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Shooting near to public footpaths - is this OK?


moulty
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Went shooting over barley stubble yesterday (with permission on the land) - had a bit of success.

 

The only real place to set up was near to a public footpath that goes through the middle of the farmers field (it is hardly used though). Of course we were shooting away from the path (with our backs to it).

 

There were also some houses about 200 yards down the hedge - but again we of course were not shooting in that direction.

 

My question is whether or not we could get into trouble shooting so close to a public footpath and 200 yards away from some houses - although I must again stress we were not shooting in the direction of either.

 

Many thanks

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Went shooting over barley stubble yesterday (with permission on the land) - had a bit of success.

 

The only real place to set up was near to a public footpath that goes through the middle of the farmers field (it is hardly used though). Of course we were shooting away from the path (with our backs to it).

 

There were also some houses about 200 yards down the hedge - but again we of course were not shooting in that direction.

 

My question is whether or not we could get into trouble shooting so close to a public footpath and 200 yards away from some houses - although I must again stress we were not shooting in the direction of either.

 

Many thanks

Use the search button, this was covered in great depth a few weeks previously. All of your questions and the answers are there.

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Straight from the BASC code of Practice - http://www.basc.org.uk/content/codeofgoods...7249cc72b0d9ca1

 

The public highway

 

Shoot managers and Guns must ensure that shooting does not obstruct, cause danger or alarm to users of the public highway, including roads, bridleways, footpaths and other rights of way.

In particular, care should be taken when siting Guns near public highways. Section 161 of the Highways Act 1980 (England & Wales) makes it an offence to discharge a firearm within 50 ft of the centre of a highway having vehicular rights without lawful authority or excuse, if as a result a user of the highway is injured, interrupted or endangered.

The Highways Act does not apply in Scotland but Procurators Fiscal may use common law offences of 'culpable and reckless conduct' and 'reckless endangerment' in situations in which the 1980 Act would be contravened in England and Wales.

To shoot across a footpath or bridleway may constitute a public nuisance or wilful obstruction. There may also be a liability in negligence if it is known that people are on, or likely to be on, the path.

Information signs, if appropriate, should be erected on shoot days on footpaths or bridleways.

The siting of release pens near highways should be avoided. Game managers should collect and dispose of road casualties where possible.

Shoot managers must not position Guns in such a way that spent shot or birds might fall onto the road.

Horses and Walkers

 

Shoot managers and Guns must have special regard to the safety of riders and their horses. Noise from gunfire, beaters working in cover adjacent to bridleways or the sound of falling shot can all cause a horse to bolt.

Where possible shoot organisers should liase with local riders or yards, informing them when shoots are taking place.

It may be appropriate for shooting or beating to pause to allow horses or other rights of way users to pass.

All Guns should be made aware of bridleways and other rights of way as well as any fields in which horses are kept. Drives should be organised with this in mind.

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