Scottish legislative changes: close season for male deer, Bullet weights & Use night vision scopes

As you will likely know, changes are being made to the Deer Close Season Order and the Deer Firearms Order.  This was agreed in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 27 September.

The two Scottish Statutory Instruments that will change are:

• The Close Season Order which will remove the close season for all species of male deer in Scotland and will come into effect on 21 October.

• The Firearms Order which will mean a reduction in the minimum bullet weight required to shoot deer to 80 grains (5.3 grams).  The change to the Firearms Order will also 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.

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 in to force which is expected to be in early November.

We will keep you updated  as more information becomes available.  We fully understand the concern that the removal of the close season for stags has raised.  We lobbied against the change however the Parliament voted it through.

It is of note though, that whilst the legislation states you can shoot male deer at any time of the year, it doesn’t state you have to.  Respect and understanding of the quarry has always been a central tenet of those involved in rural pursuits.  It is defensible, honourable and important.  And something to think  very seriously about .