Good news for anglers as COVID restrictions lifted

New government guidelines allow fishing to resume in England and Wales — with tighter rules — but not in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Stalking and fishing have begun again in England as lockdown restrictions are eased. However, Northern Irish and Scottish fieldsports fans are not yet able to get back out into the field.

Speaking at the evening press conference last week, Boris Johnson announced a series of changes to the Government’s strategy for tackling the virus. These included a shift away from the previous ‘stay home’ message. Instead, the Government cited scientific advice that “the risk of infection outside is significantly lower than inside” to remove many limits on outdoor activity and exercise.

Outdoor activities are now permitted in England “subject to: not meeting up with any more than one person from outside your household; continued compliance with social distancing guidelines to remain two metres (6ft) away from people outside your household”.

The new strategy also reiterated the importance of “good hand hygiene”.

Restrictions on some travel were lifted, meaning individuals and families can now drive longer distances for outdoor trips. Among the activities specifically allowed was angling.

Fisherman Tim Porter told Shooting Times: “I fish in a carp syndicate and there’s no reason why we can’t go fishing again while maintaining social distancing and good hygiene. So I will be out as soon as possible.”

Welsh anglers also received some good news from Assembly member Athro Carwyn Jones, who confirmed that fishing was permitted in Wales as long as anglers did not need to drive to fish. But in Scotland and Northern Ireland, fishing and shooting – except for urgent pest control –remained off limits with the ‘stay home’ advice staying in place.

Shooting activities were not specifically mentioned. However, both BASC and the Countryside Alliance quickly published updated advice to members. BASC said: “In line with the Prime Minister’s statement, from Wednesday 13 May, deer stalking, pest control, conservation and seasonal work on game shoots are possible.”

The CA advised its members that “it will be permissible to undertake both live quarry shooting and deer stalking in England, following the usual laws that govern these activities”.

Both organisations emphasised strict adherence to social distancing and good hygiene. The Alliance added: “Though there are no restrictions to distance that can be travelled to undertake these activities, we would encourage you to exercise common sense and only shoot and stalk as locally as possible.”

The situation concerning clay grounds is also positive.

Ian Parker, the CEO of the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association, announced last Thursday that after 48 hours of working with the Government and with the police, they had reached a point where they had decided that grounds could re-open when ready. The annoucement was met with great cheer on social media. Parker added, “We have already issued comprehensive guidance to grounds to assist with their planning to implement the strict social distancing and safety measures to protect their staff.”

“It is permissible to undertake both live quarry shooting and deer stalking in England”

Pigeon

18% Partridge

Venison

21% Duck

Back to the great outdoors: some angling on English waterways is now allowed