Over the summer Lee Freeston and I have been working on the wording for a wildfowling policy that will pull together and tighten up existing policy on wildfowling. We feel that this is necessary to reassure wildfowlers that, despite recent events, BASC really does represent their interests. It would also give staff a clear steer when they are representing the sport in discussions with other agencies.

The wording we have arrived at is as follows:

"BASC will do everything within its power to promote and protect the sport of wildfowling. It will encourage and facilitate entry to the sport, support and extend the club structure and represent the sport at all levels. BASC will resist any attempt to place any further restrictions upon wildfowling, nationally, internationally or locally, unless there is clear indisputable scientific evidence that current wildfowling practice in the United Kingdom significantly endangers the conservation status of wildfowl or other wildlife populations or is detrimental to wildlife habitat."

This proposed policy will go before the BASC Council on 18th October. However, we detect that there may be some resistance to approving this proposed policy.

Can I, therefore, plead with all wildfowlers who would support the adoption of this clear and unambiguous policy on wildfowling to contact their nearest BASC Council member(s) and urge them to vote for the policy at the Council meeting.

Thanks.

Eric Begbie