ohanzee
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 7, 2010
- Messages
- 43,630
Historically the Anti's win ? Whether you agree or not with the various activities that have gone, or are in trouble. In most cases, that they were / are "Minority" sports that were "isolated" and left unsupported.
Angling in general has been targeted for many years, but because of its large numbers, has so far survived. At least 2020 has seen a small revival in numbers, that may help in the future.
Think 1st ? These were all "sports" that were / are, targeted -
Fox hunting - classed as elitist and cruel, but foxes do need to be "controlled".
Hare coursing - Poor mans fox hunting ?
Pistol shooting - Minority sport, but imposed and no realistic compensation given, only alternative, store them abroad ! (Blame Dunblaine) . For many years our Olympic Team have had to travel to France for "practice", at a cost !
Bow hunting - No wildlife to be hunted in this country, due to targeted negative publicity - there were only two clubs in the country that did hunt and these were not supported by "other" sporting groups, divide and conquer ?
Game shooting - Lots of "anti's try to disrupt organised days. Targeted wilful damage to pens and equipment.
Duck / waterfowl hunting - a Ban on lead shot for shotguns for any of these or for use near water. Replacements were all more expensive and in the case of Steel shot, a poor substitute. Bismuth was the best at the time, but 10x more expensive - isolate by expense.
Guns in general - Since Hungerford, a lot more difficult to get a licence and renew, again cost have gone up - read posts on renewals.
Fishing !!! Targeted by Anti's over many years, from physical and verbal abuse to throwing rocks at floats or wading through fishing areas.
Canoeing ! The deliberate, focused agenda by the Canoe Union to gain "free access" for all, pitting one group against another - Bad for both .
There are many other examples. In a lot of cases the Anti's agenda is formed by mis information. The best environmental police are those that "use" the countryside. Unfortunately a lot of the Anti's are made up of idealistic people who do not realise their impact on the land and it's wildlife -
I give you "The MInk" !!! Released by Idealistic Idiots, who have caused decades of environmental mayhem.
No answers to this issue but as posted, unless we are ALL vigilant in 10 to 15 years, it will be illegal to fish !
Just a small point, populations of mink from escapees from mink farms were already thriving long before anti's existed.