Pheasant shoots

[ewenm]

Any shooters out there?

I'm curious about the rules/requirements when holding a shoot. I was on a post-lunch walk in Gloucestershire this afternoon with a couple of mates and we happened across a shoot taking place in a field that the public footpath crossed. They saw us coming (just as the shoot was about to start; the beaters were out and a few birds flying) and held fire, but I was surprised that there were no signs anywhere on the footpath warning walkers of the shoot in progress. Is there any requirement for warning signs if a public right of way crosses the shoot?

Just to make it clear, I'm not complaining about it taking place and everyone there was perfectly friendly to us as we got through, but just surprised to happen upon it with no warning.

[ATTAK Z]

If you were with the beaters surely there would be no danger ?

[ewenm]

The shooters were lined up along the public footpath. The beaters were on the right in the woods bordering the field.

[ATTAK Z]

even better ... stay with the shooters

[ewenm]

I take it you don't know the answer to the question either then

I didn't feel worried, just curious about the shoot rules.

[spikeyhead]

IIRC it is an offence against the firearms licensign act to discharge a firearm within 50feet of a public right of way in a manner which could cause alarm, harrassment or distress

[drakart]

Whenever I have been shooting and a member of the public appears, the guns are put away until they are out of site. They shouldn't have been shooting over/across a public footpath but it sounds like they were ok. I hope that they were polite to you as that is an important part of a days shooting and public perception.

[jjones]

spikeyhead said:

IIRC it is an offence against the firearms licensign act to discharge a firearm within 50feet of a public right of way in a manner which could cause alarm, harrassment or distress

this