BASC: Scotland and NI shooters no longer need game licences
Scotland and NI shooters no longer need game licences
The UK's largest shooting organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), is reminding shooters in Scotland and Northern Ireland they will not need a game licence to shoot this season.
Game licences were abolished in Scotland in April this year and in Northern Ireland in June this year. Game licences in England and Wales were abolished in August 2007.
This shooting season in Scotland and Northern Ireland will be the first since the 1800s when people will not need a game licence to shoot.
Glynn Evans, head of game and gamekeeping at BASC, said: “The game licence was introduced as an enforcement tool against poaching in the 1800s and came to be regarded as ineffective. The revenue it generated was insignificant and was not used for conservation or game management. The move to remove the requirement brought Scotland and Northern Ireland into line with England and Wales and removes a redundant layer of bureaucracy."
Game meat is becoming increasingly popular. Independent research predicts UK sales will reach £84 million this year.*
ENDS
Notes:
* Source: Mintel February 2007
For more information please call the BASC press office on 01244 573031
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