hi abd

generally shoot crows an rooks whilst carrying out crop protection and shoot maggies because of the damage they can do to other wildlife. rats are an obvious target as not many people will complain about being rid of them.
as for it being sporting it is pest control really. the sport lies in the hiding and stalking i.e. getting close enough for the kill.

if the species is inedible or diseased i dispose of the carcasses by fire at work.

you got any good shoots up tidworth way?

rgds bill