Stock Losses From Shooting

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32385, 26 August 1970, Page 12

Stock Losses From Shooting

Sir, —It is a matter of deep concern that Mr A. L. R. Barwell and other farmers do lose stock to indiscriminate shooting. It is of concern not only from the viewpoint of sheer irresponsibility, and loss to the farmers on the part of a minority of individuals, but also because it reflects adversely on the interests of the genuine hunter. In fairness to the genuine hunter, it should be stated that Mr Barwell does permit intensive spotlight shooting of deer on his land, and it is an irrefutable fact that this form-of shooting is hazardous and has in the past been responsible for many stock deaths. It is therefore not beyond the realm of possibility that this type of shooting has resulted in Mr Barweirs misfortune.—Yours, etc., GENUINE HUNTER.

August 17, 1970. [Mr A. L. R. Barwell re plies: “I agree with ‘Genuine Hunter’ that this form of shooting is hazardous when done by an inexperienced person. I would like to state that I have done a little spotlight shooting myself with the aid of a highly experienced hunter, just to keep control of the odd deer that might from time to time wander on to the place. 1 would also like to point out that whenever we have gone out the area we shot on was always clear of sheep. Any other spotlight shooting being done is certainly not with my authority. The first six sheep I found shot were before I had done any spotlight shooting. It is about time all hunters realised that farming land is there for farming and not for sport, and I, for one, will enforce my warning of ‘No shooters, genuine or otherwise.’ ”]