UK Shoots Face Overhaul: Licensing to Curb Bird Poisoning

A new government-backed licensing scheme is set to overhaul the tradition of game bird shooting in England. This initiative aims to address concerns from bird conservationists regarding the release of tens of millions of pheasants each year and the persecution of birds of prey. The proposed licensing could limit the number of birds released by shooting estates, potentially reducing the practice significantly.

Furthermore, estates found to be linked to the poisoning or shooting of birds of prey, such as buzzards and hen harriers, could have their licenses revoked. Conservation groups are actively submitting evidence to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, advocating for a system similar to Scotland's, which mandates adherence to a code of practice for issuing licenses.

This potential shift is driven by incidents of raptor deaths, including poisoned white-tailed eagles and hen harriers, which gamekeepers sometimes view as threats to game birds. The shooting industry has expressed strong opposition to these proposed changes, while proponents argue for sustainable practices that balance shooting with wildlife protection and ecosystem health.