While it may seem that this issue only affects trail hunters, the government’s recently launched consultation on its proposals to ban trail hunting very much affects shooters and deer stalkers too. The influence behind this consultation is set on ending all forms of country pursuits, no matter how beneficial for society and biodiversity they may be.

A very direct impact on shooters and deer stalkers from this consultation are the specific questions seeking views on whether the government should ban training dogs with animal-based scents for purposes other than trail hunting, i.e. to track deer or retrieve gamebirds. Trail hunting is defined as the following of an animal-based scent trail with dogs. This is why gundog and deer dog training is being called into question, as such training often uses animal-based scents to replicate the situation of following up a shot deer or finding and retrieving a gamebird, in a controlled environment.

In order to protect these perfectly legitimate, important and irreplaceable uses of animal-based scents by shooters and deer stalkers, we are calling for all those involved to respond to the consultation using our guide. You can do so here using our easy and quick e-lobby platform.

Beyond the specific question on using animal-based scent for gundog or deer tracking dog training, if the government introduces a bill in Parliament to implement a ban on trail hunting, we know that attempts will be made to re-open the Hunting Act 2004. Those opposed to hunts would like to see the removal of the current exemptions which allow for the continued use of dogs for shooting and deer stalking purposes and there is no guarantee that any amendments to remove the exemptions would be defeated.

The exemptions in question include:

• the use of dogs to flush mammals to be shot above ground – rough shooting
• the use of a dog below ground for the purpose of protecting gamebirds or wild birds being kept or preserved for the purpose of shooting
• the use of dogs to follow up injured deer
• ratting

From a wider countryside perspective, let us not lose sight of the fact the antis’ agenda is unrelenting and is anything but rooted in conservation. We know what motivates them above all other causes: it’s the people-hating politics of envy, so have no doubt that if trail hunting is banned, shooting will become the main focus of anti groups.

Take the chance to speak up. The more people that respond to the consultation, the better the chance we have of protecting our way of life for generations to come.