Grey Squirrel Control UK: Legal Methods and Calibres

Q: Can I use poison to control grey squirrels?

Warfarin-based poison was previously available but is now heavily restricted and effectively unavailable for most private landowners. Shooting and trapping are the primary legal methods.

Q: Do I need insurance for grey squirrel control?

Insurance is not legally required but strongly recommended. BASC membership includes £10 million public liability cover. Many landowners require proof of insurance before granting permission.

Q: How many grey squirrels are there in the UK?

The estimated UK grey squirrel population is approximately 2.7 million (Forestry Commission, 2023), compared with just 140,000 native red squirrels.

Q: What is the penalty for releasing a grey squirrel in the UK?

Releasing a grey squirrel is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The maximum penalty is an unlimited fine and up to six months imprisonment.

Q: Should I use .177 or .22 for grey squirrel shooting?

The .22 calibre is generally preferred as it delivers more energy on impact, meaning cleaner kills at typical ranges of 20-30 metres. Head shots are critical with either calibre.

Quick Answer

Grey squirrels can be legally controlled year-round in the UK with no close season, primarily through live trapping using approved cage traps or shooting. Common calibres for shooting include .177 or .22 for air rifles, and .22 LR for rimfire rifles requiring a Firearm Certificate. Best practice dictates that any trapped grey squirrel must be humanely dispatched, as it is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to release them back into the wild.

# Grey Squirrel Control in the UK: Legal Methods, Calibres, and Best Practice ## Quick Answer Grey squirrels are classified as an invasive non-native species in the UK and can be legally controlled year-round with no close season. The most common methods include live trapping (using approved cage traps), shooting with an air rifle (.177 or .22), and shooting with a rimfire rifle (.22 LR on an FAC). Under the [Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/69), it is illegal to release a captured grey squirrel back into the wild, so trapped animals must be humanely dispatched. ## Why Is Grey Squirrel Control Necessary in the UK? Grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) were introduced to the UK from North America in the 1870s. Since then, the population has grown to an estimated 2.7 million (Forestry Commission, 2023), while the native red squirrel population has declined to approximately 140,000, with the majority confined to Scotland and parts of northern England. Grey squirrels cause significant ecological and economic damage: - **Bark stripping** - damages and kills broadleaf trees, costing UK forestry an estimated £37 million per year (Forestry Commission, 2023) - **Red squirrel displacement** - outcompete reds for food and habitat - **Squirrelpox virus** - greys carry and spread this disease, which is fatal to red squirrels - **Garden and property damage** - chewing through cables, insulation, and bird feeders - **Crop damage** - raiding grain stores and damaging orchards The UK Government's [Invasive Non-Native Species Strategy](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-invasive-non-native-species-framework-strategy-for-great-britain) identifies grey squirrel control as a conservation priority, particularly in areas adjacent to red squirrel strongholds. ## What Are the Legal Methods for Grey Squirrel Control? Several methods are legally available in the UK. The choice depends on your circumstances, land access, and available equipment. ### Shooting with an Air Rifle Air rifle shooting is the most accessible method for grey squirrel control. No firearms certificate is required for air rifles below the legal power limit (12 ft-lbs for rifles, 6 ft-lbs for pistols in England and Wales). **Recommended specifications:** | Factor | Recommendation | |---|---| | Calibre | .177 or .22 (both effective) | | Power | 11.5-12 ft-lbs (sub-FAC limit) | | Range | Maximum 25-30 metres for clean kills | | Pellet | Heavyweight domed pellets (e.g., JSB Exact, Air Arms Diablo) | | Shot placement | Head shot only at close range | The .22 calibre is generally preferred for pest control as it delivers more energy on target, making clean kills more reliable at typical engagement distances. **Important:** You must have permission from the landowner to shoot on any land. Shooting in your garden is legal provided pellets do not leave your property boundary and you are not in an area where discharge of an air weapon would cause alarm. ### Shooting with a Rimfire Rifle (.22 LR) For certificate holders, a .22 LR rimfire rifle is highly effective for grey squirrel control at longer ranges. This requires a Firearms Certificate (FAC) with a condition permitting vermin control. **Advantages over air rifles:** - Effective to 50+ metres - More consistent one-shot kills - Better penetration through foliage - Faster follow-up shots with semi-auto or bolt action **Considerations:** - FAC required with appropriate conditions - Must have land permission and safe backstop - Greater range means greater responsibility for safety - Subsonic ammunition with a moderator reduces disturbance A .17 HMR is also sometimes used but is generally considered overpowered for squirrels and creates greater ricochet risk in woodland settings. ### Live Cage Trapping Live trapping with approved cage traps is widely used, particularly where shooting is impractical. Under the [Spring Traps Approval (England) Order 2018](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/538/contents/made) and equivalent Scottish and Welsh legislation, only approved trap designs may be used. **Key legal requirements:** - Traps must be checked at least once every 24 hours (recommended twice daily) - Captured grey squirrels **must not be released** - this is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 - Trapped animals must be humanely dispatched (cranial dispatch is the accepted method) - Traps must not be set where they could capture non-target species without the ability to release them - Bait typically includes hazelnuts, maize, or peanut butter **Popular trap types:** - Single-catch cage traps (e.g., Elgeeco, Fenn Mk6 cage) - Multi-catch traps for areas with high population density ### Drey Poking Drey poking involves disturbing squirrel nests (dreys) to flush occupants for waiting guns. This is a traditional method used in organised squirrel control drives, particularly in red squirrel conservation areas. **How it works:** 1. Identify active dreys in trees 2. Position guns around the base of the tree 3. Use a long pole to disturb the drey 4. Shoot squirrels as they emerge and attempt to flee This method is best carried out between December and February when dreys are most visible and before the spring breeding season. It requires a team of at least two people and should only be attempted with shotguns or rifles by experienced shooters. ## What Calibre Is Best for Shooting Grey Squirrels? The best calibre depends on your situation and available equipment. ### Air Rifle (.177 or .22) - **Best for:** Garden and close-range woodland use - **Effective range:** 25-30 metres maximum - **Advantages:** No FAC needed, quiet, low risk of over-penetration - **.177 vs .22:** The .22 hits harder at typical ranges; .177 shoots flatter but with less impact energy - **Shot placement:** Head shots only for humane dispatch ### .22 LR Rimfire - **Best for:** Woodland pest control at medium range - **Effective range:** 50-75 metres - **Advantages:** Reliable kills, good accuracy, widely available ammunition - **Ammunition:** Subsonic rounds (e.g., Eley Subsonic, CCI Standard Velocity) with a moderator for quiet operation - **Requirements:** FAC with vermin control condition, safe backstop ### Shotgun - **Best for:** Drey poking and woodland drives - **Gauge:** 12-bore or 20-bore - **Cartridge:** No. 5 or No. 6 shot - **Range:** Up to 25-30 metres - **Advantages:** Effective on moving targets, forgiving of minor aiming errors - **Requirements:** Shotgun certificate, awareness of shot fall zone ## When Is the Best Time to Control Grey Squirrels? Grey squirrels can be controlled year-round, but some periods are more effective than others. **Best periods:** - **January to March** - squirrels are most active foraging before spring, dreys are visible in bare trees, and drey poking is most effective - **September to November** - high activity around nut stores and autumn feeding **Less effective periods:** - **April to June** - breeding season, young in dreys (ethical concerns about orphaning kits) - **High summer** - dense foliage makes spotting difficult For trapping, effectiveness is highest when natural food is scarce (late winter and early spring), as squirrels are more likely to enter baited traps. ## Do I Need Permission for Grey Squirrel Control? Yes. You must have the landowner's explicit permission to carry out any form of pest control on their land. This applies equally to shooting and trapping. For shooting, your FAC conditions (if using a rimfire) will typically specify the land on which you may shoot. If you wish to shoot on new land, you may need a variation to your certificate or a letter of authority from the landowner that your Firearms Licensing Department has approved. For air rifle use, while no certificate is needed, you still require landowner permission and must ensure that pellets do not leave the boundary of the land you have permission to shoot on. **Insurance:** BASC and other shooting organisations provide public liability insurance that covers pest control activities. This is strongly recommended and may be required by landowners. ## How to Humanely Dispatch a Trapped Grey Squirrel If you use live traps, you have a legal and moral obligation to dispatch captured grey squirrels humanely. The accepted methods are: 1. **Cranial dispatch** - a sharp blow to the back of the skull using a suitable implement (e.g., priest or heavy stick). This is the most widely recommended method. 2. **Shooting** - an air rifle or .22 rimfire to the head at point-blank range while the animal is still in the trap. **Never:** - Drown trapped squirrels (illegal under the Animal Welfare Act 2006) - Release grey squirrels back into the wild (illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) - Leave traps unchecked for more than 24 hours - Use traps that cause unnecessary suffering ## How Can Vectis Shooting Log Help with Pest Control Records? [Vectis Shooting Log](https://www.vectisshootinglog.com) is invaluable for shooters involved in pest control: - **Ammunition tracking** - log every round purchased, used, and remaining, which is essential for FAC compliance - **Shooting diary** - record pest control outings with dates, locations, and bag counts - **Land permissions** - keep a digital record of which permissions cover which land - **Certificate management** - track your FAC conditions and renewal dates Maintaining thorough records demonstrates responsible shooting to your FEO and makes certificate renewals far smoother. A detailed shooting diary showing regular pest control activity is strong evidence of good reason for your certificate. ## Key Takeaways - Grey squirrels are invasive and can be legally controlled year-round in the UK - Air rifles (.22 preferred), rimfire rifles (.22 LR), and shotguns are all effective - Live trapping is legal but trapped greys must be humanely dispatched, never released - Always obtain landowner permission before any pest control activity - Winter and early spring are the most effective periods for control - Keep detailed records of all pest control activity for your FAC renewal ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is it legal to shoot grey squirrels in my garden in the UK? Yes, you can legally shoot grey squirrels in your garden using an air rifle (below 12 ft-lbs), provided pellets do not leave your property boundary and you do not cause alarm to neighbours. In built-up areas, extra caution is needed, and you should check for any local bylaws that may restrict discharge of air weapons. ### Do I need a licence to trap grey squirrels? No specific licence is needed to trap grey squirrels in England and Wales using approved cage traps. However, you must check traps at least once every 24 hours and humanely dispatch any grey squirrels caught. You must not release them. In Scotland, similar rules apply under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. ### Can I use poison to control grey squirrels? Warfarin-based poison was previously available under a specific grey squirrel order, but its use is now heavily restricted and effectively unavailable for most private landowners. The use of any unapproved poison to kill grey squirrels is illegal. Shooting and trapping remain the primary legal methods for private pest control. ### What is the best air rifle pellet for grey squirrel control? Heavy domed pellets in .22 calibre are generally most effective. Popular choices include JSB Exact (15.89 grain), Air Arms Diablo Field (16 grain), and H&N Field Target Trophy (14.66 grain). The key is accuracy and consistent energy delivery at your typical shooting range. ### Is it illegal to release a grey squirrel after trapping it? Yes. Under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is a criminal offence to release a grey squirrel into the wild. If you trap one, you must dispatch it humanely. This law exists because grey squirrels are classified as an invasive non-native species that threatens native wildlife. ### Do I need insurance for grey squirrel control? Insurance is not legally required but is strongly recommended. BASC membership includes £10 million public liability cover for shooting activities including pest control. Many landowners require proof of insurance before granting shooting permission, and it protects you in the event of an accident. ### Can I sell grey squirrel meat in the UK? Yes. Grey squirrel meat is legal to sell and is increasingly popular as a sustainable wild protein. Some game dealers and farmers' markets accept grey squirrel carcasses. If you plan to sell meat commercially, you must comply with food hygiene regulations and ensure animals are handled appropriately from dispatch to sale. ### How many grey squirrels are there in the UK? The estimated grey squirrel population in the UK is approximately 2.7 million (Forestry Commission, 2023). This compares with just 140,000 native red squirrels. The grey squirrel population has been relatively stable in recent years, though targeted control programmes in red squirrel conservation areas have shown local success. ### What is the penalty for releasing a grey squirrel in the UK? Releasing a grey squirrel into the wild is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The maximum penalty is an unlimited fine and up to six months imprisonment. In practice, prosecutions are rare, but the law exists to prevent well-meaning but ecologically damaging releases of this invasive species. ### Should I use .177 or .22 for grey squirrel shooting? The .22 calibre is generally preferred for grey squirrel control. It delivers more energy on impact, which means cleaner kills at typical ranges of 20-30 metres. The .177 shoots flatter and is more accurate at longer distances, but the lower impact energy means precise head shots are even more critical to ensure a humane kill.

Quick Answer

Related Knowledge Centre answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to shoot grey squirrels in my garden in the UK?

Do I need a licence to trap grey squirrels?

Can I use poison to control grey squirrels?

What is the best air rifle pellet for grey squirrel control?

Is it illegal to release a grey squirrel after trapping it?

Do I need insurance for grey squirrel control?

Can I sell grey squirrel meat in the UK?

How many grey squirrels are there in the UK?

What is the penalty for releasing a grey squirrel in the UK?

Should I use .177 or .22 for grey squirrel shooting?

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