Hi Neil
I agree in principle with you that we should not destroy our native wildlife to allow introduced species.
I would like to think that as keepers go I take a more pragmatic view of the animals classed as vermin, I set no traps, I deplore the use of snares and poisons and would argue the necessity to trap with most keepers.
I do however cull the fox on the estate but I should add that we have a free range pig unit,free range chickens and too many lambs to count so this is to their benefit as well.
I am well aware though that I may well be the exception to the majority of keepers but I am sure once they realize that it is not acceptable to continue killing for the sake of sport without some form of compromise then they will change.
merry xmas
Dan