It is legal and acceptable to shoot in the air to scare birds away, and this can also be used to reinforce the scaring effect of human presence. The most commonly used weapon is a 12-bore shotgun, although, of course, a relevant certificate is required. If you do not possess a shotgun licence, a starting pistol can be very effective, although care should be taken so that others do not misinterpret your actions. The safest way to use a shotgun for this purpose is to fire blanks, which are available from your local gun dealer. A word of warning, though; some dealers will sell you ‘saluting’ blanks, which contain black powder and can be very corrosive to your gun, unless it is thoroughly cleaned every time you use it. One recommended cartridge is the Winchester ‘Popperload,’ which retails at just over £6 for 25 cartridges. These are normally used for dog training, and they make a very loud bang. If they are all you have in your possession when scaring birds, it is obvious that you do not intend to kill the birds.

It is also possible to purchase a variety of special bird-scaring cartridges. However, these are especially designed to be fired through a signal (Verey) pistol sleeved to 12 gauge and NOT through a normal shotgun. For both the cartridges and the gun, firearms certificate will be required. Because of the noise they make and the restrictions on possession and operation, their use will be somewhat limited. Further information can be obtained from:

         Primetake, Reepham Road, Fiskerton, Lincoln, LN3 4EZ
            Tel: 01522 752323
            Web: www.primetake.com

Shooting to scare can be an effective deterrent, and is sometimes the only option available on a river or stillwater to which the public has access. It has been demonstrated in a recent study that shooting to scare can reduce the number of birds present at fisheries (both stillwaters and stretches of river) for the duration of the shooting period and for a ‘post-treatment’ period. An average bird reduction of 50% was reported, with bird numbers recovering to pre-treatment levels over a period of a few weeks. To be effective in the longer term, it follows that such scaring would need to be repeated at regular intervals. When done properly (e.g. as birds first arrive), and in conjunction with other deterrents, this can be highly effective over a long period of time.