The Scottish Government has confirmed it will maintain the current close season for female deer.
The Scottish Government has confirmed it will not introduce legislative changes to the close season for female deer, following a consultation on the issue. The decision was announced by Jim Fairlie, in response to a parliamentary question (S6W-34323) from Emma Roddick, MSP for Highlands and Islands, on January 28, 2025.
The consultation, part of the “Managing Deer for Climate and Nature” initiative, explored implementing a recommendation from the Deer Working Group’s 2020 report to adjust the female deer close season. Despite this, the government concluded that required cull levels to achieve climate and biodiversity goals can be met within the current framework.
Where out-of-season culls are necessary, applications for authorisation can still be made through NatureScot. Fairlie highlighted that the decision carefully considered stakeholder feedback, particularly concerns about the ethical implications of culling heavily pregnant female deer.
This decision has been broadly welcomed by industry stakeholders, though they remain watchful as further potential reforms to Scotland’s deer management sector are anticipated.
To find out more about this story please follow this link: Written question and answer: S6W-34323 | Scottish Parliament Website
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