Mobile phones – report blocked shooting websites to BASC

24 May 2013

Some shooting related websites have been incorrectly categorized as ‘over-18’ by content filters on mobile phone networks. As a result access may be blocked from some mobile phones. You can help BASC fix this problem. Use this page to report blocked websites to BASC. We will let the website owners know and also ask the relevant network provider to whitelist the site.

Say NO to airgun licensing in Scotland

24 May 2013

On 24th May a petition opposing airgun licensing proposals was lodged with the Scottish Parliament’s Public Petitions Committee. This move is part of a wider campaign against the proposals which includes a ban on people plinking in their own gardens and English and Welsh shooters having to apply for visitor permits before taking their airguns to Scotland. Use this briefing to find out how you can get involved.

Natural England buzzard control licence

23 May 2013

On 23rd May Natural England published details of a licence authorising the removal of four buzzard nests. The licence application followed due legal process and was issued to a game shoot advised by the National Gamekeepers Organisation. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 protects buzzards, alongside all other birds, but allows for their control under licence to prevent serious damage to livestock, including gamebirds.

BASC welcomes draft FSA guidance on food provision

22 May 2013

BASC has welcomed draft Food Standards Agency guidance on the provision of food in village halls and other community settings in England. The proposals will ensure that events run by BASC or its members where food is sold or given free in non-food premises would not be caught up in any unnecessary red tape. Such events could include club dinners, game tasting evenings and food stands at game fairs.

Bracken control – asulam available from 20th May

20 May 2013

Asulam is the only selective herbicide available for bracken control. From 20th May the storage, promotion, sale and transfer of asulam is authorised under an emergency derogation secured by the Bracken Control Group. Application of asulam may start from 1st July. The promotion, sales & transfer of asulam must cease by 18th September but application can continue. All stocks of asulam must be applied, destroyed or returned to the distributor by 31st October.

European-wide firearms questionnaire - server fixed - keep responding

17 May 2013

BASC urges all shooters to complete a European-wide firearms questionnaire by choosing option 1 for all answers given. Taking part will only take a few minutes of your time. Most of the multiple choice questions are biased and the results could be used to gain legitimacy from ‘public opinion’ in order to further restrict the legal acquisition and possession of civilian firearms. There is no link between the legal ownership of firearms and the illicit trafficking of firearms.

Dog attacks - change in law for England and Wales

17 May 2013

The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill proposes to make dog attacks an offence on all private property in England and Wales. Owners will only be exempt from prosecution if their dog attacks a trespasser in a ‘dwelling’. BASC is working with civil servants to try to ensure that there are no unintended consequences for the owners of gundogs.

UN Arms Trade Treaty – BASC update

17 May 2013

On 15th May BASC attended a reception at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in London, ahead of the Arms Trade Treaty opening for signature at the United Nations next month. There is much work ahead with transposing the treaty into UK legislation. BASC will work with the Home Office and The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to help ensure that there are no adverse impacts on sporting shooting and the gun trade.

Use of rodenticides away from buildings - latest update

30 April 2013

On 23rd April the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) held a stakeholders meeting to discuss the use of second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGAR). Following the meeting, which BASC attended, the HSE will decide on what the next steps will be for the future use of SGAR. This briefing will be updated once a public announcement is made by the HSE.

Royal Mail - carriage of guns - latest update

30 April 2013

On 30th April Royal Mail informed BASC that no decision has been taken to consult on new proposals to restrict the carriage of guns, and if it did, that this would not be until September at the earliest. BASC is still seeking a solution to the recent introduction by Royal Mail of maximum size limits on the carriage of all parcels.