Countryfile poll. Let's all sign this...

[Swamp Donkey]

http://m.countryfile.com/poll/does-shoo ... nvironment

And, if you do it using a phone on wifi, turn the wifi off and do it again on 3G, different IP address

[DW58]

The result is looking very encouraging so far - let's hope it's not spoilt by the left-wing townie bunny-hugging bigots.

[Swamp Donkey]

Indeed. Have you seen some of the 'all guns should be banned' comments ? Why do they consider it acceptable to lower themselves to pre-Neanderthal levels ?

[DW58]

Oh yes - how then do they plan to control the massive imbalance of wildlife which will quickly ensue?

[Swamp Donkey]

Maybe through disease and starvation ? Because that's natures way, so it must be humane right ?

[Demonic69]

I love the comments from Barney, seems he just spends his trolling time being a dick
http://disqus.com/barneyspunnerwhite/

[FredB]

In1972, I moved into a small village on the Pennine moors. The local moor belonged to a water company and was used for grouse shooting with a keeper in charge. There was a very diverse wildlife population in addition to the grouse. Four years later, the water company changed hands and the new owners discontinued the grouse shoot and fired the keeper. For about 18 months, there was a growth in the population of fat, contented foxes crows and then the moor died. Last year, I went back with my wife to visit a friend and I took the dog for a walk on the moor. It is still dead. Nothing at all lives there anymore. I do not shoot game, being solely interested in target shooting, but there is no doubt in my mind that our wildlife resources need to be properly mamaged and not just let alone to get on with it. Our countryside is not "natural", it is a result of human activities over thousands of years.
Fred

[DW58]

It's interesting - his name is the transposition (surname only, christian name the same) of a well known former Household Cavalry officer (I think now a major general) who is a very keen shooter and stalker. As it's an unusual name, I can't help wonder if this is a renegade son perhaps. Whatever, this bigot hasn't got a clue and clearly hasn't thought out his argument.

As I posted on the Countryfile page, the Germans have a saying ... ... Keine Jäger ohne Wild or "No hunters, no game" but meaning wildlife. The shooters are without doubt the best conservators of our countryside.

I spent eleven years on the board of a national fieldsports/animal welfare charity, it soon became obvious to me that some of the most mis-managed areas of our British countryside were those owned by some of the most outspoken bunny/tree-hugger organisations.

[SevenSixTwo]

I love the comments from Barney, seems he just spends his trolling time being a dick
http://disqus.com/barneyspunnerwhite/

That has to be a parody account. Barney White-Spunner is EO in the Countryside Alliance.

[DW58]

Of course, I'd forgotten that that was his post-army job.