Call for voluntary restraint lifted in Scotland

Following a third consecutive day of thaw conditions, a call for voluntary restraint in the shooting of waterfowl in Scotland has been lifted.

After a prolonged period of severe weather, a call for restraint was issued on 9 January. However, improved weather conditions over the weekend in Scotland are forecast to continue. As a result, under the agreed procedures for managing the shooting of ducks, geese and waders during severe weather, the call for voluntary restraint in the shooting of waterfowl has been officially lifted.

Those who shoot are asked to continue acting responsibly and exercise restraint for as long as necessary, particularly in areas where waterfowl appear to need more time to recover lost body condition or return to normal behaviour.

If you run a club or syndicate, please bring this notice to the attention of your members and any other friends or contacts. Please note that if severe weather returns, further action by the shooting community may be needed.

Find out more about the impact of prolonged frozen conditions on waterfowl and waders, and the agreed process around shooting, here.