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Protected Species
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981:
Illegal to intentionally:
- Kill, injure, take wild birds
- Damage/destroy bird nests (while in use)
- Disturb Schedule 1 birds (rare species) near nest
Protected mammals:
- Badgers (special protection – don’t disturb setts)
- Bats (roosts protected)
- Deer (close seasons, poaching laws)
Penalties:
- Fines up to £5,000
- Prison up to 6 months
Hunting and Trapping Laws
Hunting:
- Deer: Requires firearms license (strict regulations)
- Game birds: Requires landowner permission, seasons apply
- Poaching = criminal offense
Trapping:
- Spring traps (illegal for most species)
- Snares: Legal but heavily regulated
- Live traps: Legal (humane dispatch required)
Bushcraft context:
- Survival trapping (genuine emergency) vs. practice (illegal)
- Don’t set traps unless survival situation
- UK not survival environment (help available)
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