SHOOTERS in East Lancashire were expecting a good start to the grouse season todayBut birds of prey have reduced the number of grouse available for shooting and are threatening the viability of sporting estates, according to a five-year government study.
The study has renewed calls for grouse moor owners to be given licences to trap the rare birds.
Birds of prey, among them hen harriers and peregrine falcons - found in the Trough of Bowland - are strictly protected under EU law.
Phil Pugh of the association's Gisburn office said the grouse shooting season was "looking good".
"Despite certain areas being hit by bad weather, bird sizes are good on the majority of moors in East Lancashire," he added.
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