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Firearm Licensing

Culling of wild boar, wild goats and wild sheep

The Firearms Licensing Department occasionally receives calls from firearm certificate holders enquiring whether their firearm certificate allows them to shoot the feral wild boar, wild goats or wild sheep which can be found in certain areas of the Region.

For some years the policy of Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary has been that the term ‘vermin’ included wild goats, wild sheep and other wild animals not specified in legislation.

In recent years there has been an apparent increase in the population of feral wild boar in certain areas of the region and accordingly the term ‘vermin’ was extended to include these.

Accordingly — if a firearm certificate allows the holder to shoot ‘vermin’ then it is considered that within the Dumfries and Galloway police area this allows them to cull feral wild boar, wild goats and wild sheep.

Clearly there is a responsibility on the certificate holder to ensure they use an appropriate calibre of weapon for the quarry in question to ensure a clean and humane kill. Advice on suitable calibres and safe shooting practices can be obtained from the various shooting organisations through either web sites or direct contact.

This policy will minimise inconvenience to those stalkers, whether from within or outwith the area, who may be provided with the opportunity by a land owner to shoot these wild animals but do not have them specified on the conditions of their certificate.

Stalkers wishing to shoot these wild animals in another region should check with the relevant police force whether or not they also follow this policy. Shooters from outwith the region should check with their own licensing authority and ensure that their certificate covers them.

While legislation does not require you to do so, it is suggested that you obtain written permission from the land owner who gives you permission to shoot over their land.

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