Deer
- It is illegal to kill deer by means other than shooting.
- Currently there are close seasons during which deer cannot be shot.
- Only certain types of guns and ammunition may be used.
All species of deer in Scotland are covered by the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996. It is illegal to kill deer by means other than shooting and currently there are close seasons during which deer cannot be shot. Only certain guns and ammunition may be used. The Deer Commission for Scotland can authorise the killing of deer during the closed seasons as an emergency measure to protect against serious damage. In some circumstances, occupiers of land can take action, without authorisation, to prevent serious damage to crops, pasture or woodland. The Deer Commission for Scotland can also introduce schemes to control deer numbers in particular areas.
STATUTORY DEER CLOSE SEASONS
| Species |
Sex |
Scotland |
England & Wales |
| Red |
Stags |
21st Oct - 30th Jun |
1st May - 31st Jul |
|
|
Hinds |
16th Feb - 20th Oct |
1st Mar - 31st Oct |
| Sika |
Stags |
21st Oct - 30th Jun |
1st May - 31st Jul |
|
|
Hinds |
16th Feb - 20th Oct |
1st Mar - 31st Oct |
| Fallow |
Bucks |
1st May - 31st July |
1st May - 31st Jul |
|
|
Does |
16th Feb - 20th Oct |
1st Mar - 31st Oct |
| Roe |
Bucks |
21st Oct - 31st Mar |
1st Nov - 31st Mar |
|
|
Does |
1st Apr - 20th Oct |
1st Mar - 31st Oct |