Friday 28 March 2014

MEMBERS: RESPOND TO NEW PACEC SURVEY ON COUNTRY SPORTS


HELP QUANTIFY THE BENEFITS OF COUNTRY SPORTS TO SCOTLAND

PACEC, Public and Corporate Economic Consultants, produced a study in 2006 which helped quantify the benefit of country sports to the UK economy and environment. This was a vital document for all providers, organisations and those who participate in country sports activities in Scotland. It also enabled policy-makers to understand the considerable role and impact country sports have.

Now The Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group, of which the SGA is a member, (along with support from SNH and Scottish Enterprise) has commissioned PACEC to produce a further updated study which aims to assess the environmental, economic and social impacts of fishing, shooting and stalking in the UK.

The SGA would encourage all of its members to take the time to fill in the following questionnaires, whether a provider or participant. Such data is vital for preserving and enhancing country sports but also in identifying growth potential in what is a major industry and provider of jobs in Scotland and the UK.

Fishing providers should fill in the following questionnaire: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SCSTGFishingProviders

For people who spent one night or more away from home fishing in Scotland in 2013, this is the relevant form:

If you are a provider of, or participant in, shooting, please fill in the form below.

SGA STATEMENT: FURTHER BIRDS OF PREY FOUND IN ROSS-SHIRE

Scottish Gamekeepers Association Statement regarding further dead birds of prey being recovered in the Conon Bridge/Muir of Ord area in Ross-shire.

9 red kites and 4 buzzards have now been found by Police Scotland officers.

Scottish Gamekeepers Association Chairman Alex Hogg said: “The discovery of so many birds in one area is unprecedented and alarming.
Police Scotland deserve as much help as possible as they try to deal with the situation  so we continue to encourage people to help them if they know anything.
The indiscriminate use of poison is unacceptable and condemned by The Scottish Gamekeepers Association."

SGA STATEMENT: 2013 BIRD OF PREY POISONING MAPS


Scottish Gamekeepers Association statement regarding the publication of the 2013 bird of prey poisoning maps:

Scottish Gamekeepers Association Chairman Alex Hogg said:

“The rise in the number of confirmed cases of bird of prey poisoning from 3 to 6 is disappointing, particularly given the progress that has been made on this in recent times.
“Although well below the 2009 low point of 30 birds poisoned, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association is determined to see poisoning of birds of prey eradicated and will continue to work towards this.
“As with all wildlife crime, and whatever method is used to perpetrate it, the SGA advocates only legal solutions to tackling conflicts. The SGA will continue to advance legal and effective means of addressing wildlife crime until it is tackled at its root cause.”

Thursday 27 March 2014

SGA SYNDICATE INSURANCE UPDATE



The SGA is pleased to announce a change to Syndicate Membership as regards guests.

SGA Syndicate membership also offers reduced daily membership, including third party insurance, to syndicate guests without their own insurance. Please notify the SGA before the event and the guest/guests will be covered.

For full details of our Syndicate Membership provisions, click here and scroll down to Syndicate Members. You will also find full details of all our insurance provisions on this page.


Wednesday 26 March 2014

WILD FISHERIES REVIEW



In January, First Minister Alex Salmond announced a review of wild fisheries management in Scotland.

It is clear that the review’s scope will not include impacts on wild fisheries of aquaculture, ongoing since The Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013, and possible methods to mitigate for the benefit of all.

The aims of the review are to:

  • Develop and promote a modern, evidence-based management system for wild fisheries fit for purpose in the 21st century and capable of responding to the changing environment.

  • To manage, conserve and develop our wild fisheries to maximise the sustainable benefit of Scotland’s wild fish resources to the country as a whole and particularly to rural areas.


It is vital that all those who value wild fish in Scotland and their management, either as an angler or a river ghillie whose livelihood depends on sound management of our river systems, takes the time to submit a cogent response to the review.

The Scottish Gamekeepers Association, on behalf of its river ghillie members whose jobs may be affected, has asked to make a detailed submission to the Scottish Government and would be interested to hear views on this subject.

Review Chairman Andrew Thin will be meeting groups in round table discussion meetings during the course of the review and it is important that interested parties attend these meetings to glean as much information as possible.

To see the latest on the Review, its panel and the way forward, visit http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/Salmon-Trout-Coarse/fishreview

The review begins this month, with a report to be sent to Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse in six months.


Tuesday 25 March 2014

GAMEKEEPERS STATEMENT: ASSIST POLICE IN BIRD OF PREY DEATHS

SCOTTISH GAMEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION STATEMENT:

Regarding Police Scotland media release (25th March) on discovery of five dead red kites and one buzzard in the Conon Bridge/Muir of Ord area, Ross-Shire.

Scottish Gamekeepers Association Chairman Alex Hogg said: “This is a hugely disappointing discovery and we would ask anyone who knows anything about this mindless act to contact Police Scotland and to assist with the investigation.

“Clearly, until the post-mortem and toxicology reports are known, there is little information to go on. However, the SGA condemns wildlife crime and advocates only legal means to solving conflicts.”

SGA AT DEERSTALKING FAIR, KELSO



The SGA will be at the 2014 Deerstalking Fair this weekend (29th and 30th March) at Border Union Agricultural Showground, Springwood Park in Kelso.

SGA Chairman Alex Hogg and Committee Member Drew Ainslie attended the inaugural event last year and will be in attendance again this year, sharing a stand with British Deer Society.

The show focuses on all things deerstalking, from rifles, optics and lardering to venison processing and tracking demonstrations.

“It was a really good show last year. It is indoors and at an ideal time of the year. It’s very specific, which is good, and not too big and it gave everyone the chance to get around everyone and to see all that was available,” said SGA Chairman, Alex Hogg.

This year, SGA Development, Training and Education Manager George Macdonald will be in attendance so make sure you go and have a chat with George.

There will be forms to join the SGA as well as information and merchandise. Please note that all important show dates are in the members calendar section of the new website so log in and see what’s coming up in 2014.

To learn more about this weekend’s fair, see http://deerstalkingfair.co.uk

Wednesday 19 March 2014

FIFE LAB PUPS FOR SALE

Paid Member Advert: 4 black and one fudge/blond lab pups from Fife are looking for new homes. The pups are all boys and were born on 15th February. They have been home reared and KC registered. They will be eight weeks old on Saturday 12th April so would be ready to go to new homes around then.
Sire: Craighorn Brodie (breeder and owner Mr T S Smith of Coalsnaughton)
Dam: Balmanno Eskin (Daisy) (breeder The Hon Mr J Bruce of Balmanno), good looking, beautifully tempered bitch, bomb-proof with children, hip scored and eye tested
Contact Cath Baxter on catherine@cathbrown.com or call 01333 360 245.
Price: £450

Monday 17 March 2014

DSC1 TRAINING WITH THE SGA



The SGA's Development, Training and Education Manager George Macdonald (far right of photo) held a successful 3-day Deer Stalking Certificate 1 (DSC1) training event over the weekend at Blair Atholl.
Eight participants took the full course, comprising 2 days of training and an assessment day, with all candidates achieving the required competence level, subject to confirmation by DMQ.
George would like to thank all the participants and the venue provider Bridge of Tilt Hotel in Blair Atholl, as well as West Atholl Full Bore Rifle Club, who arranged the lease of the Shooting Range at Blair Atholl Estate.
The training was run in conjunction with approved assessment centre, SRUC Barony College, with Peter Anderson invigilating over the three days.
The SGA will be holding another three-day DSC1 training event, in the Aberfeldy area, towards the end of May.
If you are interested, please book your place now by calling the office on 01738 587515 or by contacting George Macdonald on georgemacdonald1@btinternet.com
In the latest issue of the SGA magazine, there were forms for members to fill in, letting us know which types of training you require, covering all aspects of our industry.
Please take the time to fill these in and return them to the office.
In future, George will also be undertaking one day 'assessment only' courses and also intends to run a DSC1 course every two months, depending on demand.
These will be held in a location suitable for the majority of the participants who have booked a place.

Friday 14 March 2014

NEW SYSTEM TO REPORT TRAP AND SNARE DAMAGE

 The SGA has been asking you, the members, to report all damage, theft or interference of traps and snares to your local police force. When reporting these crimes we asked you to demand a crime or incident number so the crime was logged. We wish you to continue doing this.
BASC Scotland has received funding from Scottish government to set up a system where this information can be logged and collated over a year-long period. All land management organisations, including the SGA, are participating in this, with the results going to Scottish Government and PAW Scotland. We welcome this and suggest you log every instance of illegal trap interference or damage, using the email address: trapsandsnares@basc.org.uk
This information will be used to show government the extent of the problem and influence any future action.
Should you experience problems in obtaining crime numbers from the police or do not feel your problem is being taken seriously by your local force then contact the SGA, we will be happy to look into any queries.
Traps and snares are operated under strict conditions in Scotland, by trained practitioners. Interference with these operations is illegal.

Thursday 13 March 2014

PLEASE NOTE: FIREARMS AND SHOTGUN LICENSE CHANGES

Members should be aware that application forms for the granting and renewal of firearm and shotgun certificates were changed in December 2013.
Police Scotland will continue to remind applicants 12 weeks in advance of certificate expiry. However, the new form, 201, which replaces the old forms, 101 and 103, must now be downloaded from the Police Scotland website, filled in and returned (in hard copy) to the Police.
The forms cannot be filled in online as a signature is required.
You can find the forms to download, plus all guidance regarding the new procedure, on http://www.scotland.police.uk/about-us/finance/service-fees-and-charges/firearms

Wednesday 12 March 2014

SNARING COURSE NOTIFICATION

A snaring course is to be held by SACS at Strathaven on Friday 4th April 2014, 10am to 3.30pm.
If interested, contact Elspeth Macleod for venue and further details, on 01698 885 206.

Monday 10 March 2014

GRAY AND CO TELESCOPE WINNER

Michael McNally (pictured with his prize) was announced as the winner of the SGA Gray and Co Telescope at Friday's AGM in Inverness.
The draw was made by Kate and David Trail from Graham's of Inverness who kindly supplied the rare 3-draw scope for the key SGA fundraiser.
The SGA would like to sincerely thank Kate and David from Graham's for donating such an excellent and unique prize.
We will have the full story of the telescope draw in the next edition of Scottish Gamekeeper.
Thanks also goes to all members and supporters who bought tickets. It is greatly appreciated by everyone at the SGA.

SGA MAGAZINE ISSUE 60


The Scottish Gamekeeper editor has received comments from members regarding the use of white writing on orange background in the latest edition of Scottish Gamekeeper (Issue 60).
The editor would like to thank members for their constructive criticism as obviously this colour scheme/writing mix does not work for everyone in terms of easy reading.
This will be rectified for future issues and we will not use this combination again. Our design team has also been made aware of this. The editor would like to apologise for this oversight. We will shortly have the Pdf version of the magazine in the members section of the website and the + and - buttons may enable those who have not been able to read certain articles, to do so.
It is vitally important that members continue to offer valuable constructive criticism so we can continue to meet the standards our members expect. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.