Now that the Game season has drawn to an end, it's time to turn our attention to pest control duties, more specifically, woodpigeons and corvids. The days are getting longer, temperatures are creeping up and Spring is almost certainly on its way. The Spring drillings are hopefully becoming established, and the grazing fields are a sure sign that Spring is on the way with the joyous sight of bouncing new born lambs. It's important to keep up to date with the latest General Licences whilst shooting pigeons and other UK wild bird species.
Shooting pigeons and other UK wild birds
During the months of February and March, we should pay close attention to any Oilseed Rape crops, cover crops such as Maize, frosted crops such as cabbages and cauliflower, spring clover and emerging tree buds like Ash.
It's important to remember that whatever our chosen method of controlling wild bird species, whether it be shooting pigeons and crows by decoying, roost shooting or any other chosen method, that we must remain compliant and abide by the current General Licences (GL's) wherever you are in the UK. It's important to note that we do not have to apply for a General Licence, but we must read, abide by and fully understand the terms and conditions of use when carrying out lethal control.
The current GL's for England came into effect in January 2024 and will remain valid until the 31st December 2025. The three GL's for the control of certain wild birds for varying purposes are as follows:
GL40 - Conserving wild birds, flora and fauna of conservation concern.
GL41 - Preserving public health or safety.
GL42 - The prevention of serious damage.
Below are detailed tables of what birds can be controlled and for what purpose, depending on whether you are in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
ENGLAND
WALES
Some important changes to the general licences in Wales which has seen NRW removing magpies from the GL001 meaning it is now an offence to shoot magpies. GL001 and GL002 expires on the 31st of December 2024. GL004 will expire on the 31st of August 2024. It is important to keep up to date with any changes when NRW renew them.
SCOTLAND
The general licences issued by NatureScot for 2024 are unchanged from those of 2023. They will expire and renew after the 31st of December 2024.
Northern Ireland
General licences in Northern Ireland are issued by The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural affairs (DAERA). It is important to note that in Northern Ireland, TPG1, TPG2 and TPG3 are not valid on Sundays or between one hour after sunset on any day and one hour before sunrise on the next day.
You can find more information on the government websites for all general licences on the links below:
England - General licences for wildlife management
Scotland - General licences for birds | NatureScot
Northern Ireland - Wildlife licensing | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (daera-ni.gov.uk)
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