Gamekeeper Sentenced for Killing Protected Goshawk and Illegally Storing Ammunition
Introduction
On February 12, 2024, Russell Mason, a 49-year-old gamekeeper, caused the death of a goshawk—a rare protected bird of prey—by trapping it and striking it multiple times with a cosh on Cochrage Moor, Perthshire. He subsequently faced legal proceedings at Perth Sheriff Court for the killing and for failing to securely store ammunition. The court imposed a community payback order and fines.
Main Body
The incident occurred when a goshawk entered a crow cage trap set on the estate where Mason worked. RSPB investigators had installed a static camera to monitor the trap. Footage showed Mason entering the trap, capturing the goshawk with a hand-held net, and then striking it six times with a cosh. He placed the bird in a bag and left. A veterinary expert later determined that the bird was not killed instantly and likely suffered painful fractures before death. The goshawk is a species that was persecuted to extinction in Scotland in the last century but has been reintroduced, with approximately 100 breeding pairs currently extant. Mason admitted intentionally or recklessly killing the goshawk and breaching his firearms certificate by storing 195 rounds of live ammunition unsecured in his bedroom and vehicle. Sheriff Mark Thorley expressed bewilderment at the act, noting that the door could have been opened to release the bird. He imposed a 200-hour community payback order for the killing. Regarding the ammunition offence, the court fined Mason; reports indicate a fine of £850 (according to one account) and a separate fine of £890 for the ammunition charge (according to another). Mason had already lost his position as estate gamekeeper, his tied cottage, and his shotgun licence as consequences of the case. The RSPB, which provided the video evidence, welcomed the conviction but expressed disappointment that the penalty would have limited deterrent effect. Ian Thomson, RSPB investigations manager, argued that the case demonstrates the indiscriminate nature of cage traps and called for more selective control methods. He noted that such traps pose a significant threat to protected species and that the licensing authorities have been alerted to these concerns for over three decades. Prosecutor Iain Batho of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service emphasized the importance of preserving Scotland's natural heritage and stated that raptor persecution is taken seriously. Defense solicitor Paul Anderson explained that Mason acted out of frustration after the goshawk had entered the trap on four previous occasions, and that he showed significant remorse. The court also heard that Mason had a prior conviction resulting in placement on the sex offenders register for public indecency. The search of his property uncovered clothing matching that seen in the footage, and the bag used contained goshawk DNA. The ammunition was found unsecured in his bedroom and vehicle, in breach of his firearms certificate.
Conclusion
The case concludes with Mason no longer employed as a gamekeeper and having lost his firearms license. The sentencing has drawn mixed reactions, with conservation groups highlighting the need for reform in trap licensing and enforcement to prevent future incidents of raptor persecution.