Trapped... then shot
CULL supporters say the slaughter is needed to help rid cattle of bovine TB.
They blame infected badgers for polluting land where cows then contract the disease.
More than 29,000 cattle were killed last year because of TB. This will be the fifth year of the programme, widened to 11 more areas.
Badgers are either shot by marksmen, or trapped alive and then shot. Culling by trapping lasts till November 30, while it is open season on free shooting till January 31.
Marksmen have been told to shoot at least 21,797 badgers in seven English counties. They can shoot a maximum of 33,437 in the UK. Hunting will take place at night because badgers are nocturnal.