A legal suspension of the shooting of waterfowl is to be introduced for the first time in Northern Ireland because of the severe winter weather. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency plans to bring in a temporary suspension of the shooting of ducks, geese and waders for at least seven days starting on Wednesday 6th January to allow the birds to see out the cold snap. Shooters are being advised to exercise voluntary restraint until the suspension begins.
Waterfowl shooting is also to be legally suspended in Scotland for the first time in 13 years with effect from 0:01am on Tuesday 5th January. In England and Wales it is possible that the continuing cold weather will lead to a call for voluntary restraint in the shooting of ducks such as reared mallard, geese and wading birds including woodcock by the end of this week.
Restraint and suspension are necessary to protect birds which will experience difficulties in feeding and roosting due to snow and ice affecting their habitats. Roger Pollen, Northern Ireland director of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), said: "This is the first time that a legal suspension of shooting has been required in Northern Ireland, where the climate usually means we do not experience prolonged bouts of severe weather. "Everyone who shoots respects their quarry and we are calling on all individuals, clubs and syndicates to exercise restraint in their shooting before the statutory suspension is brought in."
