PROSPECTS were excellent for today's traditional start to the grouse-shooting season.
The arrival of the Glorious Twelfth has sparked contrasting reactions, with hunt saboteurs saying they would converge on areas like the North York Moors to prevent the shooting of birds.
But the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) claims shooting makes a substantial contribution to Yorkshire's rural economy.
Members believed prospects for the season on Yorkshire's moors to be excellent after this year's fine weather.
George Winn-Darley, of the CLA's regional committee, which manages land on the North York Moors, said: "For the first time, guns and shoot managers will be expected to meet more stringent requirements on the conduct of their sport.
"The new code covers the conduct of guns, land management and delivery of wider conservation benefits as well as the promoting of game as a healthier food.
"We have worked hard with other leading organisations to produce a robust and clear code and it's now up to everyone involved in our sport to make it work. The code has been widely adopted by the shooting industry and will ensure that all shoots come up to the mark."
Updated: 10:45 Tuesday, August 12, 2003
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