Severe weather prompts call for voluntary restraint for waterfowl shooting in Scotland

Due to the widespread severe weather, BASC is calling for people who shoot in Scotland to exercise restraint, wherever it is needed, in the shooting of ducks, geese and waders including reared mallard.

Under criteria agreed between BASC and the relevant government agencies today, 10 January, has been classified as the seventh consecutive day of severe conditions in many parts of Scotland. Areas particularly affected are Aberdeenshire, Moray and the Highlands.

An alert has been issued according to procedures for managing the shooting of waterfowl in adverse weather. The decision to show restraint in shooting should be made by individuals and be based on local observations of the condition of the birds and their habitats. Further guidance is available here on our website.

There is currently no overall call for voluntary restraint in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but it should still be applied where feeding and roosting are affected by snow and ice. 

If the freezing conditions were to persist, then it is likely that decisions will be taken by the Scottish government to impose a statutory suspension of waterfowl shooting, at the earliest on 18 January, which would last for up to 14 days. This should be reviewed after seven days and could be lifted if conditions improve. 

Although the forecast for much of Scotland predicts a thaw over the coming weekend, please continue to monitor our website for updates should freezing conditions return. In all cases, please show consideration and exercise restraint where appropriate in areas still affected by severe weather.

James Green, BASC’s head of wildfowling and wetlands, said: “While birds may well be in relatively good condition, individual shooters, clubs and syndicates should consider local conditions and be on the lookout for unusual bird movements or birds in poor condition and take their decisions on shooting accordingly.”