Hoghton Tower Shoot Pipe Gun

Whilst the Hoghton Tower Shoot display CCTV notices to warn people not to investigate their gamebird killing activities they are less keen to advertise another deterrent.

Down an embankment from Pleasington Golf Club in Owlet Holes Wood is one of Hoghton Tower Shoot pheasant pens. What is less well known is their use of a pipe gun.

Pipe Gun found on the Hoghton Tower Estate

The Hoghton Tower Shoot use it as warning devices and is operated by trip wires. A pipe gun has a gun cartridge fitted in the device and the wire attached to the ring is withdrawn a spring loaded firing pin, which on release strikes the primer, igniting the cartridge.

We sent several pictures of the device to an expert of firearms who states, "By the length of the barrel portion I would say that it would be possible to insert a missile in the barrel on top of the cartridge and that, by current legislation, it is my opinion it would be a prohibited weapon - possession of that particular category punishable by a mandatory 5 years imprisonment."

Why the Hoghton Tower Shoot have left such a dangerous device within metres of a public footpath is a mystery. It's certainly very irresponsible given the area is already covered by CCTV.