How do you know if you have an open license ?

[Primer]

This is in relation to shooting permissions over land as I've just had my renewal FAC through and I added a 2nd land permission and the wording in the conditions is slightly different to my old license, it's gone from:

Land deemed suitable by the chief officer of police for the area where the land is situated and over which the holder has lawful authority to shoot.

And changed to :

Land over which the holder has lawful authority to shoot

So not sure what wording would normally show on an open license?

[bradaz11]

that is open isn't it?

the other one is where they name the place you have permission to use it

[Primer]

that is open isn't it?

the other one is where they name the place you have permission to use it

That would suggest I was issued with an open license before then, which seems strange as I thought the norm was only to issue open licenses after quite some period of time on a closed one?

[Duey]

Your previous ticket required the land you were given permission to shoot over, also had to be assessed and cleared for use for or up to a specific caliber
Now, as long as you have land owners permission, it's up to you to asses if it's safe to shoot over

So previously a closed ticket as the land needed police approval now open and all down to you

It's only a small difference in the wording but makes a huge difference to your accessibility to new land to shoot over should the opportunity arise

[Blackstuff]

There are three 'levels' of openness and your first condition was 'semi-open/closed' and your new condition is fully open.

The 'closed' condition names a specific piece of land/farm/area.

[Primer]

for the replies, that is good and will make it much easier for me, do I have to inform the firearms department of any new permissions (or common courtesy to inform them) or just keep the written permission from the land owner on me when shooting over any new land ?

[safetyfirst]

I don’t think you need written permission, if you mate asks you round to shoot some rabbits on a Sunday you just grab your rifle and check that you think it’s safe.

It can’t hurt keeping a written record of permission to shoot though, particularly if you’re rambling over hundreds of acres with some footpaths the public might be on.

[Blackstuff]

I wouldn't go out of your way to tell the FLD about new permissions, but if questioned, say at renewal or if you apply for a variation for a new gun then having written permissions and possibly an OS survey type plan with the land highlighted would make things a lot easier/smoother.

[shotgun sam]

for the replies, that is good and will make it much easier for me, do I have to inform the firearms department of any new permissions (or common courtesy to inform them) or just keep the written permission from the land owner on me when shooting over any new land ?

I would send them in a copy of any other permissions you get, it will look good that you are keeping them informed. any one off type invites to shoot else where I would not inform licencing as it is not really your permission

[Oddbod]

I wouldn't go out of your way to tell the FLD about new permissions, but if questioned, say at renewal or if you apply for a variation for a new gun then having written permissions and possibly an OS survey type plan with the land highlighted would make things a lot easier/smoother.

My FEO offered the opposite advice.
He said keep sending in permissions as soon as you get them, as if you send in enough, they move you onto an open ticket, which is exactly what happened in less than a year.
The original restriction was very clear that new permissions had to be approved prior to any shooting on the land(s) in question.

ETA I just dug through my files for the original letter & the wording is quite clear that they must be informed first:

If you wish to shoot on additional areas of land with your rifles, please supply written permission from the relevant landowners confirming their telephone number, full details of the location of the land, what quarry you intend to shoot and with what type & calibre of rifle & I shall arrange checks for its suitability.

If you are able to supply evidence that the land has previously been approved for your type & calibre of firearm then the area need not be re-examined