is shooting on private land near a highway, not actually from the roadside.

 

For your information the exact wording of the act is: If a person without lawful authority or excuse—

 

(a)lights any fire on or over a highway which consists of or comprises a carriageway; or

 

discharges any firearm or firework within 50 feet of the centre of such a highway,

and in consequence a user of the highway is injured, interrupted or endangered, that person is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale

However, the OP's question revolves round the Wildlife and Countryside Act. His specific question is covered by this section of the act.

(e)uses any mechanically propelled vehicle in immediate pursuit of a wild bird for the purpose of killing or taking that bird,

Edited April 25, 2013 by CharlieT