In his festive review of the year, Scottish Gamekeepers’ Association chairman Alex Hogg talks about rabbit killing, “positive messages” and tools in tool boxes (I’m sure no irony was intended). He ends his blog with this statement:
“We are also urging government to look again at the buzzard licensing. I strongly believe that Scotland’s wildlife would benefit enormously if the powers that be could make a start in managing our biodiversity rather than protecting it all the time!”
Lest we forget, the SGA also believes that “professional gamekeepers don’t poison raptors” and wonders, “will these very large creatures [sea eagles] differentiate between a small child and more natural quarry?” Not the sharpest tools in the toolbox, perhaps.
We’ve previously covered the issue of licences to kill raptors, extensively, including earlier attempts by both the SGA and Scottish landowners’ organisations (e.g. see here and here and links within) to persuade the government (and the general public) that these licenses are necessary. Fortunately, so far, these attempts have been thwarted, and not least because the criminal persecution of raptors continues with impunity within the game-shooting industry. No doubt we’ll be re-visiting this issue throughout 2012.
Alex Hogg’s festive SGA blog here
Raptor Persecution UK 
Why do they need licences?…they are getting away with killing them anyway…
The granting of licences probably wouldnt change much as regards more buzzards killed [lets not find out!] but its very, very unlikely to reduce the killing.Anyone refused a licence will already be killing them …thats why he asked for one…and would just feel a little safer if caught.Defence QC “..but your Lordship, this is just a technical offence…this good man applied for a licence but due to some administrative error he hadnt received one at the time of the offence….” [vary to suit court/Sheriff]
I hope that doesnt sound too cynical at this Festive time, I can assure you thats what would happen….
[nice donkey photo by the way]…I would like to extend my thanks to the Blogmeister here and all those with the bottle and righteous indignation, [permission in some cases??] to post comments.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”
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Cheers for your support Dave and for all your contributions. According to our site stats you’ve made the most number of comments by a long way. Obviously someone with a lot of bottle!
Merry Xmas from the Blogmeisters (#1, #2, #3 & #4)