I had exactly this problem last year when I let fly at a fox with a 12 bore. Exactly as per Alastairs comments ref. distance from the centre of the road etc. Only problem was that my new neighbours (new to the country) were police officers who I suspect quietly reported me to the firearms dept. I was called in to explain and explain I did, I keep livestock, expensive to replace, safe backdrop, nobody on the road, more than 50m from the centre of the highway etc, didn't use the quieter .22 for fear of ricochet etc. all done with BASC advice. Basc were marvellous. What the firearms officer explained (absolutely not a threat of course

) was that if I persisted to blast vermin late at night they may take steps to rescind my certificate on the grounds that this constituted irresponsible use. Basc were yet more brilliant, and I wrote to the head of the firearms dept asking for an explanation and reassurance/confirmation that I had done no wrong and that no black marks were registered against me, and that my letter remain on file next to the complaint from my neighbour. I did receive a letter. BASC paid for their subscription ten times over that day. I have a little shrine next to my gun cabinet with a picture of Mike Eveleigh in it. I light a candle every time I go out with the bazooka. On a serious note ref the remark on potential action along the lines of irresponsible use, Basc reckoned on the information I had provided that if I ended up in court, I would have a very good case. Never wise to fly too close to the sun though! I have found humane traps cause less fuss, just dread having to let an enraged moggy out. now let's see if I get a snap inspection!