Deer Open Seasons
The deer open season is a curated period during which the hunting or stalking of deer is permitted. These timelines are pivotal to maintaining a balance within deer populations and ensuring ethical deer management practices.
The deer open season is a legal construct outlined under the Deer Act 1991, which is integral to promoting ethical deer management and conservation. Adhering to the specified timelines for different deer species is not merely a legal requirement but a step towards fostering a sustainable and ethical approach towards deer management.
Key Points:
- Legal Adherence: The open season is mandated by law under the Deer Act 1991.
- Species-Specific Timelines: The open season varies among deer species, aligning with their breeding cycles and ecological requisites.
- Ethical Engagement: Ethical deer stalking is a cornerstone for ensuring the welfare and conservation of deer populations.
Deer "Open" Seasons in the UK
The open seasons for various deer species in the UK:
Defined Open Seasons: A Detailed Account by Species and Region
| Species & Gender | England & Wales | Scotland | Northern Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Deer | |||
| Stag | August 1 - April 30 | July 1 - October 20 | August 1 - April 30 |
| Hind | November 1 - March 31 | October 21 - February 15 | November 1 - March 31 |
| Fallow Deer | |||
| Buck | August 1 - April 30 | August 1 - April 30 | August 1 - April 30 |
| Doe | November 1 - March 31 | October 21 - February 15 | November 1 - March 31 |
| Sika Deer | |||
| Stag | August 1 - April 30 | July 1 - October 20 | August 1 - April 30 |
| Hind | November 1 - March 31 | October 21 - February 15 | November 1 - March 31 |
| Roe Deer | |||
| Buck | April 1 - October 31 | April 1 - October 20 | Not Applicable |
| Doe | November 1 - March 31 | October 21 - March 31 | Not Applicable |
| Red/Sika Hybrids | |||
| Stag | August 1 - April 30 | July 1 - October 20 | August 1 - April 30 |
| Hind | November 1 - March 31 | October 21 - February 15 | November 1 - March 31 |
| Chinese Water Deer (Exclusively found in England) | |||
| Buck | November 1 - March 31 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Doe | November 1 - March 31 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Muntjac Deer* | |||
| All Genders | All Year Round |
- Because it is so difficult to differentiate between male and female Chinese water deer in the field, due to this species not carrying antlers and having no other readily distinguishing features between the sexes, the open and closed seasons for them are the same.
- The muntjac, on account of having no fixed times of year for breeding, cannot be afforded the deliberate protection of a closed season although it is recommended that when culling female muntjac, only immature or heavily pregnant does are selected to avoid leaving dependent young.
- Roe and water deer are not present in Northern Ireland.
Time Of Day
Deer may normally only be shot between one hour before sunrise and an hour after sunset wherever you may be in the United Kingdom.
Night shooting requires a license from one of the national Statutory Bodies. Good reason will need to be proven before the grant of one will be considered: this will usually relate to public health, public safety, conserving the natural heritage or preventing serious damage to property.
The UK's Deer Populations
The deer population in the UK has seen a significant surge, believed to be at its highest level for a millennium, with an estimated two million deer inhabiting the countryside and semi-urban areas. However, it's pertinent to note that this widely cited figure is not anchored on any formal assessment and is deemed a broad estimate. In 2020, the population of farmed deer was estimated at 37,000. The rapid growth in deer numbers since the 1970s, now standing at a rough estimate of two million, underscores a 450% increase, shedding light on the burgeoning deer population.
Engaging Responsibly
Engagement in deer stalking and management should be intertwined with a commitment to ethical practices, legal compliance, and a profound understanding of the ecological dynamics associated with deer populations.
Useful Links:
PLEASE NOTE: The Scottish Parliament voted on Government proposals to abolish the season for male deer in Scotland. Despite having been rejected by the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, the Parliament voted to accept the Government proposal. This means that from 21st October 2023, there will be no close season for male deer of any species in Scotland.