FAQs Archive - The British Association for Shooting and Conservation

The species I need to control is no longer listed on the relevant General Licence, what do I do?

If you have a specific need to control a species not listed on the relevant General Licence, you will need to apply for a specific individual licence from Natural England.

By BASCadmin, 2 months2 months ago

How do I apply for an individual licence to control lesser black-backed gulls and herring gulls?

You need to apply to Natural England for an individual licence using application form A08. These need to be completed by 15 March 2020 although applications after this date may be considered. Click here to apply for an individual licence for bird pest control of lesser black-backed gulls and herring Read more…

By BASCadmin, 2 months2 months ago

Further advice for BASC members

If you are a BASC member and need further advice on General Licences, please contact our game and gamekeeping team on 01244 573 019 or email

By BASCadmin, 2 months2 months ago

Bird pest control on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

As per the previous General Licences that were revoked by Natural England, if you are carrying out bird pest control under a general licence on a SSSI, you also need Natural England consent. Contact your local Natural England office if you do not have consent or are unsure. Click here Read more…

By BASCadmin, 2 months2 months ago

Bird pest control on or within 300m of European Protected Sites

Defra General Licences GL34, GL35 and GL36 did not authorise the killing or taking of pest birds in European Protected Sites (Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation or Ramsar sites) or within 300m of these sites. The current Defra General Licences (GL40, 41 and GL42) allow for the control on these sites from 1 Read more…

By BASCadmin, 2 months2 months ago

Can I now use Larsen traps and other cage traps again?

Yes. Defra’s General Licences allow the use of Larsen traps and other cage traps to trap pest birds.

By BASCadmin, 2 months2 months ago

Can I use decoys, shoot on stubbles, roost shoot etc. under General Licence?

Yes. Defra’s General Licences allow preventative action to be taken and there is no restriction on using decoys, shooting on stubbles, roost shooting etc.

By BASCadmin, 2 months2 months ago

Can I shoot or trap pest birds if I haven’t tried non-lethal methods?

Yes. The general licences require that, before and alongside their use, reasonable endeavours are made to achieve the purpose in question using lawful methods not covered by the licences, unless such endeavours would be impractical, without effect or disproportionate in the circumstances. Defra advises users to keep a record of Read more…

By BASCadmin, 2 months2 months ago

Do I have to wait for crop damage or predation to occur before carrying out bird pest control?

No. Defra’s General Licences allow preventative action to be taken so you do not need to wait until damage has occurred.

By BASCadmin, 2 months2 months ago