RIFLE RANGES AND THE PRESERVATION OF GAME.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.")
Srs,—The increased interest taken in rifle-shooting, and the importance which the subject merits, render the opening of more rifle ranges necessary in order that every one, be he Regular, Volunteer, or civilian, may have the opportunity of acquiring proficiency with the rifle. As the provision of suit- able ranges affects principally landowners, I shall esteem it a favour if you can spare a little of your valuable space to enable me to deal with this subject in its connection with the preser- vation of game on the estates of gentlemen who possess eligible sites for rifle ranges. The objection is frequently raised that the shooting will disturb the game and that it will drive the birds away into adjacent covers. From a fairly wide experience of rifle ranges (both miniature and long) I am convinced that this idea is quite erroneous. It is a matter of common know- ledge that birds soon get accustomed to the sound of a gun, and partridges and pheasants are no exception to this rule. They seem to know perfectly well that the bullets are not in- tended for them, and they become quite indifferent to the firing. A most convincing instance of this has come under my reatiee this year. On a local rifle range there is a small coppice
situated immediately in the rear of the butts. In this coppice, at a distance of less than twenty yards from the butts, a partridge nested and laid fifteen eggs, upon which she sat. During the whole_of the time occupied in this, firing went on regularly every day, but it quite failed to disturb the serenity of Mrs. Partridge. I am assured by the tenant that since the opening of this range more game has been found in this coppice and the surrounding covers than was the case before. Another curious incident which happened on this same range shows how little birds are disturbed by rifle-fire. The butt consists of sheet-iron fronted with boards, there being a small space between the iron and the boards. When the boards were taken out to be replaced by others, a starling's nest containing two eggs was discovered in this space. The nest was pulled out, but it was subsequently found that the starling had built again. The bird was actually in the nest whilst bullets were being pumped into the butt. The appre- hensions of owners andtenants of shootings as to the disturbance of their game are not unnatural, as it is very necessary that birds should not be disturbed during the breeding season. The noise of rifle-shooting might be thought to have this effect, but from actual experience I am. convinced that not the slightest injury will result. The progress and expansion of the rifle club movement depends very largely on the willing- ness of landowners and tenants to grant the necessary facilities for the acquisition of suitable ranges, and it is to be hoped that these gentlemen, instead of being prejudiced by the
ill- founded idea that they will ruin their shooting, will help on a movement which appeals not only to a man's patriotism, but also to his sporting instincts.—I am, Sir, &c.,
RIFLEMAN.
We entirely agree with our correspondent, for whose ex- perience and knowledge we can vouch, that there is not the slightest reason why game shooters and game preservers should regard the rifle club movement with hostility.—En. Spectator.]
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