Thank you for contacting me about hunting on the Defence Estate.
Having looked into this for you, I understand that there is no policy allowing wildlife hunting on Ministry of Defence (MOD) land. Indeed, hunting is illegal on MOD land under the Hunting Act 2004. To hunt on MOD land, an organisation must have a recognised governing body and all persons participating in a hunt must also be members of such an organisation. The organisation must also hold an MOD-issued licence. These license’s terms clearly state that only trail hunting, carried out in accordance with the Hunting Act’s provisions, are permitted.
As trail hunting involves following an artificially laid, animal-based scent, and does not involve a hunt for a live animal, it is not banned under the Act. For an offence to be committed, it is necessary to prove that a wild animal is being hunted intentionally. If you suspect illegal activity has taken place, you should report this to the police. The penalty for illegal hunting is an unlimited fine. In cases where a hunt or hunt personnel are proven to have carried out illegal activity, I understand that licence withdrawal would be considered.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
