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Hunting Possible permission but in semi-public wood...

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android75

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I may possibly have an inbound permission for squirrel control in a woodland. However, the woodland is 'permissive access' and has public / dog walkers in it all the time. It's not particularly big so there aren't really any "quiet corners". Does anyone have experience of shooting (with permission) in woodland where members of the public can roam freely?

I'm not concerned about the risk of stray shots as I could control that but just wondering if it's a disaster waiting to happen in terms of friction with the public, phone calls to Police, etc etc....
 
Sounds ripe for issues.

I shoot a private wood with tenant access and they are guaranteed to arrive at awkward times, I started going later to avoid them.
Public access, unless signs saying something like "access temporarily revoked, for vermin control between 6AM and 10AM (or some other window)" would leave you competing with someone who "likes the squirrels" probably.

If you had a mate, who would be prepared to be visible, and hold a radio, advise walkers what's on, give them the choice to go in or not.

Not something I'd like, from my limited experience.
 
Permissive access is up to the landowner who is well advised to register it with the local council to prevent the ramblers trying to claim it.

If those who use the access then object to management work, they are on a looser as the access could be withdrawn.

It's surprising how many people can be won over with polite conversation.
 
If you had a bit you could fence off, feeder in there, draw them into a safe and controlled area, ideally out of sight it might be possible, but just how many hoops do you want to jump through, at the risk of someone causing police issues.
I'd still only shoot with a spotter or some other way to know nobody was about.
I think I have OK hearing, but in a wood I'd been surprised just how close people can get if they aren't stomping.
 
android75 said:
I may possibly have an inbound permission for squirrel control in a woodland. However, the woodland is 'permissive access' and has public / dog walkers in it all the time. It's not particularly big so there aren't really any "quiet corners". Does anyone have experience of shooting (with permission) in woodland where members of the public can roam freely?

I'm not concerned about the risk of stray shots as I could control that but just wondering if it's a disaster waiting to happen in terms of friction with the public, phone calls to Police, etc etc....
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Talk with the landowner to see if they would be willing to restrict access from time to time ... we have a woodland perm like this and the owner was more than happy and puts signs up whenever we will be there
 
I would pass if I was you … you won’t enjoy shooting while you’re wondering if people are walking about … and before you know you’ll have armed police in there looking for you !
Just not worth the ‘possible’ hassle
 
I have a large woodland permission granted from a great Farmer friend and even though it has no public rights of way, dog walkers and mountain bikers are typically encountered on maybe 25% of my visits. Most just smile and say hello. I think only once in the last 10 years have I had someone ask if I should be carrying a gun there but at least I always have the comfort of knowing I'm there with permission and I can politely point out that they are in fact trespassing.

A small wood with public rights of way would be a non-starter for me unless it was literally carpeted in greys.
 
You are lucky you are not in Scotland then as people can go pretty much where they like with a few exceptions.

Many a time I have had a dog walker stroll through the fields when I was shooting . I stopped going to that part of the field due to them.
 
You will have the police all over you within minutes if the wrong type of dog walker sees you with a gun. Wouldn't take it on myself
 
Much of my air rifle shooting is on ground with public access, public footpaths, bridleways, right to roam, school playing fields and the like.
I have generic risk assessments and site specific risk assessments to cover my activity. Mitigation is usually shooting restricted to times of day when fewer public are present, for example - started this morning at 0500 in a small area with a footpath running right through it. Do nothing to instigate fear or distress to a member of the public. Finished at 0630. I always carry a ring binder in my car with all my documents, insurance cert., authorisation, boundary maps to show anyone who asks. No leeway on unspecified targets e.g. if I have authority to shoot squirrels I don't shoot rabbits or anything but squirrels.
All carcasses are collected and removed from site.
Police intervention in the field has been zero. I'm a member of a rifle club and as such, my background has been police checked. I think that would be in my favour if checked by police following a report.
On one permission I shoot along an avenue of veteran oaks in a park with public access always early in the morning and engage with dog walkers and others where I often stand my rifle against a tree to reduce my profile when people past. I explain why I shoot grey and that always seems to be accepted.

Consider your options carefully. It can be done effectively as I've tried to explain above. Don't do it without insurance - check the cover and policy. Good luck.
 
android75 said:
It's not particularly big so there aren't really any "quiet corners".
Click to expand...
pick the quietest and least accessable corner, put a feeder up, and tape off a 20yd square with that red/white hi viz tape with a couple of ''do not cross pest control in progress'' signs.
might be worth a try ;)
 
Get permission confirmed in writing and carry it with you.
Conceal feeder with the public in mind and shoot from hide with a 360 view.
Squirrels accustom to human presence may be less cautious.
Visit early hours and leave early. Habits of the regular dog walkers will become known and can be used to advantage.
Vermin control, without conflict, in such areas, can be a positive recommendation for other permissions.
In a rural area the Police may have a designated officer for wild life and farming affairs. If so a courtesy call to make them aware of your permission should prevent any over reaction. If suggested you call before any visit do so. Let this be determined by the officer you speak to.
 
mitch21 said:
As dog owners have increased, and people on a crusade, I don't think it would be long before you are the subject of social media posts,50 years ago no problem, because people rubbed along together, I am sad for you, 😶mitch21
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Unfortunately, I think the above post from mitch21 is spot on ☹️
 
Yank view :
You've be been given permission ✅
Squirrels in wood✅
You will attack your your quarry , first & foremost, with safety in mind✅
Pay no heed to the public, be they zealots, KARENS, Ignorant, or Chris Packam's nanny✅
Carry on & bow your your back for no one.👍!
 
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It's a tough one but any dealings with the public can be difficult. People will ignore signs, 'I walk my dog here anytime I want etc' can fabricate facts, and fundamentally guns and the general public don't mix. Parts of my permission can be seen from a car park, I avoid that area during the winter when the ground cover/ leaf screening is less. Frustrating but long term, the best solution
 
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