Quote:
Originally Posted by Billy Wobble Dagger  The funding problem I mentioned is not just to do with checking mink raft, unfortunatly half the team has just been made redundant, so maybe I should have put "man hours down to funding has stopped the use of the mink raft". Fingers crossed that at some point soon they will install the traps and start catching the mink.BWD |
Thats a shame and unfortunatley not dissimilar to Bedfordshire, however as long as the rafts are still in position and they give you access to their traps they may welcome your interest and activity.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Billy Wobble Dagger I know you work along side wildlife groups, but using your own raft and trap do you need a licence and who does the shooting for you, and what happens to the bodies?
BWD |
Mink are classified as vermin so they can be controlled throughout the year. However there is a legal requirement that if a trap is set it must be checked at least once every 24hours, however it is generally recommended that a trap is checked morning and evening. Anyone can shoot the caged Mink however they must have permission to shoot on the land from the Landowner and they must hold a shotgun licence to use a gun. Generally a local gamekeeper will be happy to shoot the animal however you would need to set up an arrangement before trapping commenced. I am not sure if you are allowed to move the animal after trapping (I am not aware of it being illegal) so you probably need a Keeper who has permission to shoot at the location. Above all no one should entertain trapping of any animal unless they are prepared to act responsibly toward the Mink. I happen to think Mink are a beautiful animal however they are not native and have a devasting effect on local wildlife.
I would apologise to those people who find this thread distastful but with the decision to control a non native species there must be absolute adherance to guidelines to prevent un acceptable crueltyand therefore we should be open about our actions.
Billy with the greatest respect I appreciate your'e own experience and have expanded on these points for general reading.
Roy