Further information on options for control
As you are probably aware, the Scottish Government and SNH have at last agreed that in some cases, there needs to be a mechanism which allows the protection of livestock and wild birds from predation by protected species such as ravens, buzzards, goshawks, sparrowhawks and pinemartins.
Released Gambirds such as Pheasants and Red-leg Partridges can now be viewed as ‘livestock’ from the point of view that they are fed, watered and generally cared for both at release pens and after that. If you are encountering predation problems you can apply for a control license. Your application is more likely to succeed if you can provide a record of information to indicate what has been happening. You must be able to show: -
• How big are your pheasant pens;
• When did the pheasants etc, arrive;
• When did the killing start;
• What measures were taken to scare the culprit;
• What that result was;
• How many birds have you lost;
• The level of harassment created by the culprit(s) i.e. birds kept from feeder, water, medicine etc;
• Level of cover within and outside the release points;
• Frequency of attacks;
• Photographic or any other evidence where possible, which may be relevant;
To be granted one of these licences, you need to apply to:
specieslicensing@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Please also advise the SGA Office of any applications made and whether the licence is granted or not. This will help us to monitor how the new licensing system is being operated.
For further info please contact the SGA Office on 01738 587 515