“Scottish Crofters Federation”
An initial meeting of the Lewis and Harris Goose Management Group was held in Stornoway on the 1st February 2010.
This group has been set up by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar working with the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (SGRPID), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Scottish Crofters Federation (SCF) in order to facilitate improved coordination between crofters, landowners and agencies to improve the management of Greylag Geese in Lewis and Harris.
The main purpose of the group is to encourage more effective control measures and wider participation in goose control by crofters affected. The meeting was chaired by Cllr John A Maciver of CNES and attended by Landowners’ representatives, Scottish Crofters Federation, and officers from the agencies listed above.
“legal restriction”
This inaugural meeting agreed that more information should be made available to crofters and landowners on the options available to control Greylag Geese: Crofters can shoot geese in the open season (from Sept 1st – Jan 31st) with the permission of holders of any sporting rights that may exist (usually held by the landowner).
There is no limit to the number that can be shot by individual crofters in the open season. There is, however, a legal restriction in place on the sale of goose carcases although it is perfectly legal to consume the meat or give it away.
Crofters could work together to arrange access to crofts by a nominated person to carry out the shooting on behalf of crofters if they are unable to do so themselves.
“Guidance on best practice”
Crofters or nominated shooters should acquaint themselves with the legal restrictions relating to the type of firearms that can be used (for example it is illegal to shoot wildfowl with semi automatic guns) and also be aware of other legal requirements covering the safe use of firearms, insurance, game licence etc.
Species of goose other than greylag goose may be present. This advice note only refers to Greylag Geese.Outwith the open season a crofter experiencing problems with geese on improved grassland or crops can apply for an out of season licence if scaring or other control measures have been ineffective, this licence is only available for agricultural land.
The application can be made to the local RPID office in Stornoway. Licences are issued with a specific bag limit for each season. RPID agricultural officers will assess damage and overall numbers in partnership with SNH when setting the numbers.
Guidance on best practice, seasons and firearms use is available on the British Association for Shooting & Conservation ( BASC) website: http://www.basc.org.uk
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