As hatchet jobs go, the campaign bulling up the benefits of iron shot and trashing lead pellets is a done deal. Whether we like it or not, sooner not later we’ll be spraying steel balls around the countryside with gay abandon. No amount of shouting or kicking against the traces is ever going to change this orchestrated outcome.
Lead’s demise was a given the moment the sport signed up to a ban for wildfowling 20 years ago. While the anti-lead propaganda peddled back then was bad enough, today it is relentless. And, depressingly, much of it is being generated and fanned by some in our own ranks. The argument is that it’s better we drive the switch to alternatives than have it dropped on us through legislation. That’s all very laudable but, voluntary or otherwise, the end result is going to be the same: a ban on a very effective material for shooting and scrapped guns.
Just cause
Although Man has used lead shot for three or more centuries and survived, maybe it is an evil bigger and more pernicious even than widespread habitat loss that has driven so much of our wildlife to the brink. If so, I will happily bite the bullet, applaud our leaders and switch to steel when my stock of lead dries up. Which won’t be any day soon.
No, my reluctance to join this particular steel band and sing to its tune has been hardened by the stridency of the campaign and the way matters are being orchestrated. Just as it was with the ban for wildfowling, scientists and antis – supported by the unquestioning acquiescence of most representative shooting groups – are firing off statistics in support of a ban that, quite frankly, take a lot of believing.
Denne historien er fra June 2021-utgaven av Sporting Gun.
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Denne historien er fra June 2021-utgaven av Sporting Gun.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Thermal spectrum
Paul Austin explores both ends of the thermal market with latest high-end release from Zeiss alongside a surprising entry-level offering from Xinfrared
Roe, rucks and new ground
Jon Snowdon and his team have much to keep them busy and a new tool to help them
Tales from a lifetime of foxing
Join Mike Powell as he explores the evolving world of fox shooting, drawing from a career that spans seven decades
Fox rot about Charlie
Patrick Hook responds to claims that fox numbers are dangerously on the wane
The sniff of success
Join Ryan Kay as he navigates the fascinating dynamic between a handler and their canine companion
Adventures of Nick & Ted
A new chapter in the histories of Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter has Nick Ridley reflecting on the dogs he has trained over the years he has been associated with the magazines
The problem: Inflammation in the nervous system
Vet's advice
Gundogs Q&A
No problem goes unsolved as Sporting Gun puts your questions to the gundog experts
Stop-start!
Fran Ardley continues her training tips on disciplining your dog to the stop whistle and the exercises you need to do
Gundogs at the Game Fair
Organising the Game Fair's prestigious gundog competitions: behind-the-scenes with Francesca Prentice