Tynwald has approved the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s amendment to the Game Order, which will extend the end of the shooting season for Red-Legged Partridge to 31st January. 

The season previously ran from 1st October to 31st December.

The Game Order provides closed seasons for various game species including Grouse, Partridge, Pheasant, and Brown Hare.  The Order is made under section 9 (1) (a) and (b) of the Game Act 1957.

Chairman of the Forestry Division, Brenda Cannell MHK said, "The variation of the partridge season was considered by the Department following calls to permit an extended season for the shooting of Red-Legged Partridge. 

"Red-Legged Partridge are native to South Western Europe, Spain, Portugal and France, but have also become naturalised in areas of Southern England and East Anglia following introduction. 

"In the Isle of Man, a surplus of introduced Red-Legged Partridge remains at the end of each season.  As a non-native species, a strong established breeding population is not generally maintained year on year. 

"Following consultation, it was therefore felt that an extension to the end of the season could be accommodated without damaging a largely self-sustaining population."

There remains in force a ban on the shooting of the native Grey Partridge. 

Copies of the Game Order can be obtained from the Department’s Forestry Amenity and Lands Division, Hope Road, St Johns. Telephone 801263 or email forestry@gov.im