As a result of the improved weather conditions, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has lifted the call for restraint in the shooting of waterfowl in Scotland, which was put in place last week (9 January 2026, see details below).
The decision has been made following three consecutive thaw days across Scotland, allowing for the ground to unfreeze, and feeding and roosting opportunities to open back up for waterfowl.
Although the call for voluntary restraint has been lifted, people who shoot, along with other countryside users such as dog walkers, ramblers, bird watchers, horse riders, and canoeists and kayakers, are being asked to continue to consider their local conditions, and to take care not to cause unnecessary disturbance to birds which may still be struggling to recover from the recent adverse conditions.
Detailed information on severe weather procedures, voluntary restraint and a daily update on the situation in all parts of Great Britain is available on the British Association for Shooting and Conservation website. Further information on the Severe Weather Scheme is also available on JNCC's website.
The announcement from 9 January 2026 is provided below.
Countryside users In Scotland are asked to take care not to disturb birds in the severe weather.
Due to the recent widespread severe weather, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has today (9 January 2026) called for a period of Voluntary Restraint in shooting in Scotland of ducks, geese and waders including reared mallard. Areas of Aberdeenshire, Moray and the Highlands have been identified as being particularly affected.
This decision was reached following discussion among the statutory nature conservation bodies (SNCBs), governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the shooting community. During a period of voluntary restraint, countryside users are asked to take extra care not to cause unnecessary disturbance to birds which may be struggling in these severe conditions. Consideration is needed around activities like shooting, dog walking, rambling, bird watching/ringing and canoeing or kayaking. The decision to show restraint should be made by individuals where feeding or roosting is affected by snow or ice, and should be based on local observations of the condition of the birds and their habitats.
Whilst there is currently no call for voluntary restraint for waterfowl shooting in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, countryside users are asked to exercise restraint where feeding and roosting are affected by snow and ice.
If severe weather conditions continue in Scotland a statutory suspension of waterfowl shooting could take effect from the 14th day of severe weather, 17 January at the earliest.
Detailed information on severe weather procedures, voluntary restraint and a daily update on the situation in all parts of Great Britain is available on the British Association for Shooting and Conservation website. Further information on the Severe Weather Scheme is also available on JNCC's website.
Published: