The World Forum on The Future of Sport Shooting Activities

WFSA News and Information



April 2007 Latest News

April 9, 2007

Irish anger at fee rises

Over a quarter of a million Irish hunters and shooters are affected by what they say are government intentions “to strangle the sport”, following substantial rises in fees related to lawfully owning firearms.

The Irish Times (link) has run an article outlining the cost increases. The coming Finance Bill is to bring up the price of a licence for a rifle to €170 for three years. A similar licence for a shotgun is to be €115, which is an increase of more than fifty per cent. Each additional gun invokes further cost, with increases to that part of the fee schedule now to be in the region of 66%.

Other costs levied against firearm owners in Ireland are high on a worldwide basis. A training licence for both shotgun (€115) and rifle (€170) will be required, but these fees will not license the applicant to actually own the firearm in question because registration fees are additional. Further, fees of €1,000 are levied for the authorization of shooting ranges and target clubs.

No murder or suicide reduction benefits have ever been demonstrated from gun registration.

The Director of the National Association of Regional Game Councils has issued a strong statement pointing out that the coming legislation provides for three-year licences to replace the current annual ones, meaning that considerable money savings should have been passed along to Irish gun owners, and not fee increases, considering the cost benefits accompanying the reduction in the paper trail and the costs of administration.

By way of comparison, in Canada there is a five-year licence for unrestricted hunting rifles at a cost of $50, and for handguns $80. To transfer a registered firearm or to register a new one costs $25 but there is no annual fee. (Canada Firearms Center)

It is interesting to note also that in Canada, following the huge criticism directed at the governmental financial waste involved in universal registration, the licensing fees have been waived for all renewals, in response to public pressure.

A further point of contention concerning the Irish bill is the fact that there was no consultation with the fieldsport and shooting associations.



April 5, 2007

Belarus gun registration push

A report from BelaPAN has said that beginning on March 30 this year, hunting and sporting firearms held by private citizens in Belarus are required to be brought forward for registration. An amnesty is in force until July 1, after which penalties will be applied to anyone found in possession of an unregistered gun.

The numbers of guns in circulation are as always only estimates. Before this present edict came into force, gun owners were encouraged to hand in arms with a view to having them registered. Regarding these guns, the interior ministry retained the right to withhold them or to pass them to its own members for use. Of the ones currently being brought forward for registration, any firearm may be refused this if the police deem it to be faulty or of an illegal type.



April 3, 2007

Mexican-Microsoft attempt at gun "buyback"

A report from Reuters has highlighted efforts in Mexico City to reduce crime, under the direction of a new mayor. Whole buildings are said to have been utilized in the city as drug manufacturing and distribution points. About 2,000 people lost their lives last year in drug-related murders in Mexico, and troops have been deployed in some of the worst drug-sales areas in a bid to alleviate the crime.

Now, authorities have instituted a program where guns can be surrendered in return for computers, Xboxes or cash. The computer products, according to Reuters, are donated by Microsoft, and different products are being offered in accordance with the type of gun being handed in.

Associated Content


Disclaimer: Posting of an article on the WFSA website does not constitute an endorsement by the WFSA of any view, policy position, statement or averred fact contained within the article. Articles are made available for informational purposes only.