Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
Mission accomplished. Ed Shouri shows off his catch of 20 birds, which is the quota allowed under wildlife protection laws. - PHOTOS BY NORMAN GRINDLEY/DEPUTY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
I CAN forget everything I thought I knew about bird shooting. It's not just a bunch of persons with guns running out into the bush and firing away indiscriminately. It's not a bloodthirsty sport for persons who need adrenaline in high doses and it's not the dreaded wanton massacre of birds that animal rights groups cry about.
It's an organised, almost scientific pastime. There are more laws protecting birds than you might imagine and, at least for the group I went bird shooting with, a way for good friends to get together.
THE SEASON
First, the rules. Bird shooting season is six weeks ranging from the end of August to the first week in October. You can only shoot on Saturdays and Sundays and for limited hours, on Saturdays, from sunrise to 9:00 a.m. and then 2:30 p.m. to sunset; and on Sundays from sunrise to 9:00 a.m.
There are specific game birds that can be shot. This season only four species can be hunted. The white-winged dove, the pea dove, the mourning dove and the bald pate. No more than 15 bald pates may be taken in any shoot and hunters may bag only 20 birds at each shoot.
The Rangers Gun, Rod and Tiller Club has been in operation for over 20 years. The clubs core members bought the land from residents in the Bushy Park area and refurbished the lodge. They added another room of bunk beds; bathroom facilities for women and brought in a television.
So what's all the fuss about bird shooting anyhow?
"It's about hanging out. We come out here to get away from Kingston. Some people think it's a blood sport, but they're wrong. It's great to just watch the sun come up," said Michael Ammar, who's been making these trips since his youth.
"I do it for the camaraderie," said Ed Khouri of Appliance Traders Limited (ATL). "I started coming with Michael some years and I really enjoy it."
BIRDMEN
The surrounding communities where the hunts take place also benefit. Whenever hunters go out, they will need birdmen to help them scout out locations before and help them spot birds on the day of the shoot. Birdmen can make up to $3,000 per weekend. The little shops in the areas also do business; selling liquids to keep the hunters hydrated.
Some of the earlier clubs were more strict in that the presence of women and children was frowned upon. That prompted Rangers' club members to start their own.
"When we were children they treated us like we were second class citizens," Ammar recalled. Now, many juniors go along to watch their parents shoot. They are not supposed to shoot and the parents can get into trouble under existing laws. But bird shooting fanatics think the laws need to be looked at especially since the young are the future of the sport.
"There are a lot more young people in the sport now and they're not supposed to be shooting yet we send junior teams to shoot skeet," said Metri, a private hunter who hangs out with the club. There is talk of impending legislation that would see juveniles being able to obtain a learner's
permit of sorts.
So the hunters get to hang out and spend time with their children and friends and the birdmen can make a living. But what about the birds?
OVERSHOOTING
Well, the hunters with scruples shoot only their quota and that's it; not a bird more. The temptation to keep shooting even after you've got your quota in let's say, 30 minutes, is strong but that's what separates the good hunters from the lawbreakers. Even though the season is only six weeks long overshooting can harm the growth of the species.
"There are a lot more people seeding fields (essentially laying out food for the birds over wide areas) so the bird population has increased," pointed out Metri.
Rangers was one group that advocated turning Goat Island (off the southeast coast of Jamaica) into a bird sanctuary so they can nest in peace. This ensures the continuation of not just the sport, but the species. Many more birds for everybody!
LIFESTYLE LIST
10 things to carry/use for bird shooting
1. Wear something dark green or with a camouflage pattern. You blend in better with the bush and the birds are less likely to see you when they're approaching.
2. Water boots or hiking shoes are recommended because dependent on the terrain, sneakers might not help.
3. Wear shades. Keeps the sun and any loose pellets that might be flying around after a gun is fired, out of your eyes.
4. Drive a vehicle with four-wheel drive capability as some of the terrain is bumpy.
5. Long pants are recommended especially if you're going into thick bush.
6. If you're going on a morning shoot, you'll have to leave while it's still dark. Use a flashlight.
7. Ear plugs. Takes off some of the force of the explosions from the rifle on your eardrums.
8. Walkie-talkies. Keep you and other hunting parties in touch so everyone knows where everybody is.
9. A change of clothes, if you get excessively dirty. You can leave them in the car and change when you get back.
10. Water. Can't be overstated. Bird shooting can be tiring and draining work.
