Bird hunt

[mark.177]

many years ago i punched a mate in the face for shooting at a robin! i was only 13 and he was 14!... he never did it again! another lad i new from school who was a year older and a lot bigger used to shoot anything that moved... he didnt have many friends. there are still plenty of idiots about that have no clue and will shoot anything for a laugh! makes my blood boil, it wont be long before all guns are either banned or on licence.
the news people love to get stories about anyone who's using a gun for wrong doing a report of A hooligan shooting song birds would make national news! with the public putting up reward money for information and screaming for a ban on all gun sales!!! i kid you not its that close already we dont need another un mentored nutter with an air gun right now or ever

i really hope you can see why some are a little annoyed at your ignorance... joining a forum like this was good as hopefully we can educate you a little

no offence intended mate, we're here to help you enjoy the sport safely and within the law so you and everyone else can carry on shooting!

[brettguise]

I had to re read the post 3 times because I was in shock. If you don't know what the hell it is don't point a gun at it. Id do some research buddy on here before you go shooting anything and have a valid reason for doing so. I personally would also take your gun back to the shop before you use it and ask for a refund. Id then research on here and make a decision on the gun you require for the job you want it for. If your going to be hunting I doubt that will cut it.

Look at the guide below for choosing a rifle.
What Rifle should I choose Guide.

[hun73r666]

Id like to advise the OP that shooting anything in your back garden is a very grey area which you dont really want to go down as a novice!

Before you shoot at any birds you need to know that all birds are protected. The only way you can shoot pest birds is by satisfying the criteria of the general licenses. You do not need to apply for these licenses. You can download them and print them for your own reference. But you DO need to stay within the boundries and criteria required if you are going to shoot any pest bird species. Also, you need to educate yourself as to the identification of pest species of birds. Shooting a protected bird which is not listed on the General License will land you in a lot of trouble and a massive fine!

Another point you need to be aware of is that it is an offence to intentionally cause wounding or suffering to any animal. Therefore taking a shot at any animal using a gun which is not fit for purpose can land you in trouble. It will be argued that you knowingly shoot the animal with a pellet/bullet which was not of required caliber or power to cleanly dispatch it and therefore you intended to cause suffering. You also need to be a good and consistant shot at a variety of ranges before you take on live quarry. So much practice is needed first. Joining a local rifle range is a good idea to get your skills honned. They are relitivly cheap and meeting more shooters will expand your knowledge before you go out into the field.

With regards to shooting in your garden, you need to read up on the rules about this. You cannot shoot an airgun within 15 meters of a "public highway". But, regardless of whether you are abiding by the law, if you upset your neighbours by shooting in your garden, then you will get a call from the police and when you do you better have the right answers to give them or your new hobby will soon come to an end.

Here is a link to the General licenses.
http://www.basc.org.uk/en/shooting/general-licences.cfm

Here is a link to BASC's general code of practice for air rifle shooting.
http://www.basc.org.uk/en/codes-of-p...air-rifles.cfm

Dont be put off from asking more questions on here. Understand that some of the guys get annoyed by the thought of someone giving us airgunners a bad name, but this forum is one of the best places for you to learn the ropes and become a responsible and knowledgable shooter.

Stay safe and Happy Hunting (Eventually)

[gasman]

i will second the above post,but i'd like to know the shop you went in to get advice like that not good,the only co2 gun in my view which is ok to use as a hunting rifle is the qb78-79,anything else is a toy ,basicly

[gasman]

o...........buy the way,,,,,,,,,,,i've clamed down now'''''''''''''''''''just

[mark.177]

i will second the above post,but i'd like to know the shop you went in to get advice like that not good,the only co2 gun in my view which is ok to use as a hunting rifle is the qb78-79,anything else is a toy ,basicly

we all know what type shop he bought it from with advice like that! the ones where they sell those fancy (stupid) tin swords, sex aids, wigs, smoking aids, joss sticks and orange air soft pistols! the ones that cocks the spring guns and fire them dry! to show how powerful they are!!!

[gasman]

we all know what type shop he bought it from with advice like that! the ones where they sell those fancy (stupid) tin swords, sex aids, wigs, smoking aids, joss sticks and orange air soft pistols! the ones that cocks the spring guns and fire them dry! to show how powerful they are!!!

arr ''''and if one say'''''wanted to find such a shop''''''''' where would one find the address ,and do they do mailorder?
check that out 3000 posts,so where's my prize then guys

[ths]

I think hun73r666 hit the nail on the head, i dont think its to nice having a go and saying "take it back now" as it will just alienate people from the sport.

I wont lie i was the same when i was a lot younger, its one of those things there wasn't anyone to say no you cant do that or read all of these general licenses and pop on to this forum and ask questions to your hearts content, if you dont know how would you guess? The sport in general is in some respects behind closed doors and as there are shops out there that will sell you a heap of junk and say "this will be taking down lions at 100 yards" you cant blame people for not knowing what they can and cant shoot and what a rifle is capable of doing.

I think the only thing to say to the new member is read the BASC website and ask questions on here before shooting something wild. Get the paper targets up and fire away to your hearts content and get used to the gun and how it handles. If you decide that you do want to "hunt" then you will need a much better rifle and some land.

All the best to you!

[davowales]

Im glad you asked mate rather than just go and shoot something, we all started somewere , this is a good forum were we care about our sport, we will always give the best advice we can, it so easy to take the high ground , just ask away first before you jump in and end up in the sh*t. dont be put off ask n learn as much as you can ,

[Irvysan]

There is a good post here also for reference : Bird species covered by general licence

Obviously its no good if you cant identify, thats what google images is for

EDIT : WbatlScotland_tcm9-202599.pdf

I have uploaded this guide for anyone whos interested, its been prepared by the RSPB specifically for Scotland in relation to wild birds but used in conjuction with the post on agf above it is a good reference point.

here it is :

HTH

Irv