Legislative changes in England are set to allow the shooting of wild birds (predators) to protect game bird rearing farms. Millions of pheasants are raised on British game farms every year. By the time the hunting season begins, these birds are well-fed and sufficiently sluggish, making them easy targets for predators. Long-standing discussions have taken place regarding the protection of pheasants (and other farm-reared game birds) from predators. As of 3 January, licences can be issued to game farm owners to protect pheasants, red-legged partridges and grey partridges from ravens, crows, magpies and jackdaws.
Photo Donal Boyd