Conor O'Gorman Posted May 17, 2023 Report Share Posted May 17, 2023 BASC has called for an urgent response from Defra over its decision to make a major change to GL43 – the interim general licence which covers gamebird release on or within 500m of European Protected Sites in England. BASC has been informed that a significant change to the licence by Defra will come into effect on 31 May 2023, meaning that from that date, releasing on or within 500m of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) will no longer be authorised under the general licence in England, due to a risk of released birds spreading avian influenza to wild birds. The decision’s timing comes when shoot preparations are well advanced, with payments and deposits for gamebirds, feed and shoot days already made, and drilling of cover crops and hours of conservation work already in progress. As it stands, those wishing to release on or within 500m of a SPA after 30 May 2023 will need to apply for an individual licence from Natural England or move their release activities away from the 500m buffer zone limit. Releases on or within 500m of a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), will remain subject to the requirements of the new general licence or an individual licence. Gamebird release outside of these areas is not subject to this interim licensing regime and is not affected. BASC is challenging Defra’s decision as unlawful, and doing everything in its power to overturn this unevidenced, disproportionate and potentially disastrous decision. There is no evidence that releasing gamebirds has had any impact on spreading avian influenza, this point has been made at the highest level of Defra and legal avenues are being explored. Click here for more information Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gas seal Posted May 17, 2023 Report Share Posted May 17, 2023 Hi Wild Justice has been in contact with natural England regarding sssi in Devon and game birds and pens around them. The site is special for a type of blue beetle . Also enquiring about the condition of other sssi in the country. This may have something to do with the decision by defra. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weihrauch17 Posted May 17, 2023 Report Share Posted May 17, 2023 (edited) Impossible to Police. Even if pens are close they can't prove the birds were not caught up and released elsewhere. The rules are a farce in any case, how long does a bird take to move more than 500 m, it is farcical like nearly all legislation relevant to shooting. Edited May 17, 2023 by Weihrauch17 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gas seal Posted May 17, 2023 Report Share Posted May 17, 2023 Why would it need to be policed, shooters should police it, the conditions will be on the general license required. I don’t do that type of shooting if l did I would just comply with the license. These general licences can be revoked or modified at any time , this one has . A lot of people are looking at what we are doing in the countryside, a few game keepers have found out recently. I don’t know if the license is working or not , it’s not been out long. It looks more like a commercial license to me . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conor O'Gorman Posted May 18, 2023 Author Report Share Posted May 18, 2023 Update - the Defra decision is now being reviewed. Click here for more information Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShootingEgg Posted May 18, 2023 Report Share Posted May 18, 2023 It's almost like the think pheasants can't fly.... Also using avian flu as the reason is a joke imo. Wild birds have wiped out game farms not the other way round... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conor O'Gorman Posted May 31, 2023 Author Report Share Posted May 31, 2023 Update - general licence not renewed for gamebird release on or within 500m of European Protected Sites in England - BASC responds. Click here for more information Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rewulf Posted June 1, 2023 Report Share Posted June 1, 2023 18 hours ago, Conor O'Gorman said: Update - general licence not renewed for gamebird release on or within 500m of European Protected Sites in England - BASC responds. Click here for more information 'BASC chief executive Ian Bell said: “Defra has refused to engage with the shooting community on this issue and has created massive confusion and concern at a critical point in the year when shoots are on the brink of releasing. “This is wholly unacceptable behaviour by a government department and will not go unchallenged by BASC. We will be pressing Defra and government in the strongest of terms.' My usual cynicism aside, part of me thinks 'Ooh , BASC are getting hit where it hurts now in the game shooting discipline, and are going to 'act' , even threatening a legal challenge !' A shame they didnt wring their hands so much in other matters.... Another part of me thinks, 'Yeah right oh, probably knew it was coming , and their mates at DEFRA are really scared (not) about protests from BASC' . Th fact is , it only affects very few shoots, who are able to apply for individual licences in most cases, or adjust the shoot as much as possible, and as someone else said , who on earth is going to police it ? Storm in a tea cup, or a BASC false flag operation ? 🤪 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conor O'Gorman Posted June 1, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 1, 2023 A general licence has been published for gamebird release in or near Special Areas of Conservation in England, but an individual licence is still required for Special Protection Areas. Click here for more information As regards Special Protection Areas BASC has sought legal advice and considers Defra’s decision unlawful, unevidenced and disproportionate and will not hesitate to commence legal actions. Click here for BASC's open letter to the Defra Minister responsible, Trudy Harrison MP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conor O'Gorman Posted June 3, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 3, 2023 (edited) BASC is asking that all shoots releasing on or within 500m of a Special Protected Area in England contact their local BASC regional office. Our staff are on hand to provide advice and will be collating information to enable us the best opportunity in launching legal action. If you or your shoot has been financially affected by Defra’s decision to remove GL43, please contact your local regional BASC office immediately by clicking the link below. Our teams will talk you through the changes and are collating the damage caused. Click here for your local regional BASC office Updates as follows: https://basc.org.uk/general-licence-renewed-for-gamebird-release-in-sacs/ https://basc.org.uk/defra-restriction-will-cripple-rural-england-says-basc/ Edited June 3, 2023 by Conor O'Gorman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conor O'Gorman Posted June 7, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2023 Update - BASC to commence legal challenge against Defra. Click here for more information Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rewulf Posted June 7, 2023 Report Share Posted June 7, 2023 On 17/05/2023 at 19:38, Conor O'Gorman said: BASC has been informed that a significant change to the licence by Defra will come into effect on 31 May 2023, meaning that from that date, releasing on or within 500m of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) will no longer be authorised under the general licence in England, due to a risk of released birds spreading avian influenza to wild birds. Once again , Ill ask , did BASC only get 2 weeks notice of the restriction ? This, despite a warning from 2019 that game bird release would be reviewed https://www.gov.uk/government/news/defra-responds-to-wild-justice-challenge-releasing-gamebirds-on-protected-sites And despite the risk of game birds spreading avian flu https://www.countytimes.co.uk/news/23065333.letter---pheasants-main-culprits-spreading-avian-flu/ BASC bashing aside, this was bound to happen sooner or later. Good luck with the court case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry2016 Posted June 7, 2023 Report Share Posted June 7, 2023 1 hour ago, Rewulf said: Once again , Ill ask , did BASC only get 2 weeks notice of the restriction ? This, despite a warning from 2019 that game bird release would be reviewed https://www.gov.uk/government/news/defra-responds-to-wild-justice-challenge-releasing-gamebirds-on-protected-sites And despite the risk of game birds spreading avian flu https://www.countytimes.co.uk/news/23065333.letter---pheasants-main-culprits-spreading-avian-flu/ BASC bashing aside, this was bound to happen sooner or later. Good luck with the court case. Are you a BASC member ? BASC take legal action against DEFRA https://basc.org.uk/basc-to-commence-legal-challenge-against-defra/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rewulf Posted June 7, 2023 Report Share Posted June 7, 2023 1 minute ago, Terry2016 said: Are you a BASC member ? Not anymore. BASC almost solely represent game shooting, I dont game shoot, but mainly because of their utter apathy regarding the doctors note debacle, and their invitation to the government to ban lead projectiles. This move by DEFRA will likely hurt a few shoots, most they will adapt. But more harm will come to those same shoots when the lead ban comes in, and shooters in general decide not to renew. Its already happening, less and less firearms certs held year on year since 2019, circa the time when the doctors note issue first arose. Up until that point it was rising. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statistics-on-firearm-and-shotgun-certificates-england-and-wales-april-2021-to-march-2022/statistics-on-firearm-and-shotgun-certificates-england-and-wales-april-2021-to-march-2022 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gas seal Posted June 8, 2023 Report Share Posted June 8, 2023 Hi Wild Justice has started a new legal challenge for general licence 43. BASC represents all types of shooting and a lot of work for wildfowl clubs. If using lead pellets is made illegal shooters will comply, or not. Game shooters may have less game to shoot and pay more to shoot fewer birds. It won’t be long before all licences will have to be applied for. A lot more changes will come to shooters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rewulf Posted June 8, 2023 Report Share Posted June 8, 2023 1 hour ago, Gas seal said: Hi Wild Justice has started a new legal challenge for general licence 43. BASC represents all types of shooting and a lot of work for wildfowl clubs. BASC predominantly represent, and promote game shooting. There isnt really an argument in this. When its personal or corporate interests are threatened , BASC swings into action to protect them, less so when it comes to other types of shooting. 1 hour ago, Gas seal said: If using lead pellets is made illegal shooters will comply, or not. They will comply , because they wont be able to buy them in the first place. When the price of a cartridge doubles, do you really think we wont lose people as they simply cant afford it anymore ? 1 hour ago, Gas seal said: Game shooters may have less game to shoot and pay more to shoot fewer birds. More people lost, less SGC s issued and renewed, the sport will become the reserve of only the well off. 1 hour ago, Gas seal said: A lot more changes will come to shooters Wait till sec 2 disappears , .22lr and airgunning, costs of certs quadruple. More restrictions = less people shooting, the voice of shooting will be a whisper, rural economies based around shooting will die, and the restrictions on gamebird release will seem like a drop in the ocean compared. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conor O'Gorman Posted June 8, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 8, 2023 Update - Secretary of State warned of consequences of Defra gamebird decision Click here for more information Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rewulf Posted June 9, 2023 Report Share Posted June 9, 2023 It seems that 'maybe' these new measures taken by DEFRA 'may' have been triggered by impending action from Packham and WJ. Ill ask for the 3rd time , BASC had NO IDEA this was coming ? https://wildjustice.org.uk/gamebird-releases/wild-justice-starts-new-legal-challenge-of-gamebird-release-regulations/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conor O'Gorman Posted June 9, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2023 (edited) Defra’s failure to re-issue a general licence for the releasing of gamebirds in or around Special Protection Areas across England is now reaching a critical point and risks an environmental and animal welfare crisis. Click here for more information If your shoot is located on or near a Special Protection Area in England please get in touch with BASC. Click here for your local regional BASC office Edited June 9, 2023 by Conor O'Gorman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conor O'Gorman Posted June 22, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 22, 2023 BASC has warned Defra that shooting businesses are facing financial ruin, criminal charges, or both unless it urgently reinstates a licence for the release of gamebirds in protected areas of England. Click here for more information Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry2016 Posted June 25, 2023 Report Share Posted June 25, 2023 (edited) On 08/06/2023 at 16:17, Rewulf said: BASC predominantly represent, and promote game shooting. There isnt really an argument in this. When its personal or corporate interests are threatened , BASC swings into action to protect them, less so when it comes to other types of shooting. They will comply , because they wont be able to buy them in the first place. When the price of a cartridge doubles, do you really think we wont lose people as they simply cant afford it anymore ? More people lost, less SGC s issued and renewed, the sport will become the reserve of only the well off. Wait till sec 2 disappears , .22lr and airgunning, costs of certs quadruple. More restrictions = less people shooting, the voice of shooting will be a whisper, rural economies based around shooting will die, and the restrictions on gamebird release will seem like a drop in the ocean compared. Its always amuses me how many users here comment on BASC saying what they are doing is wrong, and yet are not members, the ironic thing is that all of those non members will still reap the rewards of the work undertaken by BASC. BASC represent all shooting, and they act for all shooters, a few examples of this are; 1, Pigeon shooting, Back in 2020 when the GL was revoked, BASC got hem turned around and now we are all still using this licence to control woodpigeons. 2, Wildfowling, BASC support many clubs and thousands of members to retain consent allowing them to go wildfowling 3, Young shots and Ladies days - BASC lead the way in providing opportunities for literally thousands of people introducing the to shooting each year. 4, BASC have challenged the restrictions/ban on the use of lead ammunition for all outdoor shooting presented by the HSE. Yes of course they represent game shooting and game shooters, of course this will need support and for all organisations to act when needed, that is why you see the NGO, BGA, CA, CLA, GWCT all raising awareness to the issues around GL43. I'm not quite sure why you think 22lr and airguing will disappear? and when will the price of cartridges double ? and more to the point why ? The result of C19 is that there are significant delays in licensing across the country, then with the ongoing issues on Devon and Cornwall new guidance was issued meaning all departments had to undertake medical verifications this is why you see cert number declining over the last couple of years. Edited June 25, 2023 by Terry2016 deleted by mistake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conor O'Gorman Posted June 25, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2023 Absolutely agree @Terry2016 BASC fights for shooting wherever and whenever the threats arise. Of late we have been fighting threats to gamebird releasing in Wales and England, the use of snares for fox control in England and Scotland, the use of general licences for the control of pest birds in Northern Ireland and so on. It's not only protecting shooting that BASC is engaged in across the UK, it's also about promoting shooting and the BASC 2022 annual review provides an insight into all of this. Click here for BASC 2022 annual review Those within our community that use social media to put down BASC with unwarranted and misinformed attacks are doing the antis work for them and it would be so much better if that keyboard time was used to protect and promote shooting instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clangerman Posted June 25, 2023 Report Share Posted June 25, 2023 45 minutes ago, Conor O'Gorman said: Those within our community that use social media to put down BASC with unwarranted and misinformed attacks are doing the antis work for them and it would be so much better if that keyboard time was used to protect and promote shooting instead. if thats the case you need to shut up shop because basc are the ones who called for a lead ban and screamed our best tool is toxic toxic louder than anyone else causing more damage to the shooting world than the antis ever will try taking your own advise matey! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jall25 Posted June 25, 2023 Report Share Posted June 25, 2023 37 minutes ago, clangerman said: if thats the case you need to shut up shop because basc are the ones who called for a lead ban and screamed our best tool is toxic toxic louder than anyone else causing more damage to the shooting world than the antis ever will try taking your own advise matey! Im not sure lead is as toxic as some of the negativity on here Its time to pull together Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
London Best Posted June 25, 2023 Report Share Posted June 25, 2023 4 minutes ago, jall25 said: Im not sure lead is as toxic as some of the negativity on here Its time to pull together Good post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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