Greylag geese are a common species of wildfowl found throughout the UK. They are the largest and bulkiest of the grey geese found in Britain. Greylag geese are classified as a game species, meaning they can be legally hunted during open shooting seasons. However, there are specific regulations surrounding the shooting of greylag geese that must be followed.
Overview of greylag goose shooting regulations
In the UK, greylag geese are covered under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This legislation protects the geese and provides guidelines for legal shooting. Here are some key points regarding greylag goose shooting regulations in the UK:
– Greylag geese are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure or take a greylag goose outside of permitted shooting seasons.
– There is an open season for shooting greylag geese. The open season runs from 1 September to 31 January in England, Wales and Scotland. In Northern Ireland, the open season is from 1 September to 31 December.
– During the open season, greylag geese can only be shot on certain days and during specific times. Goose shooting is only allowed on Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Shooting hours are from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset.
– It is illegal to shoot greylag geese during the closed season between 1 February and 31 August. This allows the geese to breed and rear their young undisturbed.
– There are daily bag limits in place for the number of geese that can be legally shot by one person. In England, Wales and Scotland the daily limit per person is 5 geese. In Northern Ireland the daily limit is 3 geese.
Licensing requirements
To shoot greylag geese legally in the UK, you must have the appropriate licenses:
– A valid shotgun certificate issued by the police. This requires a background check and demonstration of a good reason for possession of a shotgun. Self-defense is not considered a valid reason.
– A game license issued by the Environment Department. This allows you to legally shoot game birds like geese on private land during open seasons.
– Permission from the landowner of the land where you intend to shoot geese. The landowner’s permission must be obtained and shooting rights agreed.
– In England and Wales, you also need basic training certification in pest animal control for certain goose shooting. This training covers wildlife laws, animal welfare, and shooting best practices.
– In Scotland, you need to be a member of an approved goose management scheme to shoot geese. These schemes regulate goose shooting to minimize environmental damage from excessive populations.
Where you can shoot greylag geese
Greylag geese can only be legally shot in certain locations:
– On private land where you have permission from the landowner. This is usually farmland, wetlands, woodlands or coastal marshes where geese congregate.
– On coastal foreshores below the high tide line – as long as local bylaws don’t prohibit shooting in these areas.
– On some public lands where the local authority permits goose shooting during open seasons.
It is illegal to shoot geese on nature reserves, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and other protected conservation areas without specific written permission. Shooting geese on or near roads, railways, buildings and urban areas is also prohibited for safety reasons.
Methods and equipment
Greylag geese can be hunted using a few approved methods:
– Shotguns – 12 bore and 20 bore shotguns are commonly used. Both lead and non-toxic shot ammunition is permitted.
– Decoys and calls – decoys and goose callers can be used to attract geese within shooting range.
– Concealment – hides, sunken pits and natural cover enable hunters to get within shooting range of geese.
– Retrievers – well-trained retrievers can be used to find and collect shot geese.
Prohibited methods include air rifles, night vision scopes, semi-automatic weapons, snares, live decoys and poisoning. Only non-motorized boats can be used while shooting geese on water.
Responsible shooting practices
It is important to adhere to responsible shooting practices when hunting greylag geese:
– Never shoot more geese than the daily bag limit permitted. Stick to the numbers allowed.
– Only take clear, safe shots at geese within your effective shooting range. Risky long range shots should be avoided.
– Pick up all shot geese promptly from land and water. Do not waste geese you have shot.
– Comply with the firearm safety code and ensure safe gun handling at all times.
– Ensure you can accurately identify greylag geese. Avoid shooting protected species.
– Report and record any accidental shooting of protected birds. Hand them to authorities.
– Follow local wildfowling club rules and guidance – seek advice if you are unsure.
What to do after shooting greylag geese
Once you have shot your daily limit of greylag geese, there are rules about handling the geese after the hunt:
– The geese must be completely removed from the shooting site on the same day. Partially shot or wounded geese count towards your bag limit.
– Both wings or the head must remain attached to the body until the goose reaches the final place of consumption. This enables species identification.
– A tag with your name, address and date of kill should be attached to each goose for transportation and storage.
– The geese you have shot are for your personal consumption only. Geese cannot be sold commercially unless you have a game meat dealers license.
– Take care to properly clean, store and prepare the geese for eating. Geese should be plucked, gutted and hygienically prepared as soon as possible after retrieval.
Summary of key points
Here is a quick summary of the key regulations and requirements for shooting greylag geese in the UK:
– Greylag geese can only be shot during the open season from September to January.
– You need a valid shotgun certificate, game license, landowner permission and possibly training certification.
– Shooting is only allowed on certain days, times and locations. Protected areas are off limits.
– Daily limits per person apply – 5 geese in England, Wales and Scotland, 3 in Northern Ireland.
– Only permitted hunting methods and gear can be used. Safety and responsible shooting are essential.
– All shot geese must be retrieved promptly and prepared for personal consumption.
Conclusion
Greylag geese are a legal quarry species that can be hunted during the open season with appropriate licenses and permissions. There are strict regulations governing when, where and how greylag geese can be legally shot in the UK. Responsible shooting practices must be followed and bag limits adhered to. Proper care must also be taken after shooting geese for storage and eating. Understanding and complying with all the rules is vital for staying on the right side of the law. Overall, greylag goose shooting is a legal and regulated countryside sport when carried out responsibly within the restrictions.