Shooter Spotted on Tetney Reserve

Hello John
It does appear that some wildfowlers can legitimately shoot on Tetney Marshes providing they stay within the terms of their licence. It will be very difficult for a 'layman' to decide whether or not shooting there is legitimate.

I am planning to consult/liaise with the RSPB Humber Bank Managers and Wardens about the best way to deal with this and the reporting of more general disturbance.

I hope this helps
Best wishes
Martin

Martin Francis - Leader, RSPB Grimsby Local Group

I spotted two shooters with black labs walking down Tetney haven on to the marsh.then heard bangs later.Have they got permission?

Hello Peter

I have just noticed your original post about a shooter on Tetney Marshes and the follow-up posts, otherwise, I would have responded sooner.
Like you and Jim, I think it would be crazy if shooting is allowed on the Tetney Marshes reserve but I don't know the definitive position and will be interested to hear what Mike Pilsworth says.


I know the RSPB Managers for the Humber area are working very hard with the relevant authorities to tackle all kinds of disturbance along the Humber coast. They are keen that all instances are reported to them, particularly if there is photographic evidence, as this strengthens their case ( but be very careful not to inflame the situation in any way).
I will check that they are happy if I put a general notice about reporting disturbance on this website. In the meantime, if you or anyone else sees disturbance by dogs, kites, drones, guns, or any other cause, please let me know via this web-site or at martin.francis2@ntlworld.com and I will pass the message on to Mike Pilsworth.


Thank you for your original post
Best wishes
Martin

Martin Francis - Leader, RSPB Grimsby Local Group

Hi Jim, Ive found a contact address for a Mike Pilsworth who apparently is the RSPB Warden for the Humber Area. I’ve sent details of the incident for his information and will await his response.

Yes, I see the sea bank is now open again, and yes, very disappointing as to the destruction of Hawthorne. I did hear that an Environment Agency chap was checking for badgers last week.

Thank you Peter. Here’s hoping someone from the RSPB - either the regional organiser or the Grimsby group - comes up with a response.
Earlier today, I was pleased to see access has been reopened along the bank following the recent badger project, but saddened that so much hawthorn has been removed as part of the works.

Hello, Jim, I think you will find that dusk is one of the favoured times for duck shooting, catching them in a flock as they come in for roost where they think there are safe for the night.
This particular chap was observed for a while walking to his chosen spot, getting his gun out of its cover and settling down in position, head and shoulders just showing, dog sat and gun at raised.
And no we didn’t hear shots as we both had to leave the Fitties lagoon car park as security had informed us they were closing the barriers and locking the site..
To my knowledge shooting is illegal on any reserve but don’t know who the warden is for the Tetney areas reserves.
This was a blatant disregard of the law and needs some sort of response before it becomes the norm, as bear in mind that a female Hen Harrier, two Marsh Harriers, Short Eared Owl and Merlin were amongst the sightings there today.