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Deer

All species of deer in Scotland are covered by the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996 external site .

The offences

The offences include:

  • 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. 

Scottish Natural Heritage 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.

Scottish Natural Heritage can also introduce schemes to control deer numbers in particular areas.

The above is only a summary of the law.  You should refer to the statute for details of all the offences etc.

Deer close seasons in Scotland

  • Red Stags: 21st Oct - 30th Jun
  • Red Hinds: 16th Feb - 20th Oct
  • Sika Stags: 21st Oct - 30th Jun
  • Sika Hinds: 16th Feb - 20th Oct 
  • Fallow Bucks: 1st May - 31st July 
  • Fallow Does: 16th Feb - 20th Oct 
  • Roe Bucks: 21st Oct - 31st Mar 
  • Roe Does: 1st Apr - 20th Oct