§ Lord Geddesasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Lord Whitty on 29 April (WA 71–72), whether there are any current recommendations as to what shot size and shotgun type should be used for the culling of (a) foxes; (b) hares; (c) deer; and (d) mink. [HL4146]
205WA
§ Lord Whitty(a) A shotgun of minimum 20 bore and minimum shot size BB (4.09mm diameter) is considered suitable for shooting a fox only at close range (under 25 metres).
(b) and (d) A shotgun of minimum 20 bore and shot size of at least number 5 (2.79mm diameter) is recommended for use in shooting hare or mink only at close range.
At longer range the use of a rifle is recommended for fox, hare and mink.
(c) A shotgun is not recommended for culling deer and would not normally be legal under Section 4(2)(a) of the Deer Act 1991. In certain circumstances the Act permits the use of a shotgun for humane destruction of a seriously injured animal or for use as a slaughtering instrument. Section 7 of the Act provides a defence for occupiers of land etc who use a shotgun where free ranging wild deer cause damage, further damage is likely and the action is necessary to prevent further damage. The minimum calibre permitted is 12 bore, using a single non-spherical projectile weighing not less than 22.68g (350 grains) or a cartridge purporting to contain shot which is 0.203 inches (5.16mm) in diameter (size AAA) (Section 7(2) of the Act).