From: "Pete" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> UK shooters and stalkers in particular would do well to read the final report of the Burns Committee. It can be found at http://www.huntinginquiry.gov.uk/mainsections/finalreport.htm The suggestion of compulsory competence testing for deer stalkers can be found in the Summary/recommendations, para 53, page 15. There are other implications for shooting of ground game and the control of ground vermin. This isn't just about red coated riders to hounds - it affects everyone who carries a rifle or shotgun in pursuit of live prey - please read it. Pete ----- Pete, I would go further than that. I reckon we are ALL in the same boat, whether we are paper-punching bunny-huggers or bambi-hunters (or both). We know from the Labour Party's Evidence to the Cullen Inquiry (para. 20) that Messrs. Straw and Blair want "A GENERAL PROHIBITION ON RIFLES ABOVE .22 INCH CALIBRE". According to the Daily Telegraph, Blair also voiced a similar promise on BBC TV or radio at election time, but I don't have the precise reference to hand. The main reason why they have not yet implemented a ban on fullbore target shooting is that "higher calibre rifles are used for the control of a number of species such as deer stalking and control" (sic). Deer stalkers need to learn and practice on ranges, and it would be difficult to ban all fullbore target shooting without seriously compromising animal welfare. Similarly, even "pure" paper punching games like bench-rest have their origins in hunting - the BR classes are still called "heavy varmint, light varmint, etc.). The recent tie-up between the NRA and the Countryside Alliance shows that both sides have at last cottoned on: target shooting and hunting (in the broadest sense) are INTERDEPENDENT. Together we stand, etc. Peter. www.jacksonrifles.com -------[Cybershooters contacts]-------- Editor: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Website & subscription info: www.cybershooters.org
