Defra Consultation Proposes Increased Restrictions on Open Seasons for Several Bird Species

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On Monday 23 March, Defra launched a consultation on the potential increased restrictions around shooting white-fronted geese, pintail, goldeneye, pochard, woodcock, coot, snipe and woodpigeon.

Defra’s consultation, covering England, Wales and Scotland, sets out proposals to remove pochard from the list across all three nations and to remove snipe in Wales. The consultation also recommends shortening the open season for woodcock in England, Wales and Scotland, and for snipe in England and Scotland.

In addition, woodpigeon would be added to the list with an open season from 1 September to 31 January, while remaining available for year‑round control under general licences. Further species may be considered for inclusion as part of this review.

The NGO opposes any changes without robust evidence to support the decision. We will be reviewing the consultation and the accompanying evidence, and we will advise our members in due course.
 
The consultation closes on 17 May 2026.
 
You can read the consultation document in full by clicking here.

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Notes to Editors:

The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation: The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) represents the gamekeepers of England and Wales. The NGO defends and promotes gamekeeping and gamekeepers and works to ensure high standards throughout the profession. The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation was founded in 1997 by a group of gamekeepers who felt that keepering was threatened by public misunderstanding and poor representation. Today, there are 13,000 members of the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation.  www.nationalgamekeepers.org.uk