2 rooks and a magpie.

[Steve]

A word on the General Licence. This is the document that allows us to kill certain species that cause crop damage, or in some circumstances cause a health or safety hazard. The wording has been changed recently, and for some species ( Wood Pigeon for example ) you are now required to have either tried alternative protection methods or be reasonably sure that alternative methods won't work. This is a little ambiguous, but gives scope for organizations such as the RSPB or private individuals to bring legal action against you if you just fancy "one for the pot" from the garden.

Make sure you know exactly what to say if challenged. An example would be " I've tried everything to keep those pigeons off my sprouts, CD's on strings, a model Owl, balloons on sticks, but none of them work, so I've had to shoot them."

Of course once you've shot the Wood Pigeon you have to safely dispose of the body. I recommend quick frying in a little olive oil and garlic.