Changes To Deer Management Legislation

26th October 2023

Changes to the Deer (Close Season) (Scotland) Order and the Deer (Firearms etc) (Scotland) Order were passed by the Scottish Parliament on 27 September 2023. These changes will affect the law relating to deer management:

The change to the Close Season Order removed the close season for all species of male deer in Scotland effective from 21 October 2023. You are no longer required to apply to NatureScot for an Out of Season Authorisation to shoot male deer. Female deer seasons in Scotland remain unchanged and you will still be required to apply for an Out of Season Authorisation (5(6) to shoot female deer and / or operate within the parameters set out under the General
Authorisation.
The change to the Firearms Order is expected to come into effect by 3 November 2023 and will allow the use of any ‘sight of any type including light-intensifying, heat-sensitive or other special sighting device for night shooting'. Note that these sights can also be used in daytime and includes the use of thermal imaging, night vision and digital sights. You will still need to apply for an Authorisation (18(2) to shoot deer at night.
The change to the Firearms Order will also mean a reduction in the minimum bullet weight required to shoot red, sika and fallow deer to 80 grains (5.3 grams). This allows a greater choice of non-lead bullet types in common rifle calibres to be used. The minimum requirement of a muzzle energy of 1750 foot pounds and muzzle velocity of 2450 ft/sec still apply. There is no change to the minimum requirements for bullet weight, muzzle energy and muzzle velocity to shoot roe deer.

The Wild Deer Best Practice Group is drafting new guidance and the night shooting code of practice is being updated to reflect these changes. These will be published before the changes to the Firearms Order come into effect.

General authorisation for deer
General Authorisation for 2023/24: For the taking or killing of deer during close season

The general authorisation allows occupiers suffering damage to improved agricultural land or enclosed woodland to control deer in the closed season.

But be aware: the general authorisation does not allow the culling of female deer over one year old, of any species, anywhere, between 1 April and 31 August. You must apply for a specific authorisation to do so.

You don't need to apply to use the general authorisation. But you must be sure that you carry out any control entirely in accordance with the conditions.

For example, ‘enclosed land' as defined by the Deer Act means enclosed by a stock-proof fence or other barrier.

Abuse of, or failure to comply with, the conditions of the general authorisation could constitute an offence.

For more details go to
https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/protected-areas-and-species/licensing/species-licensing-z-guide/deer/deer-authorisations