Now why should I send you to another blog? Seems like a way to lose readers doesn't it? But in the hope that you might come back, and in the spirit of saying 'well done!' to a fellow blogger, do have a look at James Marchington's blog.
James comes from the shooting community, and you'll see that he occasionally takes a pot-shot at me (here, and here and here) but his blog of 31 July, which I've only just seen, was right on target. Well done James for being clear that shooting folk need to make sure that their pastime is beyond reproach.
And, please do help us reach the 200,000 signature mark on our bird of prey pledge. And that includes you, please, James!
Hi Mark, and thanks for the nice comments. OK, OK, I give in - I've signed your pledge, as I am 100% opposed to illegal killing of birds of prey (and any other illegal killing of any wildlife). I do however think that we need to keep the debate open on what birds and animals can be legally killed, both for food and in the course of good management of our wildlife and countryside. Good luck with reaching your 200,000 target! James
Had a read at 31st July blog by James and comments but I am not registered or whatever to comment on his blog I think.Nice to see shooters how I read it becoming more humane in their outlook as it is better than perhaps hardening peoples attitude towards them and lots of people wanting shooting banned.When shooting people want the bad ones in their fraternity reined in it comes over really well and hopefully raptors and them can both live side by side with some understanding on each side.Hope you let us know when 200,000 signatures on bird of prey pledge.
Really nice one James,hope lots more of your shooting friends take your attitude.
James - many thanks! You are a sport! And we are always prepared to talk - let's meet for a beer or glass of wine, or to see some wildlife! Many thanks again for signing the bird of prey pledge and for saying that you have, publicly. As you are a well-respected member of the shooting community we are sure your position will be noted with interest by others. I echo Sooty's hope that many of your shooting friends will follow your lead and, to be fair, we met many who did at the Game Fair last July. Best wishes, Mark
Well done James!
Although I am against any sport that involves harming or killing wildlife, I recognise that some shooting is legal in this country and therefore I have to accept it. However I find it harder to accept when some members of the shooting community continue to blatantly flout the law. If they can't be trusted to behave responsibly and within the law then perhaps all killing of wildlife should be banned?
I am encouraged that this illegal activity is not condoned by all hunters - just an irresponsible few. Let's hope more people like James are willing to stand up to the bullies and make it clear they wish to practice their sport within the law - not outside it.
Well put SueF! I feel the same. I hate the thought of killing birds for 'sport'. But James seems to have a sense of justice as well as a sense of humour.
Mark help please,on Autumnwatch Unsprung Chris Packham mentioned Sea Eagles knocking down Golden Eagles.Have you any information about this or could you get it as Kate Humble was sat by his side and afraid I wouldn't have a clue how to get the information from Autumnwatch.Don't really understand what he means by knocking down unless he means killing.
Well done James! {thumbs up}
I signed the pledge via the Feed the birds open day at the RSPB Headquarters at Sandy on Saturday.
I think it is about time people really stopped this cruel sport.
There is no excuse for it at all.
Mark: Hope that the 'target' 200.000 is reached.
Regards
Kathy and Dave