• Shells projected by shotgun or blank pistol, producing a whistling noise, explosion and/or a flash of light. The sound from banger shells may reach 120dB at 200m. (D10, D160.App3.w11)
• These can be projected for about 45 to 90 metres. (D10)
• The radius of effectivity is relatively high: at least 200 m and for some bird species as far as 1 km. (D160.App3.w11)
• Pyrotechnics can be used with other forms of hazing such as motorboats, land vehicles or scarecrows for increased effect. (D160.App3.w11)

Shot-gun projectiles

• Shot-guns should be fired from the hip at an angle of 45 degrees. (D135.3.w3, D160.App3.w11, D211.AppIIIc.w12)
  • Shells should not be fired into a strong wind.
• Shotgun-launched projectiles (bulldog or M-80 firecrackers replacing the shell shot) explode with a flash at 100 to 150 yards (91 to 136 m). (D135.3.w3, D160.App3.w11, D211.AppIIIc.w12)
• The shell crackers are aimed to explode as close as possible to the birds being hazed. (D160.App3.w11)

Pistol-launched projectiles

• Pistol-launched projectiles, fired from flare or blank pistols, have a range of 35 to 70 yards (32 to 69 m). (D135.3.w3)
  • The cartridges are fired using a .22 caliber blank. (D211.AppIIIc.w12)
• The projectiles make hissing/whistling noises in flight or explode after launch. (D135.3.w3)
  • Bird bombs travel about 75 to 125 ft then explode. (D211.AppIIIc.w12)
  • Screamers or whistlers make a screaming or whistling noise as they travel for about 150 to 200 ft; they do not explode. (D211.AppIIIc.w12)
• Flare guns producing a blaze, smoke trail and explosion may also be used.
• These should all be fired with the pistol held at arm's length, well away from the face. (D135.3.w3)

CAPA launcher and rockets

• A modified flare gun which fires a rocket-propelled cartridge which travels about 1000 ft (300 m) before exploding with a very loud report. (D211.AppIIIc.w12)

• May be used both in daytime and at night. (D10, D160.App3.w11)
• May  be easily directed close to water birds. (D10, D160.App3.w11)
• May be used both on land and water. (D10)
• May be used alongside other deterrents - can have complementary effect if used with e.g. motorboat, land vehicle, scarecrows. (D10)
• Particularly effective in deterring open water birds (D10, D160.App3.w11)
• The CAPA launcher is very useful when it is desirable to use pyrotechnics for long-range hazing. (D211.AppIIIc.w12)

• Safety goggles/face protector and ear protectors should always be worn. (D10, D135.3.w3, D211.AppIIIc.w12)
• The light charge means that shotguns used with shell crackers have only a light recoil. (D135.3.w3, D160.App3.w11)
• Always consider and avoid the potential hazard of igniting spilled oil or dry vegetation. (D135.3.w3, D160.App3.w11)

Shotgun safety and maintenance:

• The shot gun should be inspected for wadding lodged in the barrel after every shot. (D211.AppIIIc.w12)
• The barrel should be cleaned using a bore brush after every shooting session. (D211.AppIIIc.w12)
• NOTE: If no explosion is seen or heard, the barrel of the gun should never be looked down as there is a risk of the shell cracker exploding into the face. (D135.3.w3, D211.AppIIIc.w12)

• Only a break-open type shotgun (that breaks and loads at he breach) should be used, allowing the barrels to be checked between shots to ensure they are clear. (B36.4.w4, D135.3.w3, D160.App3.w11)
• Not suitable for use over dry vegetation due to the potential fire hazard. (B36.4.w4)
• Not suitable for use in areas containing volatile oil components. (D10)
• Limited duration of effect (one or two hours after use). (D10, D160.App3.w11)
• Not effective on some species - ineffective in deterring gulls and shorebirds, not very effective in deterring dabbling ducks. (D10, D160.App3.w11)
• Reduced effective range in windy conditions. (D10, D160.App3.w11)
• Potential hazard to operators and bystanders. (D10, D160.App3.w11)
  • NOTE: If no explosion is seen or heard, the barrel of the gun should never be looked down  as there is a risk of the shell cracker exploding into the face. (D135.3.w3)
• There is a continuous requirement for an operator. (D10, D160.App3.w11)
• May cause disturbance to both local residents and to personnel involved in e.g. oil spill response. (D160.App3.w11, D211.AppIIIc.w12)

• Cracker shells, screamers or bird bombs, or CAPA rockets
• Appropriate fire-arms (shotgun; starter, blank or flare pistol; CAPA launcher)
• Operator.
• Eye and ear protectors. (D211.AppIIIc.w12)

• Potentially extremely dangerous. Requires a fire-arms trained operator. (D10, D160.App3.w11)

• Shells are relatively inexpensive. (D10, D160.App3.w11)
• Screamers and bird bombs cost less than shell crackers. (D211.AppIIIc.w12)
• CAPA rockets are more expensive than shotgun shells. (D211.AppIIIc.w12)
• Appropriate shells/screamers/bird bombs may be available from agricultural pest control suppliers. (D211.AppIIIc.w12)

• A license may be required for use of firearms.