Another Squirrel Thread.
 

Yes, these threads seem to be as prevalent as the rodents themselves these days but that's no coincidence.

They are all over the place just now, digging up things in the garden, destroying the bird nut thing, getting under your tyres etc.

When I was younger I used to shoot these Tree Rats with an air rifle.

Question : Is it legal to cull vermin on common land with an air rifle?

I would be interested in any replies, but particularly from Scottish members.

K.

Hello

Just be careful ....

http://gold.mylargescale.com/MikeRei...hine%20gun.jpg

Steve

Ha! Very good, gave me a smilee!

Looks like I need mortar back up then.

K.

Air rifle is a bit random .... best method is trap, then into a sack, then iron bar, then leave the corpses to the magpies :D

Magpies are just as bad, i believe it is ok so long as no one objects, mainly your neighbours etc.

On the way to work the other day, there was a something in the road - I thought it was a carrier bag or something flapping about.

Went over it (missing it between the wheels) and noticed it was a half dead squirrel - still twitching like mad. I felt a little sorry for the thing - I should have run over it properly and put it out of it's misery.

Before you casually tackle a squirrel...

...read this!

SB

As per the Wild Mammals (protection) act 1996 I don't think it would be legal o do this. This act is extended to the whole of the UK, only section 6 and part of section 4 don't apply to SCotland and those sections are only really relevant if you have committed an offence.
Here's the act itself: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1996/1996003.htm
Pay particular attention to sections 1 and 2 part (b).
A squirrel will come under a wild mammal as it is not a domestic nor captive mammal, so therefore it is protected by this act.
Hope this helps :)

Leave Mr. Squirrel alone!

They're on the list too. I tie flies for game fishing and resent having to pay for materials which I see running/flying about everyday and creating a nuisance. No-one can argue that Grey Squirrel or Magpie numbers are in jeopardy! There is the odd "road-kill" but most are mashed beyond use.

Anyway, I think the question has been comprehensively anwered.

Thanks Guys.

K.

Hang on a sec.... magpies are perfectly legal to shoot under the Wildlife and Countryside Act provided you are an 'authorised person'. I.e. a landowner or acting on behalf or with the permission of the landowner. Grey squirrels are 'Introduced Species' and are also legal to shoot and not protected.

However, you are generally not permitted to carry a loaded weapon or shoot on public or common land.