The untouchable killer?
All your sporting questions answered
Is it possible to get a licence to shoot herons? Birds from a nearby heronry are wreaking havoc on my small lake – toads, frogs, newts, fish and ducklings are being constantly battered. Entire mallard broods are going down the hatch. They’re even stalking lapwing eggs and chicks in the surrounding meadow, and picking off new-born leverets. Goodness knows what else they are eating. I’m at my wits' end.
David says: Herons certainly have a voracious appetite and can do a lot of damage, but what you describe is largely their natural behaviour. Licences are sometimes issued for the control of herons but you would need to make a good case. There’s no harm in trying.