Game shooters in the Isle of Man are being asked to show restraint after the recent prolonged spell of freezing weather.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture wants those who enjoy hunting ducks, woodcock and snipe to show respect for the quarry species, which have experienced difficulties in the recent severe conditions.

Large numbers of migratory duck, woodcock and snipe have been struggling to find food, without which they can be weak in flight, poor sport and have less meat on them that is worth taking.

Statutory restrictions have been brought in across Scotland and Ireland, and the British Association of Shooting and Conservation is urging restraint in areas not covered by the law.

The move to show restraint in shooting on the Island has the full support of the department’s shooting tenants and the chairman of the Manx Game Preservation Society.

The cold weather seems to have passed for now, but the department is advising restraint over the next few days to allow the birds to recover.