IN answer to name and address supplied (LET, April 2) it wasn't in Watership Down or Bambi that I saw the report of the Scottish gamekeeper who killed 80-plus birds of prey including endangered ones in order to "protect" the environment required by people who kill for pleasure.

This "guardian" of the environment wasn't even sacked, only suspended (until the fuss died down).

There were grouse on the moors before shotguns were invented and there would be grouse if shotguns were banned.

True maybe not the 200/300 required for a day's pleasure but plenty for shooting with a camera.

As an Army rated first class marksman, static and moving targets, on a variety of weapons I know it is not necessary to kill to acquire skill at arms.

If you must use guns as toys there is clay pigeon and target shooing -- no need to kill.

You see I don't want to spoil your pleasure but I don't think anything should have to die for it.

D PRATT (Mr), Plantation Street, Accrington.