Last week we asked why the editorial team at Modern Gamekeeping had published an article by a pheasant breeder with eight wildlife crime convictions to his name (see here).
Yesterday they issued the following statement:
“As soon as we learned of Mike Wood’s conviction, we made the decision to dispense with his services with immediate effect, though Mike Wood actually resigned from his regular column upon conviction. His last article was in the March 2015 edition. Blaze Publishing, publishers of Modern Gamekeeping, do not condone any unethical or illegal practices and do not wish to be associated with anyone involved in them“.
That’s impressive. A fast and unequivocal response – others in the gamekeeping industry could learn a lesson or two from it.
Although we’re not entirely convinced that “Mike Wood actually resigned from his regular column upon conviction“. That statement seems to be at odds with what Charles Nodder (National Gamekeepers’ Org) said….that Mike Wood was considering an appeal (of his latest conviction). It’s also odd that Mike Wood didn’t think his earlier seven convictions (from 2011) merited his resignation.
We wonder if he will/has also resigned from his position of Chair of the Game Farmers’ Association?
Talking of the National Gamekeepers’ Org – we blogged recently about contacting the PAW secretariat to ask them to justify the NGO’s continued presence as a member of the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (see here). The PAW secretariat has now responded and we’ll be blogging about that, probably tomorrow.
Raptor Persecution UK 
Well Done
It sounds like they are running scared but is it a smile screen?
I too have had an answer from PAW. Perhaps I’ll post it with your blog.
Yes, well done.
Good result. Keep up the good work.
At last, someone on the ‘other side’ is listening. I applaud them. How about following their example NGA? I am sure you read this site.
he,s also gone from the Game farmers ass, small piece hidden away in shooting times comic this week
Is the NGO still proceeding with its court case against NE over buzzard licences on behalf of that fellow with illegal pesticide possesian offences??
Yes. They’re fundraising hard for it:
http://www.nationalgamekeepers.org.uk/news/ngo-fighting-fund—keeping-wildlife-licensing-fair-
They really are an utterly shameless shower!!
Aye, and considering that they are campaigning so vigorously to kill protected species, perhaps this is another example of why they should be removed from PAW.
I still laugh at their strapline “Keeping the Balance”. Perhaps Charles Nodder in his guise as NGO Political and PR Adviser, could please explain to the public as to how the release of tens of millions of non-native species into our countryside each year, is keeping a balance? Surely that would be a tremendous imbalance, and the exact opposite of the NGO claim?
Over to you Mr Nodder.