BASC seeks recognition of lawful shooting in manual for armed police

12 November 2009

BASC has been working with the National Policing Improvement Agency to ensure that lawful shooting is properly recognised in relevant manuals and guidance and that BASC’s “Armed Police Officer’s Guide to Shooters” gets recirculated to all relevant police staff, whether in the control room or in the field. This follows several high profile incidents involving heavy-handed treatment of pigeon shooters by the police.

BASC guide to the lead shot restrictions in Northern Ireland

21 August 2009

On 1 September 2009 new regulations came into force which ban the use of lead shot on or over wetlands in Northern Ireland. It is very important that all shooters living in or visiting the Province understand what the regulations define as a wetland. BASC has produced a practical guide to the regulations in association with the Department of the Environment.

Wildfowling is a sustainable activity on Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve

11 August 2009

BASC welcomes the acknowledgement by Scottish Natural Heritage that wildfowling is a sustainable activity on Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve. BASC has provided recommendations for the future management of the site for shooting and conservation.

BASC Supports the Welsh Assembly Government Proposals to Eradicate Bovine Tuberculosis in Wales.

30 July 2009

The consultation seek views on an Order to allow for badger control strategies, alongside cattle measures, to pursue the eradication of bovine tuberculosis in Wales.

BASC welcomes Defra’s decision on set-aside

9 July 2009

Farmers now have the voluntary approach they wanted to replacing the environmental benefits of set-aside. It is now up to farmers to demonstrate that this will provide the necessary benefits for quarry species and wildlife.

BASC calls for a TV and radio ban on the advertising of guns and shoot days to be lifted

19 June 2009

According to a Broadcast Advertising Standards Code currently being reviewed a charity clay shoot would not be able to advertise on local radio and a gun shop would not be able to advertise on TV. This is an infringement of civil liberties because it treats shooting as an illegal activity and BASC is calling for this draconian restriction to be scrapped.

BASC wants Natural England to make funds available to support the work carried out by shooters

4 June 2009

In a consultation response BASC has demonstrated the significant contribution of shooting to the countryside and its ecosystem services. BASC wants this contribution recognised in ecosystem related government policies and funding to support the work carried out by shooters.

BASC advises Food Standards Agency on its strategy for 2010-2015

4 June 2009

BASC has been promoting game as a healthy, sustainable and highly nutritious food source since the mid 1960’s and through its Game’s On campaign which was launched in 2005. BASC urges the FSA to ensure that all food retailers understand the many health benefits associated with game meat amongst other key recommendations.

BASC says deactivated firearms proposal needs to be deferred pending more evidence

22 May 2009

In its response to the Home Office consultation ‘Controls on Deactivated Firearms’, BASC recommends that any decision which affects the ownership of deactivated firearms should be deferred until a report has been received from the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NaBIS). That NaBIS report should be based on at least 2 years evidence and should give a proper assessment of the criminal use of deactivated firearms.

BASC seeks clarity on Natural England’s draft policy for invasive non-native species

29 April 2009

BASC seeks assurance that Natural England’s policy will be led by the Invasive Non-native Species Framework Strategy for Great Britain. This will ensure a co-ordinated approach and consistency in decision making.