hutt Posted October 21, 2013 Report Share Posted October 21, 2013 (edited) I've just been told by Avon & Somerset that my FAC shotgun can ONLY be used for 'flocking birds', and that they won't issue a condition for AOLQ or vermin. Is this the norm? It means I'm going to have to carry two guns if I want a rabbit! Your thoughts kindly appreciated. Edited October 21, 2013 by hutt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r1steele Posted October 21, 2013 Report Share Posted October 21, 2013 I've just been told by Avon & Somerset that my FAC shotgun can ONLY be used for 'flocking birds', and that they won't issue a condition for AOLQ or vermin. Is this the norm? It means I'm going to have to carry two guns if I want a rabbit! Your thoughts kindly appreciated. I don't have one but my mate in Northumberland has one that he uses for rabbiting and foxes and doesn't shoot 'birds' as such with it. This doesn't mean he hasn't got the same conditions as you but I wouldn't think he has. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karpman Posted October 21, 2013 Report Share Posted October 21, 2013 Tell em you need it for bolting rabbits from the harvest and ferrets. Man wish I had fac shotgun when doing that sometimes lol.. Karpman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b_wales Posted October 21, 2013 Report Share Posted October 21, 2013 Mine is only used for crop protection, as this is what I asked for when applying. It does'nt bother me though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r1steele Posted October 21, 2013 Report Share Posted October 21, 2013 Mine is only used for crop protection, as this is what I asked for when applying. It does'nt bother me though. What does it actually say on your FAC as shooting rabbits can be classed as crop protection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted October 21, 2013 Report Share Posted October 21, 2013 Mine was issued as per the terms, purpose and conditions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1988(?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbiep Posted October 21, 2013 Report Share Posted October 21, 2013 Right, go to the new Home office firearms guidance, here : https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/246643/Guidance_on_Firearms_Licensing_Law.pdf FAC shotguns are and pest species are specifically dealt with under 13.21, copied here : .21 Self-loading shotguns (‘semi-automatic’ is defined in section 27 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as capable of holding more than two rounds in the magazine and applies only to large magazine shotguns (and .22RF)) may be used to shoot certain pest species under the terms of a licence from either Natural England, Scottish National Heritage, or the Natural Resource Wales but is applicable to avian species only. Large- magazine shotguns may be required to deal with serious pest problems with wood pigeon or corvids (rooks and crows). It is acceptable for self-loading shotguns to be used for mammal pest species including rabbits and squirrels. Once “good reason” is established for avian vermin control, shotguns of this kind may be allowed for taking other small vermin (including mammals such as squirrels and rabbits). I'd suggest quoting that section to them (by email or in writing, and asking exactly why their 'policy' does not follow the home office document. You would like a reply in writing. I imagine that they will soon change their tune. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fortune Posted October 21, 2013 Report Share Posted October 21, 2013 (edited) This again is an instance of "making up the rules as they think fit or how an individual interprets the wording". Department not fit for purpose. Rear ends need a kick. Department leaders need to account for there decisions. my multi shot shotgun on part one hasnt got anything like this. Edited October 21, 2013 by fortune Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieT Posted October 21, 2013 Report Share Posted October 21, 2013 The standard condition as set out in the new guidelines is: 2. Quarry Shooting – Birds with a Self Loading Shot Gun • The *calibre SMOOTH-BORE GUN shall be used for SHOOTING BIRDS in accordance with the purpose, terms and conditions of the general licence currently issued by the DEFRA under the provisions of THE WILDLIFE AND COUNTRYSIDE ACT 1981. Some forces will additionaly condition for ground vermin, some won't. You will need to argue your case ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kennym Posted October 21, 2013 Report Share Posted October 21, 2013 I'm sure i read somewhere on a PSG club forum you could now get a gratnt for section 1 for PSG, no doubt someone will put me right Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverhawk Posted October 21, 2013 Report Share Posted October 21, 2013 My fac shotgun says for the destruction of vermin lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchieboy Posted October 22, 2013 Report Share Posted October 22, 2013 Mine was issued as per the terms, purpose and conditions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1988(?) That is waht I had on mine when I had a Section 1 Shotgun, as well as PSG! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thepasty Posted October 22, 2013 Report Share Posted October 22, 2013 I've just checked my FAC condition's... The only reference to shotgun is :- The 12 Bore Shotgun may be used for clay pigeon shooting. Other than that it comes under my general FAC condition of (for all firearms on it):- For shooting vermin, ground game and any other lawful quarry. Which is great as I dont have an SGC so my FAC shotgun is my only shotgun and thus gets used for all my shotgun needs (I dont shoot game). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b_wales Posted October 22, 2013 Report Share Posted October 22, 2013 What does it actually say on your FAC as shooting rabbits can be classed as crop protection. Mine states: The 12 bore shotgun shall be used for shooting birds in accordance with the purpose, terms and conditions of the general licence etc etc etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hutt Posted October 22, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2013 Thank you Robbiep! I've spoken to BASC who said they same thing, I have sent this and await their response. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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