It is illegal to use certain methods for killing or taking wildlife. Unless stated the following offences apply to both birds and mammals (mammals for the purposes of this section means: schedule 6 mammals Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 & Isle of Man, Wildlife Act 1990 and schedule 3 mammals Conservation of Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2000) :
- Any automatic or semi-automatic weapon against any schedule 6 mammal or any bird except the Bird Pest Species
- Any automatic or semi-automatic weapon against any mammal or any bird (Jersey).
Definition:
"Automatic weapon" and "semi-automatic weapon" means any weapon which is capable of holding more than two rounds in the magazine.
- Any form of artificial lighting, mirror or other dazzling device (except for fox, rabbit or feral pigeon Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) (see BASC Lamping Code of Practice for additional information).
- Use of any mechanically-propelled vehicle in immediate pursuit of mammals or birds for the purpose of killing or taking.
- Use of any self-locking snare.
- Use of any bow or crossbow or explosive other than ammunition for a firearm.
Definition:
“Firearm” includes shotguns
- Use of any live animal or bird as a decoy which is tethered, secured by braces or other similar appliances, or which is blind, maimed or injured.
- Use of a shotgun where the barrel has an internal diameter at the muzzle of more than 1¾ inches (birds only).
- Use of any device for illuminating a target for all birds except feral pigeons and for all mammals listed on Schedule 6 (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981)
“Illuminating device” may include laser-type sighting devices
- Use of any sound recording to act as a decoy - birds only (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981).
“Sound recording” is likely to include sounds made by digital or electronic devices.
Please note additional legislation applies specifically to deer, further information is available from the BASC Deer Department or 01244 573047
