Changes to General Licence 41 (GL41) announced by Natural England and effective from January 1st 2026 mean that airgunners in England can now use infrared night vision and thermal scopes to shoot feral pigeons.
Although permitted in Scotland and Wales, the use of any form of artificial light in England had been prohibited.
By defecating in animal feed and water, as well as on farm equipment, feral pigeons pose a significant health risk to farm workers and livestock. As highlighted on a recent Airgun Extra Podcast, this legal anomaly had severely hampered efforts by airgunners to control their numbers.
Article first published January 19th 2026
