Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Lead shot under scrutiny
Proposed restrictions on lead could have serious consequences for grouse shooting
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has proposed further restrictions on using lead shot and now recommends that peatland should be included in the restrictions, with a further ban on even possessing lead shot when on a wetland.
The potential ban on using lead shot over peatland is likely to have serious consequences for traditional driven shooting.
Patrick Galbraith, Editor of Shooting Times, warned: “The danger is that people will try to classify grouse moors as peatlands, which would be a way of further restricting the sport through the back door.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Gamekeepers Association said: “There is sympathy for restrictions on lead shot over water but there would need to be a proper review of the evidence if grouse moors were to be implicated in any new moves.”
A spokesman for the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) commented: “The NGO has long been involved in the debate on lead shot and has fought for the need for scientificled policy on this issue.
“We are also monitoring this latest threat, which, if sanctioned, could have far-reaching effects on shooting practices in the
UK. The NGO will continue to campaign against unsound policies that conflict with the interests of those working, enjoying and benefiting from a thriving British countryside.
“Best practice when shooting can resolve many of these issues but the NGO will continue to review the situation and will work with others to resolve, in a practical and proportionate way, these current proposals.
“Given the long and successful history of using lead in shotguns and rifles, the onus is on those who have concerns to justify them with reference to properly conducted science. We would also urge all those who enjoy the freedom to shoot to continue to abide by the current legislation, which is reflected in the voluntary Code of Good Shooting Practice, which the NGO supports and says, ‘lead shot should not be used for any shooting over wetlands important to feeding waterfowl’.”
While bodies such as the Countryside Alliance are
“We would urge all those who enjoy the freedom to shoot to continue to abide by the law”
supportive of phasing out lead shot over wetlands, it will be difficult to enforce a ban in these areas and the Alliance notes that the reduction in risk to wildfowl ingesting lead shot in these habitats remains unproven.
The Countryside Alliance advised: “This season, as ever, we urge the shooting community to comply with the current legislation or else help play a part in restricting lead shot across the board. Poor compliance within the UK is used consistently as an argument for further restrictions. We ask that the shooting community abides by the legislation on the ground while we continue to work with our partner organisations in Europe.”