pocket guide to quarry identification - chichester...

Pocket Guide toQuarry Identification

www.basc.org.uk £4.00

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThe Br i t i sh As soc ia t ion for Shoot ing andConservation gratefully acknowledges the help of allwho contributed:John Paley for the illustrations and Ian Hepburn fororiginal technical content; Swan Hill Press forpermission to reproduce material from ‘Handbook ofShooting – the sporting shotgun’ (2003); and the ForestryCommission for permission to reproduce text andillustrations from ‘Managing Deer in the Countryside’(1999).

©2014 British Association for Shooting and Conservation.Reprinted 1985, 1986. Reprinted and Revised 1988, 1990, 1995, 1998,2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rightsreserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in aretrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means,electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, withoutthe prior permission of the owner of the copyright.

Information correct at time of going to print. For more up to date detailsplease visit our website www.basc.org.uk

ISBN 0 86038 019 X

CONTENTSAcknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Some principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

The quarry species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Information provided . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Ducks and geese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-23Mallard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Teal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Wigeon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Pintail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Shoveler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Gadwall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Tufted duck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Pochard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Goldeneye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Scaup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Pink-footed goose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Greylag goose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21White-fronted goose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Canada goose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Waders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24-27Golden plover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Common snipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Jack snipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Woodcock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Coot and moorhen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28-29Coot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Moorhen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Lowland gamebirds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30-32Pheasant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Grey partridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Red-legged partridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Upland gamebirds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33-35Red grouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Black grouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Ptarmigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Pest bird species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36-43Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Woodpigeon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Collared dove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Magpie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Crow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Rook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Jackdaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Jay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Mammals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44-48Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Rabbit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Brown hare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Mountain hare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Grey squirrel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Deer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49-55Roe deer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Fallow deer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Muntjac deer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Red deer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52Sika deer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53Chinese water deer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54Wild boar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

5

SOME PRINCIPLESIdentifying your quarry is only one aspect of good shootingpractice. There are many contributory factors, and understandingand applying them in the shooting field is very important, forseveral reasons. They will increase your success and enjoyment,keep you a responsible and considerate sportsman orsportswoman, and ensure any losses or wastage of shot birds andanimals are kept to a minimum.

On the basis that you have the authority to shoot and arefulfilling all relevant legal requirements, then positivelyidentifying your quarry is the first step. You should then take ashot only if you are sure:

– it is safe to do so– the target is within your range– your gun/cartridge combination is appropriate for the type

and size of quarry you are shooting– you are confident of hitting and killing the bird or animal– you will be able to recover the shot bird or animal and, as

far as possible, put it to good use.BASC has codes of practice for all types of shooting. You are

encouraged to obtain those which relate to your type(s) ofshooting and be guided by the information and advice given. Doalso encourage your shooting friends and associates to do thesame. For the good of the sport, do not tolerate bad practice,either of your own or of others. Enjoy your shooting!

Further advice and guidance:

Best practice for deer management in Scotland:http://www.bestpracticeguides.org.uk/

Best practice for deer management in England/Wales:http://www.thedeerinitiative.co.uk/html/bestpractice.htm

Best practice for wild boar management in England/Wales:http://www.wild-boar.org.uk/guide_list/

More than130,000 shootersknow the valueof BASCmembership.

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*From 1st March 2014. Subject to the terms,conditions and exceptions of the policy. A copy ofwhich is available upon request.

7

THE QUARRY SPECIESThis guide includes descriptions of the most popular birds and animalswhich may be shot under current legislation within the UnitedKingdom.Waterfowl These comprise ducks, geese and waders, large numbers ofwhich are migratory and visit the British Isles during autumn and winter,returning in spring to their northern breeding grounds.Ducks Sexes are normally dissimilar – the male is usually highlycoloured, while the female has drab plumage throughout the year. Thequarry species of ducks can usefully be divided into two groups accordingto the way the birds feed:Dabbling ducks (mallard, teal, wigeon, pintail, shoveler and gadwall) feedmainly in shallow water, paddling or up-ending to collect food from justbelow the surface. Most dabblers are typically night-feeders. Theirnormal pattern is to use a safe roost site during the day – frequently openwater – and flight to feeding areas at dusk, returning to their roost atdawn. This generalised pattern may be complicated by local weather andfeeding conditions, and will vary from species to species.Diving ducks (tufted duck, pochard, goldeneye and scaup) typically usedeeper, open waters for both feeding and roosting – one site often fulfilsboth functions. These ducks are highly adapted to swimming and diving,as a result they move less easily on land than do dabblers. They are alsoslower in taking to the wing, and have to patter along the surface to gainlift.Geese This group includes Britain’s largest quarry bird species. Geese areoften referred to as being either ‘grey’ (pink-footed, greylag and white-fronted goose) or ‘black’ geese (Canada goose). Sexes are generally similarand indistinguishable in the field. Geese typically feed during the day androost at night, although, as with ducks, tidal cycles and moonlight willalter patterns of movement, especially of those using tidal areas forfeeding. Their call notes are highly characteristic.Waders This diverse group includes four quarry species. Golden plover,common snipe and jack snipe (NI only) occur on coastal marshes, inlandwaterways and moors. The woodcock is regarded as a forest wader in viewof its affinity to woodland habitats. Sexes of waders generally areindistinguishable in the field.

8

Coot and moorhen These members of the rail family are readilyrecognised and found in a wide range of marsh and open water habitats.Gamebirds Gamebirds comprise two main groups according to habitatpreference. They are largely ground-dwelling birds and tend to fly onlywhen forced to do so. When flushed from cover they take off noisily andonce airborne their flight is strong and direct, characterised by shortbursts of whirring wing beats alternating with gliding on down-curvedwings.Lowland gamebirds (pheasant, grey partridge* and red-legged partridge)are closely associated with lowland agricultural and woodland habitats,where they are commonly managed for shooting.Upland gamebirds (red and black grouse* and ptarmigan) have quitedistinct and different habitat requirements. Red grouse are characteristicof open heather moor and black grouse are found typically in moorlandand adjacent forest-edge habitats. Ptarmigan occur on higher rockymountain tops.Pest bird species Certain bird species, commonly regarded as pests, canbe shot at any time of the year, by authorised persons, under the terms ofgeneral licences issued by approved statutory authorities. These includewoodpigeon and collared dove**, members of the crow family (carrioncrow, hooded crow, rook, jackdaw, magpie and jay**), and Canada goosein England, Wales and Scotland.Mammals This group comprises small mammals such as rabbits andhares, and six deer species, all of which are shot for sporting purposes andcrop and tree protection.Small mammals The four quarry species described comprise the closely-related herbivores: rabbit, brown hare, mountain (blue) hare and greysquirrel.Large mammals These comprise roe deer, fallow deer, muntjac deer, reddeer, sika deer, Chinese water deer and wild boar. These animals can beshot but under differing legal and other circumstances that apply to thepreceding bird and mammal species, not least the need for firearmscertificates. Escaped wild boar have gone feral and are currently shot forsporting or crop protection purposes in certain areas of Great Britain.

*Should only be shot in accordance with Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT)guidance (www.gwct.org.uk). **Protected in Northern Ireland.

9

INFORMATION PROVIDEDIn the following descriptions the common name of each species isfollowed by its scientific (Latin) name. Size refers to the average length ofthe adult from the tip of its bill or nose to the end of its tail, with rangesgiven for species with marked size variation.

Key to shooting seasonsThe closed season is shaded and dates of opening and closing of eachseason are specified. All information refers to the UK (England, Scotland,Wales and Northern Ireland) unless otherwise specified.

Example: Season opens 1 September; closes 31 January inland and 20 February onforeshore.

LicencesGame licences are no longer required in the UK.

To shoot any of the pest bird species (see page 36) you do not needto be in possession of a general licence (there are several licencescovering different species and circumstances), but must adhere to theterms and conditions of it. It might be prudent though, to carry a copywhen you are shooting these species. For further details please contactBASC at www.basc.org.uk

J F M A M J J A S O N D31

2011

INLANDFORESHORE

10

Large, heavily-built dabbling duck with rather long head andbill. Adult male characterised by glossy, dark green head, whitecollar and purple-brown chest; rest of plumage mainly lightgrey, tail white with black central feathers. Female dull,mottled brown. Both sexes have purple speculum (metallic,coloured feathers on upper wing) bordered by white wing bars,particularly conspicuous in flight. Juvenile plumage similar tofemale.

Colouring of male resembles male red-breasted merganser(protected). Female similar to female wigeon, pintail, shovelerand gadwall, but both male and female mallard are bigger andmore heavily built.

MALLARDAnas platyrhynchosSize: 50–65cm (20–26in)

FemaleMale


2011

INLANDFORESHORE

Northern Ireland open season is 1 September to 31 January.

11


2011

INLANDFORESHORE

TEALAnas creccaSize: 34–38cm (13–15in)

Small, compact dabbling duck with narrow pointed wings.Male characterised by conspicuous grey plumage contrastingwith dark chestnut head, creamy-buff patch on each side ofblack under-tail feathers and prominent white stripe alongshoulders; breast cream coloured, spotted with black; undersidewhite. Female mottled brown with paler cheeks and whitishunderside. Juvenile similar to female with spotted under parts.

Only species of similar size is garganey (protected) – asummer visitor.


FemaleMale

12

WIGEONAnas penelopeSize: 45–51cm (18–20in)

Medium-sized, short-necked, compact dabbling duck withsmall bill, pointed tail and narrow wings. Male is mainly greywith buff forehead and crown, chestnut head, chest pinkish-brown, white under parts; white shoulder patch readily seen inflight. Female duller; brown plumage tinged rufous, whiteunderside, green speculum fringed with white wing bars. Shortbill and dark, pointed tail useful identifying characters.

Female resembles other female dabbling ducks, especiallymallard, pintail, shoveler and gadwall.


2011

INLANDFORESHORE


Female

Male

13

PINTAILAnas acutaSize: 51–66 cm (20–26in)

Large slim dabbling duck with long neck and long narrow tail.Male has dark brown head, and back of neck, pure whitebreast, sides and front of neck, extending as white streak upside of head; under parts white; back and flanks light grey;rump black; wings grey and brown with green speculumconspicuous in flight. Female duller, grey-brown plumage andno discernible wing pattern in flight, except a light trailing edgeto inner wing. Juvenile resembles female, but generally darkerand more uniform.

Although male readily distinguished, female resembles otherfemale dabbling ducks, particularly mallard, wigeon, shoveler,and gadwall.


2011

INLANDFORESHORE


Female Male

14

SHOVELERAnas clypeataSize: 44–52cm (17–20 in)

Medium-sized dabbling duck; both sexes characterised by verylarge, spoon-like bill, large flattened head and short neck. Malehas striking dark green head, chestnut flanks and bellycontrasting with pure white chest, pale blue forewing, greenspeculum edged with white. Female mottled brown, withsimilar but duller blue forewing and green speculum. Juvenilea dull version of female.

Plumage of female similar to that of female mallard, wigeon,pintail and gadwall.


2011

INLANDFORESHORE


Female

Male

15

GADWALLAnas streperaSize: 46–56cm (18–22in)

Medium-sized dabbling duck of uniform appearance. Maleuniform grey-brown with conspicuous black rump; whitespeculum forms bold white patch on trailing edge of wing, seenreadily in flight; upper wing feathers chestnut and black.Female dull, mottled brown, with white belly and white wingpatch as male. Juvenile much like female but well marked withstreaks and spots on underside and darker upper parts.

Size close to that of mallard; female plumage resemblesfemale mallard, wigeon, pintail and shoveler.


2011

INLANDFORESHORE


FemaleMale

16

TUFTED DUCKAythya fuligulaSize: 40–47cm (16–19in)

Small, compact diving duck. Adult male black with whiteflanks and belly; rounded head and drooping crest. Female richdark brown head and back; flanks and underside paler; crestshorter than male. In flight both sexes appear black with whitebelly and a distinctive broad white wing bar. Juvenile resemblesfemale.

Male resembles male scaup (protected except inN. Ireland); female similar to female pochard and scaup.


2011

INLANDFORESHORE


Female Male

17

POCHARDAythya ferinaSize: 42–49cm (17–19in)

Medium-sized diving duck with short-necked, ‘dumpy’appearance on water, and long broad bill. Male has darkchestnut head and neck contrasting with pale grey back andflanks, black breast and tail. Female uniform dull brown,slightly paler around face. Both sexes characterised in flight byabsence of white on wings; forewing dark grey. Juvenileresembles female.

Male readily distinguished; female resembles female tuftedduck and scaup (protected except in Northern Ireland).


2011

INLANDFORESHORE


FemaleMale

18

Medium-sized, stocky sea duck. Male has high-crowned,‘triangular’ dark head and short bill, with greenish-purple glossand circular white patch on cheek; neck and under parts whitecontrasting with black back and rump and grey tail; white innerwing readily seen in flight. Female smaller than male; haschocolate-brown head, pale blue-grey upper parts with whiteunder parts, grey flanks and tail; wings dark with conspicuouswhite patch similar to male. Juvenile resembles female.

Both sexes readily distinguished from other diving ducks.

GOLDENEYEBucephala clangulaSize: 42–50cm (17–20in)


2011

INLANDFORESHORE


Female

Male

19

Medium-sized, compact, broad-bodied diving duck with large,wide bill and large, round head, lacking any crest; male hasblack head, breast, and stern, pale grey back, and white flanksand belly. Sexes dissimilar and seasonal differences in both.Juvenile closely resembles adult female.

Can be confused with tufted duck and male pochard.

SCAUPAythya marilaSize: 42–51cm (16–20in)

J F M A M J J A S O N D31 1 NORTHERN IRELAND ONLY

Protected in England, Wales and Scotland.

Female

Male

20

PINK-FOOTED GOOSEAnser brachyrhynchusSize: 60–76 cm (24–30 in)

Medium-sized, pinkish-grey goose characterised by dark headand neck, contrasting with pale brownish body. Bill is smalland short, dark-coloured with a pink band; feet and legs arepink. Back and wings grey; paler forewing noticeable in flight.Young birds darker and more uniform above, mottledappearance below compared with more uniform colouring ofadults.

Can be confused with greylag, white-fronted goose (see page22), especially immature birds, and bean goose (protected).


2011

INLANDFORESHORE


21

GREYLAG GOOSEAnser anserSize: 75–90 cm (30–35 in)

Large, big-headed, thick-necked, heavy grey goose. Head, neckand most of body uniform pale brownish-grey. Characterised bylarge size, heavy head and neck with stout bill, and very palebluish-grey forewing – the latter especially distinctive in flight.Bill bright orange; legs flesh pink. Breast often spotted withblack. Young birds similar to adults but generally unspotted,with greyer legs.

Can be confused with pink-footed and white-fronted goose(see page 22) especially immature birds, and bean goose(protected), but all these are smaller and more slightly built bycomparison.


2011

INLANDFORESHORE


22

WHITE-FRONTEDGOOSEAnser albifronsSize:66–76 cm(26–30 in)

Two races of the White-fronted goose regularly occur in theBritish Isles: the European White-front (Anser albifrons) andthe Greenland white-front (Anser albifrons flavirostris). The tworaces are distinguishable in the field and have markedly differentwinter ranges. They are both protected in Scotland. In Wales theGreenland white-front is subject to a voluntary no shootingmoratorium initiative because of its declining population. Thefollowing description relates to the European white-frontedgoose.

Medium-sized grey-brown goose characterised by white bandat base of upper bill and black bars on belly. Amount of blackon underside very variable. Young birds lack thesecharacteristics, but are normally found among adults. Generallydark greyish-brown plumage, fairly long pink bill, orange legs.

Can be confused with pink-footed goose (especially immaturebirds), greylag and bean goose (protected), but generallydistinguished by small size, uniformly dark plumage.


2011

INLANDFORESHORE

Protected in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

23

CANADA GOOSEBranta canadensisSize: 91–102 cm (36–40 in)

Very large, grey-brown goose with long neck; black head andneck with distinctive white patch extending from chin acrosscheeks to behind eye. Body dark above; paler brown flanks andunder parts; tail black with white inner band. Bill and legsblack. Males and females similar. Young birds similar toadults, and generally indistinguishable in field.

Not easily confused with other species of goose. The largestEuropean goose: much larger than brent and barnacle goose(both protected), with characteristic black and white pattern onhead and neck.


2011

INLANDFORESHORE

Northern Ireland open season is 1 September to 31 January.Canada Geese are also included on certain general licences in England, Wales and Scotland. Seepage 34. For further information please see the BASC website.

24

J F M A M J J A S O N D31 1

GOLDEN PLOVERPluvialis apricariaSize: 28 cm (11in)

Medium-sized wader with short, straight bill and roundedhead. Distinguished in all seasons by rich gold and blackspotted plumage on back and wings, white underwing, anddark tail; no wing bar. In winter underside and face whitish,mottled gold-brown. Sexes similar. Juvenile plumage moreuniform than adult, paler above and darker below.

Confusion most likely with grey plover (protected).

Winterplumage

25


COMMON SNIPEGallinago gallinagoSize: 27 cm (101/2 in)

Small brown wader with characteristic long, straight bill.Upper parts rufous brown and black with golden buff stripeson head and back; under parts white with dark brown markingsand pale barred flank. White trailing edge to wing in flight.Juvenile resembles adult.

Characteristic zig-zag flight pattern when disturbed. Mosteasily confused with jack snipe (protected except in NorthernIreland).


26

J F M A M J J A S O N D31 1 NORTHERN IRELAND ONLY

Protected in England, Wales and Scotland.

JACK SNIPELymnocryptes minimusSize: 17–19cm (7in)

Small, relatively short-billed and large-headed snipe, with darkplumage, and rather slow, reluctant flight. Longitudinal backstripes obvious at close range; flanks mottled or softly streaked,not barred. Tail wedge-shaped. Almost silent except whendisplaying.

Sexes similar. Juvenile not separable in field.Distinguished from common snipe by smaller size, and when

flushed (often at close range) rises silently, flying a shortdistance and falling back to ground.

27


1 ENGLAND & WALESSCOTLAND

WOODCOCKScolopax rusticolaSize: 34 cm (131/2 in)

Medium-sized, dark, round-winged wader with long straightbill. Plumage richly marked with browns, buff and black onupper parts; under parts light brown with fine dark brownbarring. In flight looks stout with short tail and long billangled downwards. Sexes similar; young resemble adults.

Typically found in woodland by day but often flies out toopen country at dusk.

Distinguished from common snipe by much larger size,heavy appearance and thick bill.

Northern Ireland season as for England and Wales.

28

COOTFulica atraSize: 38 cm (15 in)

Medium-sized, bulky waterbird, characterised by overall verydark slate-grey body colour and black head in sharp contrast towhite bill and frontal shield. On water distinguished by roundback and apparently small head. Sexes similar; juvenile darkbrown above, pale brown and whitish under parts.

Only likely to be confused with moorhen.


Protected in Northern Ireland.

29

MOORHENGallinula chloropusSize: 33 cm (13 in)

Small-sized, dark waterbird. Striking white flank stripes andundertail feathers with dark brownish-black upper parts andslate grey under parts. Bill and frontal shield bright red; yellowbill tip. Sexes similar; juveniles brownish with creamy flankstripes, white undertail feathers and greenish-brown bill.

Only likely to be confused with coot.


Protected in Northern Ireland.

30

PHEASANTPhasianus colchicusSize: Male 76–89 cm (30–35 in)

Female 53–64 cm (21–25 in)

Large gamebird; both sexes characterised by long, pointed tail.Male colouring very variable, but typically iridescent copperbody plumage with glossy dark green head, scarlet wattle andwhite neck ring. Female about two-thirds size of male, duller,mottled plumage tones varying from light buff to dark brown.Juvenile similar to adult female.

Large size and long tail are unmistakable characteristics; awide range of colour variants occurs.


Northern Ireland open season is 1 October to 31 January.

Female

Male

31

GREY PARTRIDGEPerdix perdixSize: 30cm (12 in)

Small, rotund gamebird with short wings and short, rufous tail.Sexes essentially similar, although male slightly larger; both havecharacteristic orange-chestnut face, grey neck and under parts,and chestnut flanks; male has conspicuous dark chestnuthorseshoe patch on lower breast, but this feature is usually onlypoorly developed in females. Juvenile has orange or chestnutmarkings replaced by brown streaking.

Easily confused with slightly larger red-legged partridge; inparticular, juveniles of the two species are very similar.

NB: As wild grey partridges* have declined in number it is recommendedthat they are shot only where actively managed and their numbers remainabove 20 birds per 100 ha. (Source: Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust.)



Male

Male

32



RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGEAlectoris rufaSize: 33cm (13in)

Small, rotund gamebird with short wings and tail. Sexes havesimilar plumage. Adult has distinctive long white eye stripe,white throat and cheeks bordered black; chestnut, white andblack-barred flanks; red bill and legs; rest of plumage olivebrown, grey and buff. Juvenile lacks distinctive head patternand barred flanks.

Easily confused with grey partridge, especially in flight.Quail (protected) is very much smaller, with duller plumage.

33


Northern Ireland open season is 12 August to 30 November.

RED GROUSELagopus lagopus scoticusSize: Male 36–39 cm (14–151/2 in)

Female 33–36 cm (13–14 in)

Medium-sized grouse characterised by rotund appearance, shortwings; body plumage uniform dark rufous-brown with darkerwings and black rounded tail. Sexes similar, but female morebarred and a duller rufous colour. Adults appear greyer inwinter, with white underwing feathers and occasionally showwhite on flanks and belly. Juvenile generally like female.

May be confused with female black grouse (greyhen);ptarmigan distinguished by smaller size and white wings andother parts.

34


Does not occur in Northern Ireland.

BLACK GROUSELyrurus tetrix (Tetrao tetrix)Size: Male 53 cm (21in)

Female 41–43 cm (16–17 in)

Medium-sized grouse. Male (blackcock) plumage glossy blue-black with white wing bar and curled, lyre-shaped outer tailfeathers. Female (greyhen) warm brown above, greyer and palerunder parts, mottled and barred with black throughout; slightlyforked tail. Male in autumn plumage looks dingy, withoutcharacteristic lyre-shaped tail. Juveniles like small dull female.

Male unmistakable, but female may be confused with femalered grouse or female capercaillie (protected and much larger).

NB: As black grouse* are declining in number it is recommended that theyare shot only where actively managed and their numbers are above two or moremales per 100 ha. (Source: Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust.)

Female Male

35

PTARMIGANLagopus mutusSize: 33–36 cm (13–14 in)

Small grouse, both male and female characterised by pure whitewings and under parts at all seasons. In winter both sexes purewhite except for black tail. Male in autumn has greyish brownmottled head, neck, flanks, upper breast and body, and blacktail; female darker. Juvenile like autumn female, but with palebrown wings and tail same colour as back.

White wings and under body, and preferred habitat typicallyabove 1000m, easily distinguish ptarmigan from other Britishgrouse species.

WinterPlumage

SummerPlumage


Scotland only.

Male

Female

Male

36

PEST BIRD SPECIES

The following species – woodpigeon, collareddove, magpie, crow, rook, jackdaw and jay –are covered in this section.

Certain bird species, including those above, maybe controlled under general licences issued by thestatutory authorities in England, Wales, Scotlandand Northern Ireland. See page 23 for Canadageese.

The licences permit control throughout the year,by authorised persons, for defined purposes. Thedefined purposes might include crop protection,conserving wild birds, and preservation of publichealth or air safety.

No individual has to apply for a licence butshould ensure that any control complies with thespecific terms and conditions attached to eachlicence and that they are authorised persons for theland on which control takes place under eachlicence.

See www.basc.org.uk for more details.

37

WOODPIGEONColumba palumbusSize: 41cm (16 in)

Characterised by broad white band across wing seen readily inflight, and white patches on side of neck. Sexes similar. Bodyplumage basically blue-grey, head and neck bluer than rest,flanks and underside paler; purple-green gloss to side of neck.Young duller and lack white on wings and neck.

Confusion most likely with stock dove, rock dove and somedomestic pigeons (all protected), but all are smaller and lackwhite wing and neck patches of woodpigeon.

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Can be controlled for specific purposes, under the terms of the general licences, by authorisedpersons throughout the year.

38

COLLARED DOVEStreptopelia decaoctoSize: 31–33cm (12–13in)

Noticeably pale dove with long, rather square-ended tail.Undertail boldly marked with almost black base and broadcream-white terminal band. At close range black half-collar onhindneck of adult obvious. Sexes similar; no seasonal variation.Juvenile separable.

Similar to turtle dove (protected), which has fan-shaped tailand is darker and spotted above.


Can be controlled for specific purposes, under the terms of the general licences, by authorisedpersons throughout the year. Protected in Northern Ireland.

39

MAGPIEPica picaSize: 46 cm (18 in)

Medium-sized corvid, characterised by distinctive black andwhite plumage and long wedge-shaped tail which compriseshalf total length. Belly, flanks and scapulars white; rest ofplumage black with bluish or greenish gloss. Sexes alike;juvenile a duller version of adult.

Distinctive plumage makes confusion with other speciesunlikely.



40

CROWCorvus coroneSize: 47 cm (181/2 in)

Two races of this large corvid occur in the British Isles. Thecarrion crow (Corvus c. corone) has uniform sleek black plumagewith a greenish or blue-purple gloss. The hooded crow (C. c.cornix) is black except for grey back and under parts. Bothhave a heavy, dark-brown bill, and square tail.

Hooded crow unmistakable, although flight silhouette likecarrion crow. Carrion crow may be confused with rook; otherblack corvids are the much larger raven (protected), and smallerchough (protected).

Carrioncrow

Hoodedcrow



41

ROOKCorvus frugilegusSize: 46 cm (18 in)

Large, black corvid with characteristic bare, white face patch.Loose plumage around flanks gives ‘shaggy trousers’ appearance.Feathers have iridescent blue-purple or greenish gloss; heavy billis grey-black. Juvenile birds lack bare face patch, butcharacterised by loose flank feathers.

May be confused with carrion crow. Some resemblance toraven (protected) and chough (protected).



42

JACKDAWCorvus monedulaSize: 33 cm (13 in)

Small, dark corvid, characterised by grey nape and ear coverts;under parts dark grey, remaining plumage black. Distinctivepale grey eye, and short bill.

Most likely confusion is with chough (protected), but thisspecies has distinctive flight and red bill and legs. Carrion andhooded crow, raven (protected) and rook are all much largerand heavier than jackdaw. Often found mixed in with othercrows.



43

JAYGarrulus glandariusSize: 34 cm (131/2 in)

Medium-sized corvid, characterised by white rump, black tailand white wing patch conspicuous in flight. Body pinkish-brown; bright blue and black-barred wing coverts; black andwhite erectile crown feathers; fairly long tail and short roundedwings.

Easily identified by plumage, and affinity to woodlandhabitats.


Can be controlled for specific purposes, under the terms of the general licences, by authorisedpersons throughout the year. Protected in Northern Ireland.

44

MAMMALSThe following section describes four mammalswidely available for shooting, for sport or controlpurposes – rabbit, brown hare, mountain (blue)hare and grey squirrel.

Then follows six species of deer and wild boarwhich can also be pursued for the same purposes,with due authority and appropriate sportingfirearms.

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RABBITOryctolagus cuniculusSize: 34–45 cm (13–18 in)

Characteristic long ears and long hind legs; short, woolly tailwhich is white on underside contrasting with black or brown-grey above. Body colour normally light brown, but wide rangeof colour varieties occur, notably black, fawn, white and silver-grey.

Both brown and mountain hare are larger, with longer earsand larger hind legs.


In England and Wales a close season and restrictions on methods of control can exist uponmoorland and unenclosed land. In Scotland on moorland and unenclosed land rabbits cannotbe shot between 1 April and 30 June. For further information please see the BASC website.

46

BROWN HARELepus europaeusSize: 50–68 cm (20–27 in)

A close season and restrictions upon methods of control can exist upon moorland andunenclosed land (1 April - 31 August in England and Wales). For further information please seethe BASC Code of Practice for Brown Hare or visit the BASC website.

Medium-sized, characterised by very long ears and very longhind legs. Ears have black tips; body colour yellowish toreddish-brown in summer, becoming greyer in winter; uppertail is black.

Typically found on arable land.Resembles mountain hare, also similar to, but much larger

than, rabbit.NB: Hares are declining in some areas. Restraint in hare

shooting is recommended where this is the case.


1 SCOTLANDENGLAND AND WALES

31 12 NORTHERN IRELAND31

47

MOUNTAIN (BLUE)HARELepus timidusSize: 45–55 cm (171/2 –211/2 in)

Medium-sized, characterised by long, black-tipped ears andvery long hind legs; tail lacks any black colouring. Body colourgrey-brown to reddish-brown in summer; in winter largelywhite with black ear tips, although not all individuals changecolour; during moult mixtures of white and grey-brown (orbluish-brown) occur.

Mountain hares (except in winter coat) closely resemblebrown hares, similar to the much smaller rabbit, and typicallythey are found in upland areas.

Does not occur in Northern Ireland. A close season and restrictions upon methods of controlcan exist upon moorland and unenclosed land (1 April – 31 August in England and Wales).For further information please see the BASC website.


1 SCOTLANDENGLAND AND WALES

28/29

48


GREY SQUIRRELSciurus carolinensisSize: 45–55 cm (171/2 –211/2 in)

Medium-sized rodent. Characterised by long, bushy tail (nearlyhalf total length); grey fur with some reddish and yellow tingeson back and flanks. Under parts white; gains silver-grey wintercoat in autumn and brownish summer coat in spring.

Resembles red squirrel (protected), although the latter issmaller, more lightly built, has noticeable ear tufts and is foundmainly in coniferous woodland.

49

ROE DEERCapreolus capreolus

Small graceful deer, widely distributed within Great Britain.Summer coat deep foxy red, turning to grey-brown in lateautumn/winter. Rump patch very prominent in winter coat.Females have downward pointing tuft of hair. Neither sex hasvisible tail.

Distinguished from other deer by two white spots undernose. Mature males typically carry antlers with three tines eachside (which are grown during winter).

Open Season: Male FemaleEng/Wales 1 Apr – 31 Oct 1 Nov – 31 MarScotland 1 Apr – 20 Oct 21 Oct – 31 Mar

winter summer

50

FALLOWDEERDama dama

Widest variation in coat colour of any deer, from white toblack. Four distinct colours:Common: deep chestnut with white spots, long tail with

broad black band and white rump fringed in black.Menil: lighter than common, creamier brown, bordered by

brown on rump, more spots than common.Black (melanistic): black with no white anywhere.

Contrasting paler shading. White: ranges from cream in younger animals to white as they

mature.The only species of deer with palmated antlers. Males have

conspicuous ‘Adam’s apple’ and penile sheath. Fallow have thelongest tail of all deer species.

Open Season: Male FemaleEng/Wales/N.Ireland 1 Aug – 30 Apr 1 Nov – 31 MarScotland 1 Aug – 30 Apr 21 Oct – 15 Feb

winter summer

51

MUNTJAC DEERMuntiacus reevesi

Small stocky deer with unusual gait and head-down posturewhen on the move. Coat chestnut brown in summer with palerchin and under parts.Winter coat grey-brown with paler under parts. Males grow

their antlers from long pedicles on scull, producing pronounced‘v’ shape. Mature males have upper canine teeth up to 3cmslong, which can be visible. Flat beaver-like tail constantlyflicked upwards while on the move exposing white underside.Both sexes have large facial glands below eyes for scentmarking.

Open season: No statutory close season anywhere inGreat Britain.

It is recommended that when culling female muntjac,immature or heavily pregnant does are selected to avoid leavingdependent young.

winter summer

52

RED DEERCervus elaphus

Largest land mammal in UK but considerable variations in size:lowland/woodland deer very much larger and heavier thanthose on open hills. Summer coat reddish-brown, turningdarker brown-grey in winter. Lighter rump patch extends on toback above short tail. Mature stag antlers typically long andmulti-tined with prominent mane by late autumn.

Open Season: Male FemaleEng/Wales/N.Ireland 1 Aug – 30 Apr 1 Nov – 31 MarScotland 1 Jul – 20 Oct 21 Oct – 15 Feb

winter summer

53

SIKA DEERCervus nippon

Intermediate-sized deer. Summer coat chestnut with whitespots. Rump area white, banded in black and may have blackline down tail.Winter coat turns lighter grey with paler under parts. Stags

usually look darker than hinds and typically grow eight-tinedhead when mature. In autumn stags have mane. Prominentwhite gland on rear lower leg and a ‘u’ shaped area on foreheaddistinguishes sika from other deer.

Open Season: Male FemaleEng/Wales/N.Ireland 1 Aug – 30 Apr 1 Nov – 31 MarScotland 1 Jul – 20 Oct 21 Oct – 15 Feb

wintersummer

54

CHINESE WATER DEERHydropotes inermis

Small deer, unique in UK as it does not grow antlers. Bothsexes have large upper-canine teeth, much longer and morevisible in males. Coat rich red in summer and sandy pepperybrown in winter. Hind legs longer than fore legs, producinghigh rump posture. Ears rounded, black button-like eyes andnose that produces ‘teddy bear’ appearance.

Open Season: Male FemaleEngland 1 Nov – 31 Mar 1 Nov – 31 Mar

wintersummer

55

WILD BOARSus scrofa

Large land mammal standing up to one metre at the shoulder.Adult males may exceed 150kgs in weight with females beingsomewhat smaller. Summer coat is bristly and dark with a ridgeof long hair running down the back. Winter coat becomesdarker brown-black with thick under fur. Tail is straight. Bothsexes have sharp tusks - males may exceed 20cm in length.Piglets are red-brown to ochre coloured with yellowishlongitudinal stripes for first 4 to 5 months.

Open Season: No statutory close season anywhere in GreatBritain but it is recommended not to shoot sows withdependent young at foot.

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British Association forShooting and Conservation

Marford Mill, Rossett, Wrexham, LL12 0HL

2014

CONTACT DETAILSTo join BASC call our hotline 01244 573030 now (8.30 am – 6.30 pm everyweekday, with answerphone service out of those hours)

Or log on to: www.basc.org.uk

Shotgun, firearm and airgun issues – 01244 573 010 – [email protected]

Sporting Services, training courses, shotgun and airgun coaching – 01244 573 018 – [email protected]

Stalking and deer management – 01244 573 047 – [email protected]

Wildfowling – 01244 573 011 – [email protected]

Game shooting and gamekeeping– 01244 573 019 – [email protected]

Rural land purchase and management– 01244 573 024 – [email protected]

Science to safeguard the future of shooting– 01244 573 016 – [email protected]

Trade – 07739 117 225 – [email protected]

Gundogs – 01244 573 019 – [email protected]

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